The easy and quick route planner

Nelson, Nelson Region to Hamilton, Waikato from $68: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

How to Get from Nelson to Hamilton: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$68 by busBest price

426 kmDistance

3h 23m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Nelson to Hamilton with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

route map

See more options

Sort by

Browse car rentals Explore flights

Traveling From Nelson to Hamilton

The journey from Nelson to Hamilton offers a delightful contrast between Nelson's coastal charm and Hamilton's vibrant urban scene.

Best Neighbourhoods in Hamilton

Hamilton's neighborhoods offer a rich mix of culture, dining, and parks.

Fairview Downs

• Great for family-friendly activities and parks.

• Close to schools and shopping amenities.

Huntington

• Known for upscale homes and quiet streets.

• Features lush green spaces and paths for walking.

Hamilton Central

• Bustling dining and nightlife scene.

• Easy access to art galleries and cultural venues.

Best Times To Visit Hamilton's Attractions

Maximize your experience in Hamilton by visiting at the right times.

Hamilton Gardens

Early mornings or late afternoons offer peaceful strolls and stunning light.

Waikato Museum

Weekdays are quieter, allowing you to explore exhibits without distractions.

Hamilton Zoo

Visiting during weekdays helps you avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy the animals.

Hamilton Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Hamilton enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it accessible year-round. Late spring and early autumn are ideal times to visit, as pleasant weather enhances outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Dining Recommendation in Hamilton

Experience the rich flavors of Hamilton by trying the local favorite, a hearty wood-fired pizza from one of the trendy pizzerias downtown. This vibrant culinary scene contrasts with Nelson's focus on fresh seafood, offering a lively atmosphere and unique flavor combinations that showcase locally sourced ingredients.

Nelson - Hamilton operators

Explore transport companies operating between Nelson and Hamilton, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane

Website

airnewzealand.com

Plane from Nelson (NSN) to Hamilton (HLZ)

Average Duration

3h 26m

Estimated price

1314-3492

Plane from Nelson (NSN) to Hamilton (HLZ)

Average Duration

3h 21m

Estimated price

3493-3494

Plane from Nelson (NSN) to Hamilton (HLZ)

Average Duration

4h 51m

Estimated price

1314-3492

Plane from Nelson (NSN) to Hamilton (HLZ)

Average Duration

5h 25m

Estimated price

1314-3492

Plane from Nelson (NSN) to Hamilton (HLZ)

Average Duration

5h 37m

Estimated price

1314-3492

Plane from Nelson (NSN) to Hamilton (HLZ)

Average Duration

6h 5m

Estimated price

1314-3492

Bus

Contact phone

Website

https://www.intercity.co.nz/

Bus from Nelson to Woodbourne

Average Duration

1h 34m

Estimated price

3490-3499

Bus from Nelson Millers Acre Carpark to Picton

Average Duration

2h 12m

Estimated price

680-681

Bus from Auckland International Airport to Hamilton - Central

Average Duration

1h 50m

Estimated price

3497-3498

Bus from Wellington - Central to Hamilton - Central

Average Duration

9h 15m

Estimated price

681-682

Bus from Auckland International Airport to Hamilton - Central

Average Duration

2h 15m

Estimated price

683-683

Train

Contact phone

Website

greatjourneysofnz.co.nz

Train from Wellington to Hamilton

Average Duration

8h 30m

Estimated price

3496-34900

Ferry

Contact phone

Website

bluebridge.co.nz

Ferry from Picton to Wellington

Average Duration

3h 30m

Estimated price

3496-3493

Nelson to Hamilton: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Nelson and Hamilton offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

Useful tips for plane travellers

• Given that there are no direct flights, plan your stopover timing wisely; Air New Zealand typically offers connections that may involve a layover in Wellington or Auckland, so double-check your itinerary for efficient transition times.

• Upon arrival at Hamilton Airport, you can expect a straightforward navigation experience; after disembarking, simply follow the signage to the baggage claim area, as it’s a smaller airport with less congestion.

• To reach Hamilton’s city center from the airport, a taxi ride will generally cost around NZD $30 to $50 depending on traffic; consider pre-booking for convenience and accuracy on your travel expenses.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Nelson to Hamilton.

Or choose the category:

The distance between Nelson and Hamilton is approximately 426.5 km. The typical travel time from Nelson to Hamilton by taking a flight to Auckland and then a bus is around 4 hours and 24 minutes. If you choose to fly directly from Nelson to Hamilton, the travel time is shorter, at about 3 hours and 23 minutes.

The most cost-effective transportation option to travel from Nelson to Hamilton is to fly and then take a bus. This option costs between $65 and $230 and takes approximately 4 hours and 24 minutes. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest way to reach Hamilton is by flying alone, which takes about 3 hours and 23 minutes and costs between $120 and $350.

To travel from Nelson to Hamilton without a car, you can take a combination of bus, car ferry, and train. The journey takes approximately 16 hours and 12 minutes and costs between $160 to $300. You will first need to take a bus from Nelson to Picton, then catch a car ferry to Wellington.

Unfortunately, there is no direct flight from Nelson to Hamilton. The shortest flight duration with one stopover is approximately 3 hours. The cost of the flight between Hamilton and Nelson can range from $125 to $348, depending on the airline and time of booking.

There are numerous accommodation options available near Hamilton. With over 239 hotels to choose from, visitors can find something suitable for their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in Hamilton start at $52 per night.