# Auckland Airport (AKL) > Auckland, NZ · 21 km (13 mi) south of central Auckland Web: https://airport.flights/airport/akl JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/akl.json ## Facts - **IATA**: AKL - **ICAO**: NZAA - **Timezone**: Pacific/Auckland - **Runways**: 1 - **Terminals**: 2 - **Passengers**: 18.7M+/yr - **Hub for**: Air New Zealand, Jetstar Airways - **Official site**: https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz ## Overview ## Welcome Auckland Airport stands as a prominent hub split between two distinct identities: the Air New Zealand-centric Domestic Terminal, and the bustling International Terminal that serves as a crucial late-night gateway for the South Pacific. While the domestic operations adhere to strict times, opening from 4:30 AM till 11 PM, the international side boasts 24/7 access, although late-night activity is sparse. Savvy travelers utilize the seamless covered walkway between these terminals, a gem avoiding unnecessary landside transits. ## At a glance Situated 21 kilometers south of central Auckland, Auckland Airport accommodates over 18.7 million passengers annually. Functioning with one runway, it proudly holds hubs for Air New Zealand and Jetstar Airways. The Domestic Terminal tailors to frequent fliers with Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Air Chathams, while the International Terminal welcomes Air New Zealand, Emirates, and Qantas patrons. Bus journeys into town vary from 30 to 60 minutes, while taxis and rideshares like Uber cut this to about 20-30 minutes, contingent on traffic. ## Terminals & layout The bifurcated terminal layout can initially perplex first-time visitors. Fortunately, the airport's infrastructure supports smooth transits with comprehensive maps highlighting main points like Air New Zealand’s baggage claim in the domestic zone and Aelia Duty Free spots post-security at the international terminal. Airside in the International Terminal stands an 'Eat' zone offering a clustered selection of dining options, counteracting the otherwise sparse choices after hours. The inter-terminal bus service is a reasonable 5 to 10-minute wait for those eschewing the walkway. ## Getting to and from the city With the airport’s locale demanding road reliance, travelers often face practical commute logistics. Public buses take between 30 and 60 minutes to downtown Auckland and cost NZ$10 per person for a return journey. Taxis and rideshare options, including Uber, promise a faster, though slightly pricier, entrance with surcharges of $5.50 for pick-up and $3.50 for drop-off. Valet and standard parking complement budget-friendly Park & Ride services at $5 per day for those driving to the airport. ## Traveller essentials Understanding AKL’s rhythm is essential for planning. The Domestic Terminal lacks the 24-hour operation of its international counterpart, potentially complicating early arrivals or late departures. Efficient layouts assist swift transitions, with highlighted signage ensuring that even tight connections remain manageable. The complete absence of lounges mandates making alternate plans for any lengthy layovers or delays. ## Dining & shopping highlights Though not expansive, Auckland Airport’s retail therapy focuses on quality over quantity. The International Terminal's duty-free concession, Aelia, repeats post-security, ensuring a last chance at tax-free shopping. The ‘Eat’ area stands out halfway through the terminal, where travelers can find a quick bite or hot drink before a long haul. New Zealand-centric shops can feel sparse, pushing locals and visitors alike to maximize what’s available before going through security. ## Lounges Lounge facilities are noticeably absent from both terminals, nudging the need for off-airport relaxation. Travelers are advised to make strategic use of the ‘Eat’ cluster and post-security shopping at the International Terminal for their comfort and leisure needs while awaiting flights. ## Insider tips - **Insider:** Use the domestic-to-international walkway to dodge the landside reroute for terminal connections. The seamless transition saves valuable time. - **Time:** With the International Terminal open 24/7, it becomes a safe haven