The Capital Connection is a regional passenger commuter train service between Palmerston North, Levin, Otaki, Waikane and Wellington with air-conditioned, centrally heated carriages with large panaromic windows and disable facilities.

As this service commuter rail service, reservations are not required. Tickets for this train are available from Tranz Metro ticket office - Wellington Railway Station, Palmerston North Railway Station or from the Train Manager's on the day of travel.

The Capital  Connection operates one service daily each way (Mon - Fri). There is no train service on Saturday, Sunday or Public Holidays.  Travel time from Wellington to Palmerston North is 2 hours.

For timetable and fare information for The Capital Connection (Wellington/Levin/Palmerston North) train service, please phone Metlink on 0800-801-700 tollfree in New Zealand or click for online fares and timetable information.

There are no passenger train services from Palmerston North to Napier, Hastings, Gisborne, Wanganui, Rotorua, Taupo, New Plymouth or Tauranga.

The Northern Explorer train is a rail journey through the heart of the North Island travelling between Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and home of the Sky Tower, to Wellington, New Zealand’s arts and culture capital. 

You see fantastic views of New Zealand farmland, the volcanic plateau, Mount Ruapehu, the world famous Raurimu Spiral, and stunning river gorges – all from our panoramic windows or open air viewing decks allowing you the best possible views.

All carriages on the Northern Explorer train are centrally heated/air conditioned, with 'Airline' style forward facing seats with head rests and 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating, large panoramic windows of the magnificent North Island. 

The Northern Explorer train has a Café Carriage, offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals and view platform.

The Northern Explorer is a reserved seating 'One Class/Non-smoking' service.

The Northern Explorer train operates Monday, Thursday and Saturday between Palmerston North and Wellington and Tuesday, Friday and Sunday between Palmerston North and Auckland.

The Northern Explorer does not operate of Christmas Day - 25 December.

Please click for timetable information and online reservations.

There is no overnight passenger train service between Palmerston North, Ohakune, National Park, Hamilton and Auckland.