New Zealand · Scenic day train
TranzAlpine
When does the TranzAlpine run, and how long does it take?
Running
Running every day, apart from a few closure dates.
Check before you book
We checked this with Great Journeys New Zealand on 29 Oct 2026. Dates, times and prices change: check greatjourneysnz.com ↗ before you book or travel.
It crosses New Zealand's South Island from Christchurch to the West Coast, over Arthur's Pass and through the 8.6 km Otira Tunnel.
- Takes
- About 4 h 50 min
- Distance
- 224 km
- From
- Christchurch
- To
- Greymouth
- Operator
- KiwiRail
When it runs
- Runs
- Every day except Christmas Day. 2027 closures: 26 to 29 March (Easter), 22 to 28 May, 25 to 28 September and 23 to 26 October.
- Takes
- About 4 h 50 min for 224 km: Christchurch 08:15 to Greymouth 13:05, in seat61's timetable.
Book and stay
Stay the night before
Before you go
- Closures in 202726 to 29 March, 22 to 28 May, 25 to 28 September, 23 to 26 October.
- TimesKiwiRail's pages give no times: these come from seat61.
Good to know
Does the TranzAlpine run every day?
Every day except Christmas Day and a few closure dates.
How long is the TranzAlpine?
About 4 h 50 min, from Christchurch to Greymouth.
Where does it go?
From Christchurch over Arthur's Pass and through the 8.6 km Otira Tunnel to Greymouth.
More famous journeys nearby
Checked on 29 Oct 2026 with greatjourneysnz.com, seat61.com. Direct trains from our own timetable data.