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.
Central Station
The new, temporary bus interchange has opened in central Christchurch, restoring key cross-city bus routes and significantly reducing travel times for passengers.
Located near the corner of Lichfield and Colombo streets, Central Station replaces the two bus termini set up on Hagley and Bealey avenues following the February earthquake.
Central Station will progressively develop to include a fully-staffed Metroinfo kiosk, under-cover waiting rooms, amenities and a real-time bus tracking system which tells you how many minutes until your bus arrives.
It is expected to be used for up to two years and does not replace plans for Christchurch’s proposed Transport Interchange. Specific details regarding the Transport Interchange will be decided as part of the Central City Plan.
More information is available from MetroInfo.
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 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
Earthquake Update: Due to the inner city cordon following the February earthquake the Tramway is not currently operating. Please refer to the Christchurch Tramway website for updated operational information.
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.
