Queenstown public transport

Queenstown is compact, stunningly scenic, and surprisingly easy to explore without a private car, particularly when you are armed with the correct information about your Queenstown public transport options.

Whether you’re hopping between lakeside neighborhoods, heading to the slopes, or transferring to the airport, there’s a transport option that fits your plans, budget, and sense of adventure. Here’s a friendly, practical overview of what’s available, where to find it, and how to get in touch.

Here's a summary of your queenstown public transport options

Please note: this information is current as at time of publication, but may change from time to time. Please check for current information on the operator's websites. 

Orbus Queenstown (public bus)

What it is:

Orbus is Queenstown’s public bus network, delivering frequent, low-cost services across the town. It’s the best-value way to get between the CBD, Frankton (for the airport and shopping), and surrounding suburbs.

Where it goes:

Services link key areas including:

• CBD and Queenstown Bay.
• Fernhill/Sunshine Bay.
• Frankton, Queenstown Airport and Remarkables Park.
• Kelvin Heights peninsula.
• Arthurs Point.
• Jack's Point and Arrowtown.
• Lake Hayes Estate and Shotover Country.

Buses run throughout the day with reduced evening frequency. Real-time info is available in the Transit app.

How to pay:

Tap on/off with a Bee Card for the lowest fares and free transfers within a set time window. You can top up online or at participating retailers listed on the Orbus website. Cash fares are available at a higher rate. Check the site for current prices and concessions.

Main hubs and stops:

• Queenstown CBD: Stanley Street bus stops by the Village Green, Stanley Street, Queenstown 9300.
• Frankton Hub: Hawthorne Drive area near Queenstown Central/Five Mile, Frankton, Queenstown 9300.
• Queenstown Airport: Terminal forecourt, Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300.

Contact and info:

• Website: click here.
• Real-time: Transit app (search “Orbus Queenstown”).

Queenstown Orbus water taxi

What it is:

The water taxi is a Queenstown public transport option that is rapidly gaining popularity.

It's a fast, scenic way to skip road traffic and glide across Lake Wakatipu between Queenstown Bay and lakeside stops such as the Hilton/Kawarau Village, Bayview and Frankton Marina. And it’s a great chance to see Queenstown from a different perspective.

Where to board:

• Main Town Pier, Beach Street, Queenstown 9300 (on the lakefront in the CBD).
• Other jetties by arrangement (seasonal/operational). Check operator timetables.

How to pay:

Tap on/off with a Bee Card for the lowest fares.

Typical routes and uses:

• Queenstown Bay ⇄ Kawarau Village (Hilton) for dining or spa visits.
• Queenstown Bay ⇄ Frankton Marina for lakeside accommodation and trails.
• Private charters and on-demand crossings may be available.

Contact and info:

• Refer to the Queenstown Ferries website here.
• On the ground, look for water taxi kiosks at the Main Town Pier on Beach Street.

Note: Services can be weather-dependent and seasonal. Always check the day’s schedule online.

Taxis and rideshare

What it is:

24/7 point-to-point transport, ideal for late nights, door-to-door trips, or when you’re short on time. Rideshare apps like Uber operate alongside traditional cab companies. Operators may also offer other services such as airport transfers and sightseeing services.

Where to find a taxi without booking:

• Taxi ranks in the CBD, including Camp Street and Beach Street near the Mall.
• Airport taxi rank: Terminal forecourt, Queenstown Airport, Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Frankton 9300.

How to book:

• Local taxi companies  like Queenstown Taxis  operate phone and web booking.
• Uber operates in Queenstown; download the Uber app for on-demand rides.

Airport shuttles and private transfers

What it is:

Shared and private shuttles connect Queenstown Airport with accommodation across the region. They’re cost-effective for solo travelers and convenient for families or groups.

Popular providers and booking:

• Super Shuttle (shared and private options).
• Website: www.supershuttle.co.nz.
• Phone (NZ): 0800 SHUTTLE (0800 748 885).
• Airport pick-up: Shuttle bays in the terminal forecourt, Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Frankton 9300.
• Many hotels offer pre-booked transfers — ask your accommodation.

Ski field transport (seasonal)

What it is:

Dedicated ski buses to Queenstown’s local mountains take the stress out of chain-fitting and alpine driving. They run multiple times daily during the winter season.

Where they go:

Coronet Peak and The Remarkables (operated by NZSki).
Info and bookings: NZSki.

CBD pick-ups and Frankton options; airport and hotel pick-ups may be available on select services.

Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone (operated by Cardrona/Treble Cone).

Info and bookings: Cardrona/Treble Cone.
Queenstown CBD and Frankton pick-up locations listed at booking.

Pick-up points vary by season and service; always confirm your stop and departure time during booking.

Car hire

What it is:

Freedom on four wheels for day trips to Glenorchy, Arrowtown, Gibbston wineries, or a longer loop to Wanaka and beyond.

You can check out some great itineraries and day trips using the links in the Nav Bar on this page.

Where to rent:

We can help with all your Queenstown car rental needs, with access to all major brands at market leading prices. To see what's available, compare prices, and make your bookings, please head over to our dedicated page here.

Driving tips:

• Always drive on the left hand side of the road in New Zealand.
• New Zealand roads can be narrow and winding; allow extra time.
• In winter, carry snow chains where required and check road reports.
• Observe one-lane bridge rules and always drive to conditions.

Long-distance coaches and regional links

What it is:

Comfortable coach services to and from Queenstown connect you with Te Anau, Milford Sound (tour coaches), Wanaka, Cromwell, Dunedin and further afield.

Useful services:

InterCity (national network).
Queenstown stop: Athol Street (by the Village Green), Queenstown 9300.
Website: www.intercity.co.nz

Bikes, trails and active transport

What it is:

Queenstown is laced with lakeside and riverside paths. Many visitors combine transport modes: bus out, ride back along the trail, or water taxi one way and walk the other.

Where to start:

• Queenstown Bay lakefront, Beach Street, Queenstown 9300.
• Queenstown Gardens, lakefront, town centre.
• Frankton Track access points around Frankton Marina, 15 Sugar Lane, Frankton, Queenstown 9300.
• Rental bikes and e-bikes are available from multiple CBD and Frankton outlets like Outside Sports.

Queenstown public transport planning tips and quick comparisons

• Best for budget: Orbus. Use a Bee Card for low flat fares and easy transfers. Main hubs on Stanley Street (CBD) and Frankton.
• Best for speed between the CBD and Hilton/Kawarau Village: Water taxi from the Main Town Pier on Beach Street.
• Best for door-to-door: Taxis or Uber. Find taxi ranks on Camp Street and Beach Street; rideshare via app.
• Best for airport transfers without a car: Super Shuttle or a pre-booked hotel transfer. Pick-up from the terminal forecourt.
• Best for the slopes: Official ski buses. Book online and confirm your pick-up stop and time.
• Best for DIY day trips: Car hire from Queenstown Airport’s rental village.

A final word

Services, timetables, fares and routes can change seasonally or for events and roadworks. For the most accurate, same-day information, check the operator websites listed above, use apps like Transit (for Orbus) and Uber (for rideshare), and keep an eye on notices at the Stanley Street bus stops and the Main Town Pier.

Have an amazing time exploring Queenstown — whether you’re cruising across the lake, gliding up to the ski fields, or hopping on a bus with mountain views in every direction.