Can I pay for the bus in Auckland with my credit card or phone?
Yes. You can tap Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. You pay the adult fare and cannot get any discounts this way. Contactless payment is capped at NZ$20 per day. Buses do not take cash or EFTPOS.
Official figures
- Auckland: how to get a discounted fare
- You must use a registered AT HOP card. You cannot get a discount if you tap a bank card or phone (contactless) or pay cash.1
- Auckland: children (5–15)
- 40% off most buses, trains and ferries. Free on weekends and public holidays. (A registered AT HOP card is needed for both.)1
- Auckland: under 5
- Free when travelling with a paying passenger. They do not need their own AT HOP card.2
- Auckland: secondary students (16–19) and tertiary students
- Full-time secondary students aged 16–19 at school in Auckland, and full-time students at a registered Auckland tertiary institution: 40% off most buses, trains and ferries.1
- Auckland: Community Connect (Community Services Card holders)
- 50% off most buses, trains and ferries, plus a free AT HOP card.1
Official sources
- Discounted faresAuckland Transport · at.govt.nz
- Bus and train faresAuckland Transport · at.govt.nz
- Tickets & faresMetlink (Greater Wellington Regional Council) · metlink.org.nz
- SuperGold Transport ConcessionsMinistry of Social Development (SuperGold) · supergold.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Taking the bus: transport cards and discounts →
People also ask
- What card do I need for buses in Auckland, and how much is an AT HOP card?
- Do kids pay for the bus in New Zealand? What age is free?
- Is there a student discount on buses for university students?
- How much discount do I get on buses with a Community Services Card?
- When can I travel free with a SuperGold Card if I am over 65?
- What card do I use for buses in Wellington, and are peak and off-peak fares different?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
How does this apply to me?
Tell us your situation for practical next steps, with official sources. Try a free question — no sign-in needed.
Share after you sign in with Google and your link will carry your invite code: when a friend signs up through it, you get 20 more questions. You can still share without signing in — it just won’t earn anything.Your link includes your invite code. When a friend signs up through it, you get 20 more questions (up to 10 friends).
Tap “···” at the top right to send to a friend or share to Moments