Updated in October 2026, this Wellington Cable Car guide covers ticket prices, opening hours, parking or transport, accessibility and what to see.
The Wellington Cable Car is a funicular railway that runs from Lambton Quay in the city centre to Kelburn, above the Wellington Botanic Garden. An adult one-way ticket costs $7 and a return costs $13. Snapper cards are no longer accepted as payment. This guide was last updated in October 2026 and confirms the current fares, the opening hours and the payment rules.
Quick facts: the Wellington Cable Car
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Monday to Thursday 7.30am to 8pm. Friday 7.30am to 9pm. Saturday 8.30am to 9pm. Sunday 8.30am to 7pm. |
| Ticket prices | Adult one way $7, return $13. Child (5 to 15) $3.50 one way. Infants free. |
| Address | Cable Car Lane, 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Nearest transport or parking | Bus stops on Lambton Quay. Wilson Parking is 35 m from the Kelburn terminal. |
| Typical time needed | About 1 to 2 hours, including the top |
The Wellington Cable Car opening hours
The Cable Car is open every day except Christmas Day. Cars run every 10 minutes, on the 10. They may run more often when demand is higher.
- Monday to Thursday: 7.30am to 8.00pm.
- Friday: 7.30am to 9.00pm.
- Saturday: 8.30am to 9.00pm.
- Sunday and public holidays: 8.30am to 7.00pm.
The hours are the same all year, and there are no seasonal changes to the timetable. Both terminals are open during these hours.
5 top experiences to book in Wellington
- 🎬 Take a full day Lord of the Rings tour – including filming locations and the Weta Workshop.
- ⛴️ See Wellington from the water on 90 minute harbour cruise.
- 🥝 On a twilight tour of the Zealandia sanctuary, see protected native wildlife – including kiwis.
- 🦭 Spot seals on a 4WD tour along the coastline.
- 🌿 Learn about New Zealand’s extraordinary conservation efforts on a day tour to predator-free Kapiti Island.
The Wellington Cable Car ticket prices
An adult one-way ticket costs $7, and an adult return costs $13. Tickets can be bought online or at the ticket box at the end of Cable Car Lane, off Lambton Quay.
- One way: adult $7, child (5 to 15) $3.50, concession $4, infant (0 to 4) free.
- Return: adult $13, child $6.50, concession $7, infant free.
- Family return: 1 adult and up to 3 children $22. 2 adults and up to 4 children $29.
- New Zealand SuperGold: free off-peak, and from $4 on-peak. Off-peak is Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm and after 6.30pm, and all day at weekends and on public holidays.
- Concession rates: only at the ticket box, with a valid NZ Student ID, SuperGold Card or Community Services Card.
- Dogs: free. Two dogs per person, and the handler must be 16 or over.
A return ticket has no time limit on the return journey. Tickets are valid for six months from the date of purchase. Snapper cards are not accepted. For journeys that do not start at Lambton Quay, pay the driver in cash or show your ticket.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in October 2026.
The Wellington City Pass includes a return trip on the Cable Car. The pass also gives admission to two of four attractions: Wellington Zoo, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, Space Place or an Introducing Te Papa Tour. It is valid for seven days.
How to get to the Wellington Cable Car
The lower terminal is at 280 Lambton Quay, at the end of Cable Car Lane. Wellington Museum is two minutes away on the waterfront.
- By bus: buses stop along Lambton Quay. Walk to the end of Cable Car Lane.
- By foot to the top: walkers can also climb through the Botanic Garden and take the Cable Car down.
- From the top: the upper terminal is at 1 Upland Road, Kelburn, next to the Cable Car Museum.
- By bike: bikes can travel on the Cable Car outside peak hours. There is bike parking at the top.
Parking at the Wellington Cable Car
Parking near the Lambton Quay terminal is limited. Visitors who drive can use paid parking in the city centre.
Visitors who drive can start at the top. The Kelburn terminal has Wilson Parking spaces 35 metres from the terminal. A few spaces for disabled drivers are by the terminal, and the permit must be visible.
How long to spend at the Wellington Cable Car
The ride takes about five minutes each way. A return trip, with time at the lookout, is about an hour.
Plan about 1 to 2 hours if you also visit the Cable Car Museum or walk down through the Wellington Botanic Garden. The walk down to the city takes about 40 minutes by way of Bolton Street Cemetery and the Beehive.
