Passenger Train Services

  - Auckland-Wellington train
  - Wellington-Auckland train
  - Christchurch-Picton train
  - Greymouth-Christchurch train
  - Picton-Christchurch train

Information

  - Rail / Ferry Travel
  - Accommodation
  - Railway Stations
  - Bus / Coach Services

Day Excursions

  - Arthurs Pass Excursion
  - Kaikoura Excursion
  - Greymouth Excursion

Quick Answers

  - Luggage
  - Bikes, Pets, Etc
  - Extra Assistance
  - Seating Request
  - Check In Times

The Christchurch to Greymouth train is a scenic rail journey from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass and Greymouth through the Southern Alps - from the east coast to the west coast of New Zealand's South Island.

Travelling west crossing the Canterbury Plains, the train slowly ascends through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River towards the Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass for a short break before descending through the Otira Tunnel to the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, through lush alpine beech rain forests to Greymouth  – a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers at Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

The train carriages are centrally heated in winter and air conditioned in summer, with 'Airline' style reclining seats and 'Table' (4 people around a table) seating.

Both styles allow you to experience the amazing views through large panoramic windows,  while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. 

There is an open air viewing carriage allowing you many opportunities to take photos of your favourite spots and a Café Carriage offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals on route. 

This train is a reserved seating 'One Class/Non-smoking' service.

This train connects at Greymouth with bus and coach services to Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Westport, Te Anau, Hokitika, Punakaiki, Nelson and Queenstown. 

Rental car hire is available in Greymouth.

So, sit back and enjoy a genuine kiwi rail experience through the rugged Southern Alps and alpine rainforests of the South Island on this award winning train service.

Online Times Fares & Reservations