Buses and trams
Christchurch is well served by a comprehensive public transport network. As well as the planes, trains and coaches that bring people to and from Christchurch, the city provides a range of bus and tram services for those living in or visiting the city.
Bus services and routes are managed and provided by Environment Canterbury (ECan). Metro operates these services in the Christchurch area and their website provides comprehensive information on fares, timetables and routes. Any queries regarding routes and services of buses need to be directed to ECan.
The Bus Exchange
The Bus Exchange is the hub of Christchurch’s public bus service. With a few exceptions, most bus routes pass through the Bus Exchange. The Exchange provides under-cover seating while waiting for buses and a real-time bus tracking system which will tell you how many minutes you have to wait until your bus arrives.
The Bus Exchange is located on Lichfield Street between Colombo Street and Manchester Street. Pedestrian access is from either Lichfield Street or Colombo Street. The Bus Exchange building includes the MetroInfo kiosk which provides route, timetable and ticketing information for travellers.
More information is available from MetroInfo who also have a map of the Bus Exchange.
The Orbiter
Seven days a week, the Orbiter circulates the outer city in both directions. It calls at Eastgate Mall, The Palms, Northlands Mall, Canterbury University, Westfield Riccarton, Barrington Mall, Princess Margaret Hospital, and St Martins shops. See the MetroInfo timetable and route map.
Metro Star
Metro Star runs to and from the west and east of the city. From Halswell in the West, it calls at Hornby Mall, University of Canterbury, Westfield Riccarton, Merivale Mall, The Palms, QEII Stadium before arriving at New Brighton in the East. See the MetroInfo timetable and route map.
City Shuttle
The Shuttle is a free service that runs north and south through the central city. The service has its own distinctive bus stops along the route which runs past the Casino, Cathedral Square, Bus Exchange, South City Mall, Hoyts 8/Science Alive, and Christchurch Polytechnic. See the MetroInfo brochure for more details.City Flyer
The City Flyer service will whisk you to or from the airport to catch or meet your flight. There are two separate routes, one to and from the city centre and one to and from Cashmere. See the MetroInfo pages for more details of the City Flyer service.
Bus Priority
Around Christchurch a variety of Bus Priority techniques are being used to help improve and enhance our bus service. Catching a bus is a more sustainable way to travel and reduces the use of car travel. By having these measures in place we can strive towards a efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly bus service.
You might see:
- bus lanes
- bus borders
- bus signals
- bus stop improvements.
Find out more from the Bus Priority website.
Christchurch Tramway
For a more leisurely journey, trams operate over a 2.5km track that runs through central Christchurch. Get on and off the tram at any stop and rejoin the tram later. This is a great sightseeing option for those wanting to visit some of our heritage buildings using heritage transport. For more information visit the Christchurch Tramway website.
Authorising Unit: Project Management
Last reviewed: Monday, November 02, 2009
Next review: Sunday, May 02, 2010
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