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20:08 Tue, 17 Mar
13 Mar 2026
Cheap as chips.
The Orbus network is brought to you by the Otago Regional Council, with support from the Queenstown Lakes District Council and the New Zealand Transport Authority.
Public buses offer a low-cost way to travel between Queenstown Airport and the wider Queenstown area using the local Orbus network. Services connect the airport with key locations, including Queenstown town centre and Frankton, with onward connections to other destinations via the Frankton Bus Interchange.
Bus stops are located close to the terminal, making public transport an accessible option for travellers arriving or departing Queenstown Airport.
Public bus services operate on scheduled timetables as part of the Orbus network, which serves Queenstown and nearby areas. From the airport, passengers can travel directly to central Queenstown or connect to other routes for onward journeys across the region.
The Orbus network is operated by the Otago Regional Council and provides regular services throughout the day.
Public bus stops are located outside the airport terminal and are clearly signposted. Services pick up and drop off close to the arrivals and departures area, approximately every 15 minutes, making it easy for travellers with luggage.
If you are unsure which service to take, information screens and airport staff can help direct you to the correct stop.
Most public bus services from Queenstown Airport connect via the Frankton Bus Interchange. From here, you can transfer to other Orbus routes serving Jacks Point, Arrowtown, and the surrounding areas.
Orbus fares vary depending on how you pay and whether your journey includes Queenstown Airport. Using a registered Bee Card offers the lowest fares, while cash payments are also accepted on board.
| ORBUS FARES | ||
| Infant (under 5 years) | Free | |
| CASH | REGISTERED BEE CARD | |
| Child (5-12 years) | $4 | $1.50 |
| Youth (13-18 years) | $4 | $1.50 |
| Adult (19+) | $4 | $2.50 |
| Community Connect | $4 | $1.25 |
| SuperGold (65+) | $4 | $2.50, off-peak travel free |
| QUEENSTOWN AIRPORT | ||
| Infant (under 5 years) | Free | |
| CASH | REGISTERED BEE CARD | |
| Child (5-12 years) | $8 | $1.50 |
| Youth (13-18 years) | $8 | $1.50 |
| Adult (19+) | $10 | $2.50 |
Buy a Bee Card online, at the PaperPlus store in the airport terminal, or at the Otago Regional Council office in Frankton (during business hours)
Cash payment is also accepted on the bus
One-off Bee Card cost: $5
Minimum top-up: $5
Standard Bee Card fare offers lower prices than cash fares
One free transfer is available when changing buses within 45 minutes, using the same Bee Card
You must tag on and off both buses to receive the free transfer
To receive child or youth concession fares, your Bee Card must be registered with a birth date
Unregistered cards are charged the adult fare
Buses generally operate every 15 minutes during the day
Evening services typically run every 30 minutes
Timetables vary by route and day - check Orbus for the latest schedules
