Wellington to Picton ferry - Times and cheap Interislander ferry tickets

Sun, 17 May
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Interislander
Bluebridge
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Alilauro
Gnv
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Wellington to Picton

Showing times and prices for 17 May

Cheapest price

$171

Average price

$171

Fastest journey

3 h 29 m

Average duration

3 h 30 m

Ferries per day

2

Distance

65 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Wellington to Picton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Wellington to Picton will cost around $171 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only $171.

Fast ferries

Of the 2 ferries that leave Wellington for Picton every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, 17 May the direct ferries cover the 65 km distance in an average of 3 h 30 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 3 h 29 m .

The slowest ferries will take 3 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • BluebridgeBluebridge
    8:15 AM3h30
    Wellington (Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry Terminal)
    11:45 AMPicton
    $1711One-way
    0 changes
  • BluebridgeBluebridge
    8:30 PM3h29
    Wellington (Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry Terminal)
    11:59 PMPicton
    $1711One-way
    0 changes

Wellington to Picton Ferry Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationSailing Days
Operator
Bluebridge
Departure Time
12:30AM
Arrival Time
04:15AM
Duration
3h45
Sailing Days
Wed
Operator
Bluebridge
Departure Time
08:30PM
Arrival Time
11:59PM
Duration
3h29
Sailing Days
Sun
Operator
Bluebridge
Departure Time
07:15PM
Arrival Time
10:45PM
Duration
3h30
Sailing Days
Wed, Thu
Operator
Interislander
Departure Time
08:45AM
Arrival Time
12:15PM
Duration
3h30
Sailing Days
Sat
Operator
Interislander
Departure Time
03:30PM
Arrival Time
07:00PM
Duration
3h30
Sailing Days
Sat
Operator
Interislander
Departure Time
08:45PM
Arrival Time
12:15AM
Duration
3h30
Sailing Days
Fri
Operator
Interislander
Departure Time
02:30AM
Arrival Time
06:00AM
Duration
3h30
Sailing Days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
Operator
Bluebridge
Departure Time
01:00PM
Arrival Time
04:45PM
Duration
3h45
Sailing Days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
Operator
Bluebridge
Departure Time
08:15AM
Arrival Time
11:45AM
Duration
3h30
Sailing Days
Sat, Sun
Operator
Bluebridge
Departure Time
02:00PM
Arrival Time
05:45PM
Duration
3h45
Sailing Days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Operator
Interislander
Departure Time
07:30AM
Arrival Time
11:00AM
Duration
3h30
Sailing Days
Thu

Live departures

Wellington to Picton ferry times

The table below shows live departures for Wellington to Picton ferries for tomorrow, Sunday, 17 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
BluebridgeBluebridge8:30 PM Wellington (Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry Terminal)
3h29
11:59 PM Picton0 changesdirect

This is the last ferry of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Wellington to Picton by ferry

Compare ferry prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Sun
17 May
Mon
18 May
Tue
19 May
Wed
20 May
Thu
21 May
Fri
22 May
Sat
23 May

Journey information

Overview: Ferry from Wellington to Picton

New ZealandNew Zealand
New ZealandNew Zealand
Icon of ferry

Ferries from Wellington to Picton run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 33m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $44 if you book in advance.

There are 4 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 02:00, the last at 21:30. The fastest ferry covers the 35 nautical miles (65 km) distance in 3h 30m. There are 14 sailings per week.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Official Omio partners on this route
Interislander
Bluebridge
Distance
35 nautical miles (65 km)
Average sailing duration
3h 33m
Cheapest ticket price
$44
Ferries per day
4
Direct ferries
Available
Average weekly sailings
14
Fastest ferry
3h 30m
First ferry
2:00 AM
Last ferry
9:30 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Fri
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Ferry operators: Interislander, Bluebridge from Wellington to PictonYou can travel by ferry between Wellington to Picton with Interislander, Bluebridge for as low as $44. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.