Accessibility at the Wellington Cable Car
Both terminals are fully accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams and baby buggies. The Lambton Quay terminal is at 280 Lambton Quay, and the Kelburn terminal is at the top.
The intermediate stations at Clifton, Talavera and Salamanca have ramp access from nearby streets. The footbridge ramp over the track at Talavera is steep, so use Car 2 to avoid it.
Flashing light displays run in two of the tunnels. There are no lights in the tunnel connected to the Lambton Quay terminal. The track is not lit at night apart from the tunnel displays and station lights.
The Wellington Cable Car in more detail
The Cable Car opened on 22 February 1902 and is New Zealand’s only remaining funicular railway. The 612-metre journey rises about 120 metres above sea level and passes through three tunnels and over three bridges.
Two tunnels have LED light installations by Angus Muir. Each has 60 arches of light strings, controlled by a computer program. The lights can show special displays, such as the Pride rainbow, Matariki stars and the New Zealand flag.
The cars stop on request at Clifton Terrace, Talavera and Salamanca. Salamanca serves Victoria University. The cars pass each other at Talavera. An audio commentary is available for the uphill and downhill trips.
At the top, a lookout gives a 180-degree view of the city, the harbour and Cook Strait. The Cable Car Museum is next to the terminal, and the Wellington Botanic Garden starts beside it.
Space Place has a planetarium and exhibits on New Zealand’s skies. A free shuttle to Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne leaves from the top of the Cable Car. Cable Top Eatery serves meals and drinks at the top.
Practical visitor tips
| Topic | Tip |
|---|---|
| Timing | Cars leave every 10 minutes, on the 10. Check the closing time for your day. |
| Crowds | Groups of 10 or more should book, so the Cable Car can confirm dates and avoid overcrowding. |
| Layout | The ride has five stops: Lambton Quay, Clifton, Talavera, Salamanca and Kelburn. |
| Entry process | Buy tickets online or at the ticket box. Snapper cards are not accepted. |
| On-site logistics | Dogs ride free on the lower landing. Bikes are allowed outside peak hours. |
Frequently asked questions about the Wellington Cable Car
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much does the Wellington Cable Car cost? | An adult pays $7 one way or $13 return. A child aged 5 to 15 pays $3.50 one way. |
| How long does the Wellington Cable Car take? | The ride takes about five minutes each way. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Wellington Cable Car? | No. Buy a ticket online or at the ticket box. Groups of 10 or more should book. |
| Is the Wellington Cable Car open on Sundays? | Yes. It is open from 8.30am to 7pm on Sundays and public holidays. |
| Are dogs allowed on the Wellington Cable Car? | Yes. Dogs ride free, up to two per person, on the lower landing. |
Things to do near the Wellington Cable Car
- Cable Car Museum: a free museum in the original winding house at 1A Upland Road, next to the Kelburn terminal.
- Wellington Botanic Garden: a 25-hectare garden with free entry, starting beside the Kelburn terminal.
- Wellington Museum: a museum in the 1892 Bond Store at 3 Jervois Quay, two minutes from Lambton Quay and the lower terminal.
- Te Papa: New Zealand’s national museum at 55 Cable Street on the waterfront, within a 20-minute walk of Lambton Quay.
- Wellington Zoo: a zoo in Newtown, about 10 minutes from the city centre by car or bus.
Alternative attractions
- Space Place: a planetarium and observatory exhibition at the top of the Botanic Garden, a short walk from the Kelburn terminal.
- Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne: a fully fenced ecosanctuary with a free shuttle from the top of the Cable Car.
- Bolton Street Cemetery: a historic cemetery on the walking route between the city and the Botanic Garden.
- Kelburn Village: a village of cafés and shops, a 5-minute walk from the top of the Cable Car.
- Thorndon Village: a village of antique stores, galleries and cafés, 5 minutes from the bottom of the Botanic Garden.
More New Zealand North Island travel
Other New Zealand North Island travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- How to see the thunderous Huka Falls, plus the Aratiatia Rapids, Wairakei Terraces and Craters of the Moon near Taupo.
- Practical guides to the Waipahihi Botanic Gardens, Spa Thermal Park and Hot Water Beach in Taupo.
- How to get the best out of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.
- Tackling Auckland’s 16km Coast-to-Coast Walkway via One Tree Hill and Mount Eden.
- Kuirau Park, Rotorua: The public park with mud pools and steam vents.
