Tagging on
To make sure your journey is charged correctly, always use the same method for tagging on and off. For instance, if you tag on with your AT HOP card, tag off with the same AT HOP card, if you tag on with your smartwatch, make sure you tag off with your smartwatch.
Find out more on the AT website.
Tagging on a friend
If you’re travelling with someone who doesn’t have an AT HOP card or contactless payment method, you can use your HOP card credit to get them on board. Full adult fares apply.
On the bus, simply tag on as usual, then ask the bus driver to charge your HOP card for each passenger.
On the train or ferry, use your HOP card credit to buy a ticket from a vending machine or customer service centre before boarding.
Find out more on the AT website.
Taking bikes on public transport
Trains and ferries: Bikes can be taken on trains and ferries free of charge provided there is enough space, at the discretion of on-board staff if it is busy.
Buses: Compact folding bikes and scooters can be taken on buses. They must be folded down before being carried on the bus. Full-size bicycles and electric bikes can only be taken on the NX1 buses that are fitted with bike racks. This is part of a trial that AT is conducting. Your bike needs to be shorter than 1.9m or it will not fit. The NX1 buses fitted with bike racks have circular green cyclist icons on the front and the side of the bus. They can also be identified in the live departures section of the AT Mobile app.
For more info go to Bikes & public transport
Multiple trip journeys
Public transport fares in Auckland are based on zones, not how many buses, trains or ferries you use. That means you can transfer between AT buses, trains and ferries and pay only one fare for the whole journey. For example, adding a bus trip after your main ferry or train journey may not actually cost any more if it’s within the same zone you’ve already travelled into.
Check the Journey Planner, AT app or AT website to see how your trips link up.
| Tip: To make sure your journey is charged correctly, leave no more than 30 minutes between tagging off and tagging on for the next part of your trip. Always use the same AT HOP card or contactless method for tagging on and off, and make sure your full journey is completed within four hours. |
Checking how busy your service is
You can check the capacity on Journey Planner in the AT Mobile app or AT website to see how busy your service might be before you travel. The blue people icons indicate the estimated level of crowding you can expect.
Like all public transport, buses have a set number of seats and standing space to ensure safe and comfortable travel. On particularly busy services, you may need to take the next bus to continue your journey.
Using park and ride
For people who live further from frequent services, park and ride facilities offer a practical way to combine driving and public transport. By driving a short distance and completing the rest of your journey by bus or train, you can reduce fuel use while still travelling efficiently. Locations and details are available on the AT website.
Help, I forgot to tag off
If you forget to tag on or tag off, you will be charged the default fare, which will be automatically deducted the next time you tag on. If you have been charged a default fare on your AT HOP card, find out how you can request a refund on the AT website.