Auckland Airport
Also known as: Auckland International Airport, AKL Airport. Formerly Mangere Aerodrome.
Private transfer from AKLSee pricesSee pricesAbout Auckland Airport
Auckland Airport (AKL) is the main airport for Auckland and New Zealand's busiest gateway, handling about 19 million passengers in the year to June 2026. It stands in Māngere, about 21 km (13 miles) south of Auckland city center, beside the Manukau Harbour.
Air New Zealand has its hub here, flying to more than a dozen New Zealand cities and across the Pacific, Australia, Asia and North America. Jetstar and Qantas link Auckland with Australia, and long-haul airlines such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, United, Qatar Airways and LATAM add flights to Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
The airport has two terminals about 500 m apart: the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal, linked by a free transfer bus and a signposted walkway. A new domestic jet terminal joined to the eastern end of the International Terminal is under construction and is expected to open in 2029, bringing domestic jet flights under one roof with international ones.
From the airport, most travelers head into the city center and the Viaduct Harbour, across the Harbour Bridge to the North Shore, or to the downtown ferry terminal for Waiheke Island. Others drive south to Hamilton and Rotorua or north to the Bay of Islands.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Auckland International Airport Limited
- Passengers per year
About 19 million in the year to June 2026 (8.6 million domestic, 10.5 million international)
- Runway
One, 05R/23L, 3,635 m; a second northern runway is planned
- Terminals
International Terminal and Domestic Terminal, about 500 m apart
- Opened
1966
Arrival tips for Auckland Airport
Before you land, complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration online or in its app; a paper form is available on arrival if you could not. International flights arrive at the International Terminal, where you pass through passport control, using the eGates if your passport is eligible.
After baggage claim comes the biosecurity check. Declare all food, plants, animal products and used outdoor gear such as hiking boots, tents and fishing equipment; undeclared risk items bring an instant NZ$400 fine. Travelers with nothing to declare can use the express lane, past detector dogs, while those with items to declare join the screening lanes.
You then walk into the international arrivals hall. Pre-booked taxis and drivers meet you inside arrivals, on-demand taxis, rideshare and Super Shuttle leave from the Transport Pick-up Zone outside door 11, and the AirportLink and SkyDrive buses stop outside. Domestic flights arrive at the Domestic Terminal, where taxis and shuttles wait outside door 4.
New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar and is on NZST (UTC+12), or NZDT (UTC+13) in summer.
Ground transportation
The bus and train are the cheapest way into the city; a taxi or pre-booked car is easier with luggage, late at night or for addresses outside the center.
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Book a transfer from AKLSkyDrive bus to the city center
Express buses run from both terminals to SkyCity in central Auckland about every 30 minutes; pay by card on board or book online. Traffic on the highway can slow the trip at peak times.
AirportLink bus and train
AirportLink buses leave about every 10 minutes from stops at both terminals to Puhinui Station, where trains run to Britomart in the city center; you pay with an AT HOP card. It is cheap but involves a change with your luggage.
Taxi from Auckland airport
Taxis wait at the Transport Pick-up Zone outside door 11 of the International Terminal and outside door 4 of the Domestic Terminal, going door to door anywhere in Auckland.
Rideshare
Rideshare pickups use the Transport Pick-up Zone at the International Terminal and signposted zones on the Domestic Terminal forecourt.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you in the arrivals area, useful for families, groups, late arrivals and longer trips to Hamilton, Rotorua or Northland.
Rental cars
Rental car companies have desks and car collection at both terminals; New Zealand drives on the left.
Moving between terminals
- 1
Free transfer bus
A free bus runs between the International and Domestic terminals about every 15 minutes.
- 2
Walking
A signposted walkway links the two terminals, which are about 500 m apart; allow around 10 minutes with luggage.
- 3
Connecting flights
Passengers changing between an international and a domestic flight collect their bags, clear border checks, then re-check them at the other terminal, so allow plenty of time.
Terminals
A new domestic jet terminal, joined to the eastern end of the International Terminal, is under construction and expected to open in 2029. Until then, all domestic flights use the Domestic Terminal.
International Terminal
The Jean Batten Terminal, used by every international flight, including Air New Zealand, Qantas and Jetstar flights to Australia and the Pacific. Arrivals and departures are on separate sides of the building.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air China, Air Tahiti Nui, Aircalin, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Fiji Airways, Hainan Airlines, Korean Air, LATAM, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Sichuan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Solomon Airlines, United Airlines
Domestic Terminal
Used by all flights within New Zealand: Air New Zealand jets and regional turboprops, Jetstar, Air Chathams and Barrier Air.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Chathams, Barrier Air
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available in both the International and Domestic terminals.
Currency exchange
Global Exchange has several branches across the airport.
ATMs
ATMs are located throughout both terminals.
Showers
International Terminal: after security in departures, and in arrivals outside the arrivals gate near door 11. Domestic Terminal: near door 4 before security and near Hudsons after security.
Nursery rooms
Free nursery rooms with cots and change tables are in both terminals, marked on the airport maps.
Prayer room and chapel
A Muslim prayer mat is on the first floor of the Domestic Terminal, and a non-denominational chapel is shown on the airport maps.
Information
Bluecoat hospitality ambassadors and information kiosks around both terminals help with directions.
Baggage storage
Baggage storage is available at the International Terminal.
Medical help
For urgent help or first aid, dial 98777 from any airport phone in the terminals. The Airport Doctors clinic is at the Airport Shopping Centre on John Goulter Drive.
Lost property
The International Terminal has a lost property office; the Domestic Terminal also handles lost items.