Bluebridge

About
Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries is a New Zealand-based ferry operator, established in 2002, offering passenger and freight services across the Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton. The company operates up to four daily sailings, each lasting approximately three and a half hours, providing a comfortable journey with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, movies, and a café-style menu. Bluebridge's fleet includes the Strait Feronia and the Connemara, capable of carrying up to 400 passengers and 250 cars per sailing. In 2025, Bluebridge expanded its fleet by acquiring the Stena Livia, enhancing its capacity for both freight and passenger services.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 30m
Cheapest Price
$45
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring luggage onboard.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be brought onboard.
Luggage storage
Luggage storage is available on the ferry.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by fare type; some fares are non-refundable, while others offer flexibility.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors are allowed onboard with appropriate arrangements.
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Onboard dining options are available, including meals and snacks.
Seat reservation
Cabin reservations are available for an additional fee.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Bluebridge offers special assistance for passengers requiring help boarding the ship.
Bikes
Bicycles are allowed onboard and can be stored beneath the decks.
Pets
Pets are allowed onboard in pet-friendly cabins, kennels, or vehicles.
Learn more about Bluebridge

Interislander

About
Interislander is New Zealand's original Cook Strait ferry service, connecting the North and South Islands since 1962. Operated by KiwiRail, it offers daily crossings between Wellington and Picton, accommodating passengers, vehicles, and freight. The fleet includes vessels like Kaiarahi and Kaitaki, each providing a three-hour journey with amenities such as locally sourced cuisine, cinemas, and premium lounges. In 2024, Interislander announced plans to introduce two new rail-enabled ferries by 2029, aiming to enhance capacity and reduce emissions. The service carries approximately 800,000 passengers and 230,000 vehicles annually across 5,500 sailings.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 30m
Cheapest Price
$44
Luggage included
Foot passengers are allowed one small bag and one handbag or laptop bag; larger items must be checked in.
Additional luggage
Foot passengers can check in additional luggage, with a maximum of two bags weighing no more than 23 kg each.
Luggage storage
Larger items, including backpacks, must be checked in at the terminal.
Cancellation Policy
Interislander offers compensation for cancellations due to mechanical breakdowns, as per the Commerce Commission's guidelines.
Refund
Passengers are entitled to a full refund if the ferry is canceled due to mechanical issues.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors are not permitted to travel on Interislander ferries.
Amenities on board the ferry
Food sold onboard
Onboard dining options are available for passengers.
Toilets
Accessibility
Interislander provides assistance for passengers with mobility challenges, including wheelchair access and support during boarding and disembarking.
Bikes
Bicycles can be transported for an additional fee.
Pets
Certified assistance dogs are permitted in passenger areas; other pets must travel in a vehicle or a kennel.
Learn more about Interislander

FAQs: Wellington to Picton ferries

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Wellington to Picton by ferry. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Picton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap ferry tickets from Wellington to Picton can start from as little as $44 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Wellington to Picton is $78; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by ferry from Wellington to Picton is 3h 30m to travel the 65 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest ferry from Wellington to Picton leaves at 2:00 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest ferry from Wellington to Picton leaves at 9:30 pm.
Yes, there are 4 direct ferries a day from Wellington to Picton with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
No, there are no cabins on ferries from Wellington to Picton.
No, there are no vehicle options on ferries from Wellington to Picton.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Wellington to Picton is possible with . We recommend arriving at least one hour before the trip if you are travelling on foot but please check specific times for each route. If you need to book your travel to the departure port, check our trains, buses, and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Wellington to Picton, you can count on Interislander, Bluebridge for the best way to get you to Picton. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Wellington and Picton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Picton from Wellington is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Wellington to Picton is March.
Yes, you can take a ferry between Wellington and Picton.

popular ferry ports

Important Stations and Airports in Wellington and Picton

Wellington
Picton
The major port for departures in Wellington is Wellington. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Wellington for your trip from Wellington to Picton.
WellingtonAccessibility
Amenities at port
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
address
Address
Wellington Ferry Terminal, 1 Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
phone
Phone Number
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
HomeFerriesWellington to Picton ferry

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