for overnight stays regardless of its reduced late-night activity. - **Time:** Domestic Terminal operates from 4:30 AM to 11 PM; those with early morning flights should plan their arrival at precisely the right time. - **Money:** Park & Ride is the budget-friendly choice at $5 per day, ideal for longer travel plans without heavy spending on parking. - **Local:** The post-security ‘Eat’ cluster in the International Terminal provides a quick, convenient dining break for travelers in a hurry or during short layovers. - **Avoid:** Don’t count on finding a lounge; instead, allocate time wisely by utilizing the airport’s shopping and dining clusters. - **Quiet:** Early mornings and late nights see significant tranquility in the International Terminal, offering peaceful waiting spaces. ## Terminals (2) - **Domestic Terminal** — Air New Zealand, Jetstar Airways, Air Chathams - **International Terminal** — Air New Zealand, Emirates, Qantas, Singapore Airlines ## Dining (20) - **1958 Bar & Eatery** — International · Bar · Casual dining · $$ - **Aroma Cafe** — International · Cafe · Coffee · $ - **Best Ugly Bagels** — International · Bagels · Cafe · $$ - **Blue Marble Lane** — International · New Zealand · Cafe · $$ - **Burger King** — International · Fast food · Burgers · $ - **Domestic Terminal Cafe** — Domestic · Cafe · Casual · $$ - **Gloria Jean’s Coffees** — International · Coffee · Cafe · $ - **Hudsons Coffee** — Domestic · Coffee · Cafe · $ - **KFC** — International · Fast food · Fried chicken · $ - **Kiwi Iconic Kiosk** — International · Snacks · Grab-and-go · $$ - **Krispy Kreme** — International · Donuts · Cafe · $ - **McDonald’s** — International · Fast food · Burgers · $ - **MoVida** — International · Spanish · Tapas · $$$ - **Relay Cafe** — International · Cafe · Grab-and-go · $ - **Subway** — Domestic · Fast food · Sandwiches · $ - **Takeoff Espresso** — Domestic · Coffee · Cafe · $ - **Tank Juice Bar** — International · Juice · Healthy · $$ - **The Bach Alehouse & Cafe** — International · Bar · Cafe · $$ - **Vantage Bar** — International · Bar · Snacks · $$ - **Wondertree** — International · Global · Casual · $$ ## Lounges (8) - **Air New Zealand Domestic Lounge** — Domestic · Air New Zealand Elite, Koru Club members, Eligible business class - **Air New Zealand International Lounge** — International · Air New Zealand Elite, Star Alliance Gold, Business class on eligible flights - **Emirates Lounge** — International · Emirates Business and First, Emirates Skywards Gold, Emirates Skywards Platinum - **Qantas Domestic Lounge** — Domestic · Qantas Club, oneworld Sapphire and Emerald, Eligible business class - **Qantas First Lounge (section within Qantas Lounge)** — International · oneworld Emerald, Qantas First, Selected elite members - **Qantas International Business Lounge** — International · Qantas Club, oneworld Sapphire and Emerald, Business/First on eligible flights - **Regional Airline Lounge (Airline-operated quiet area)** — Domestic · Invited regional airline passengers - **Strata Lounge** — International · Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Paid entry ## Shops (19) - **Adidas Store** — International · Sportswear - **Aelia Duty Free** — International · Duty-free - **Aelia Duty Free Arrivals** — International · Duty-free - **Bookshop (Independent / chain bookstore)** — International · Books & magazines - **Icebreaker** — International · Outdoor clothing - **Luggage & Travel Store** — International · Luggage & travel accessories - **Merino Collection** — International · Clothing - **Minecraft Store (Pop-up / concept store)** — International · Toys & merchandise - **Mountain Jade** — International · Jewellery & gifts - **NZ Gifts & Souvenirs** — International · Gifts & souvenirs - **Pharmacy Store** — International · Pharmacy & health - **Relay** — International · News & convenience - **Relay Domestic** — Domestic · News & convenience - **Sunglass Hut** — International · Accessories - **Tech2Go** — International · Electronics & accessories - **The Loop Market (convenience concept)** — International · Food & convenience - **Travelex** — International · Currency exchange - **Vodafone / One NZ** — International · Telecoms - **Whittaker’s Store** — International · Chocolate & gifts ## Parking (14) - **Park & Ride** — Remote · $5/day · affordably priced - **Park & Ride North** — Surface lot · Off-airport, shuttle to terminals - **Park & Ride South** — Surface lot · Off-airport, shuttle to terminals - **Parking A (Short Term)** — Garage · Short walk to terminals - **Parking B** — Surface lot · Short walk to terminals - **Parking C** — Surface lot · Short walk to domestic terminal - **Parking D (Long Term)** — Surface lot · Longer walk / shuttle to terminals - **Premium Parking** — Short stay · closest to both terminals - **Short Stay Parking** — Short stay · inside the international terminal - **Standard Parking** — Long stay · walking distance to terminals - **The Landing Business Parking** — Surface lot · Short drive within airport business district - **Valet Parking** — Valet · opposite both terminals - **Valet Parking Domestic** — Valet · Directly at domestic terminal - **Valet Parking International** — Valet · Directly at international terminal ## Ground transport (15) - **Airport–Terminals Inter-Terminal Shuttle** — Shuttle · 10 min between international and domestic terminals · Free · Every 15 min Complimentary shuttle bus running on a loop between the terminals. - **App-Based Rideshare Pick-up (Ola and others)** — Rideshare · 30-60 min to central Auckland depending on traffic · $40-70 · On demand Alternative rideshare companies share similar pickup zones. - **App-Based Rideshare Pick-up (Uber)** — Rideshare · 30-60 min to central Auckland depending on traffic · $40-70 · On demand Pickup zones are signposted in the car park and forecourt areas. - **AT Metro 38 Bus to Onehunga and Manukau** — Bus · 20-40 min to nearby suburbs · Every 15-20 min (typical daytime) Operated by Auckland Transport, linking the airport to local transport hubs. - **AT Metro 380 Airporter to Papatoetoe/Onehunga** — Bus · 15-30 min to nearby rail stations · Every 20-30 min Links the airport with rail stations for onward train connections. - **Hotel Courtesy Shuttles** — Shuttle · 5-15 min to nearby airport hotels · Typically every 20-60 min depending on hotel Many nearby hotels run their own shuttles; check schedules with individual properties. - **Inter-Terminal Bus** — Shuttle · 5-10 min · Every 15 minutes - **Licensed Airport Taxi Rank** — Taxi · 30-60 min to downtown depending on traffic · $70-100 · On demand Taxis queue outside the terminals with regulated fares set by individual companies. - **Public Bus Services** — Bus · 30-60 min · Every 30 minutes - **Rental Cars** — Other - **Rideshare Services** — Rideshare · 20-30 min · Varies - **Uber** — Rideshare · 1-2 min walk from pick-up · $5.50 pick-up, $3.50 drop-off - **Shared Shuttle Vans** — Shuttle · 30-70 min to central city depending on stops · $25-40 per person (typical) · On demand and pre-booked Operated by private shuttle companies with desks or booking counters at the airport. - **SkyDrive Bus to City Centre** — Bus · 45-60 min to downtown Auckland · Every 30 min (typical daytime) Coach-style service between Auckland Airport and central city locations. - **Taxis and Shuttles** — Taxi · 20-30 min · NZ$10/person return · Varies ## Insider tips - _Insider_: Use the domestic-to-international walkway to dodge the landside reroute for terminal connections. The seamless transition saves valuable time. - _Time_: With the International Terminal open 24/7, it becomes a safe haven for overnight stays regardless of its reduced late-night activity. - _Time_: Domestic Terminal operates from 4:30 AM to 11 PM; those with early morning flights should plan their arrival at precisely the right time. - _Money_: Park & Ride is the budget-friendly choice at $5 per day, ideal for longer travel plans without heavy spending on parking. - _Local_: The post-security ‘Eat’ cluster in the International Terminal provides a quick, convenient dining break for travelers in a hurry or during short layovers. - _Avoid_: Don’t count on finding a lounge; instead, allocate time wisely by utilizing the airport’s shopping and dining clusters. - _Quiet_: Early mornings and late nights see significant tranquility in the International Terminal, offering peaceful waiting spaces.