Airport lounges
Air New Zealand International Lounge, International Terminal
For eligible Air New Zealand and Star Alliance premium passengers and Koru members. A two-stage rebuild began in 2026, with the lounge open at reduced capacity during the works.
Air New Zealand Lookout Lounge, International Terminal
A lounge on level 2 opened by Air New Zealand in December 2025, open from 05:00 to 10:00 and from 15:30 to 21:15.
Strata Lounge, International Terminal
An independent lounge in international departures for premium passengers of several airlines and Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass and Diners Club members; other travelers can pay to enter.
Qantas International Business Lounge, International Terminal
For eligible Qantas and oneworld business-class passengers and frequent flyers.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Request wheelchair or mobility help through your airline when you book, and at least 48 hours before you fly. Special assistance is available in both terminals.
Reduced mobility
Accessible drop-off and pick-up zones are at the western end of the Transport Hub, about 30 m from the main International Terminal door. A Mobility Valet parking option is guaranteed when pre-booked.
Help in the terminal
Bluecoat ambassadors can help you find your way, and Airport Operations can be reached on 98813 from any airport phone.
Parking
Premium
Covered parking on levels 2 to 4 of the Transport Hub at the International Terminal, for stays over 3 hours and up to 5 days.
P60 and P180 short stay
Short-stay parking in the Transport Hub for drop-offs, pick-ups and meeting arriving passengers, for up to 1 or 3 hours.
Standard
Covered and uncovered self-park options within walking distance of the terminals, bookable online.
Valet
Hand your keys to staff close to the terminal; a Mobility Valet option is available.
Park & Ride
Lower-cost parking with a free bus to both the International and Domestic terminals.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Auckland Airport from the city center?
Auckland Airport is in Māngere, about 21 km (13 miles) south of Auckland city center. The drive usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and longer at rush hour. SkyDrive buses run straight to SkyCity, AirportLink buses connect with trains at Puhinui Station, and taxis and pre-booked cars wait outside both terminals.
How many terminals does Auckland Airport have?
Auckland Airport has two terminals: the International Terminal, also called the Jean Batten Terminal, for all international flights, and the Domestic Terminal for flights within New Zealand. They are about 500 m apart, linked by a free transfer bus and a signposted walkway. Check which one your flight uses before anyone comes to meet you.
What is the new domestic jet terminal at Auckland Airport?
Auckland Airport is building a new domestic jet terminal joined to the eastern end of the International Terminal, with a 240 m pier of 12 jet gates. It is expected to open in 2029. Until then, all domestic flights, including Air New Zealand and Jetstar jets, keep using the existing Domestic Terminal.
How do I get between the international and domestic terminals at Auckland?
A free transfer bus runs between the two terminals about every 15 minutes, or you can walk the signposted path of about 500 m in around 10 minutes. If you are connecting from an international to a domestic flight, collect your bags, clear customs and biosecurity, then re-check them at the Domestic Terminal.
Do I need an NZeTA to fly to Auckland?
Yes, most visitors from visa-waiver countries, including the US and UK, need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before boarding, and pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) with it. Apply online or in the app before you travel. Australian citizens do not need one; others may need a visa instead.
What do I need to declare at Auckland Airport biosecurity?
Declare all food, even snacks, plus plants, seeds, wood, animal products and used outdoor gear such as hiking boots, tents, fishing and golf equipment. Every traveler completes the New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Failing to declare a risk item brings an instant NZ$400 fine, even if it was a mistake, so if in doubt, declare it.
Is there a train from Auckland Airport to the city?
There is no train station at the airport. AirportLink buses run about every 10 minutes from both terminals to Puhinui Station, where trains continue to Britomart in the city center. You pay with an AT HOP card. With heavy luggage, the direct SkyDrive bus, a taxi or a pre-booked car is easier.
Is there a bus from Auckland Airport to the city center?
Yes. SkyDrive express buses run from both terminals to SkyCity in central Auckland about every 30 minutes; you pay by card on board or book online. AirportLink buses also run to Puhinui Station for the train into Britomart. Travel times depend on highway traffic, which is heaviest at weekday peak hours.
Where do taxis and rideshare pick up at Auckland Airport?
At the International Terminal, on-demand taxis and rideshare use the Transport Pick-up Zone, a one to two minute walk out door 11 from arrivals, while pre-booked taxis meet you inside arrivals. At the Domestic Terminal, taxis and shuttles wait at the ranks outside door 4, with rideshare zones on the forecourt.
How do I get from Auckland Airport to Waiheke Island?
Waiheke Island is reached by passenger ferry from the Downtown Ferry Terminal on Quay Street in the city center, or by car ferry from Half Moon Bay in east Auckland. From the airport, take a bus and train or a taxi or pre-booked car to the terminal, allowing time for city traffic before your sailing.
Which airlines fly to Auckland Airport?
Air New Zealand has its hub at Auckland, flying across New Zealand and to Australia, the Pacific, Asia and North America. Jetstar and Qantas serve Australia, and international airlines include Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, United, American, Delta, LATAM, Korean Air, Fiji Airways and several Chinese carriers.
Are there lounges at Auckland Airport?
Yes. The International Terminal has Air New Zealand's lounges, including the Lookout Lounge opened in December 2025, the Qantas International Business Lounge and the independent Strata Lounge, which accepts Priority Pass and other cards and sells entry. Air New Zealand began rebuilding its main international lounge in 2026, keeping it open at reduced capacity.
What time zone is Auckland Airport in?
Auckland is on New Zealand Standard Time (NZST, UTC+12). Daylight saving time, NZDT (UTC+13), runs from the last Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April. New Zealand is ahead of most of the world, so flights from the Americas often arrive a calendar day after they leave.