Experience the extraordinary with SkyDrive in Queenstown & Wānaka
Central Otago shuttle
Affordable luxury. Breathtaking views.
Our shuttle service between Queenstown and Wānaka seamlessly connects two of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations.
Skip the expensive car rentals and fuel costs. With spacious seating and panoramic windows, SkyDrive offers you a cost-effective way to sit back, relax and enjoy the incredible scenery. Book your seat today and discover why SkyDrive is the preferred choice for travellers.
- Shuttles four times a day
- Stops at Queenstown Airport, Frankton, Cardrona, Cromwell and Luggate
- Plan a return day trip and take in the sights at your leisure
Worried your plans might change?
No problem! Book ahead in confidence and manage your booking online if you need to change
Digital tickets
Easy, instant booking and confirmation from your screen
Relax in comfort
Travel and stay connected in our clean modern coaches
Buses are better
Reduce your carbon footprint with fewer cars on the road
Plan your journey to Queenstown
SkyDrive offers an easy and reliable way to get around this beautiful region. In as little as 75 minutes you can get from Wānaka, via the Crown Range into Queenstown and return later the same day. Check our route map below for all journey durations and details.
Stops along our routes
For passengers flying into Queenstown with Wānaka as your destination our stop is conveniently placed in the pickup area right outside the airport terminal, on Sir Henry Wigley Drive. Zoom in on our interactive map to see the detailed location of all our stops.
Our routes are either:
- Queenstown Central (Athol Street) > Queenstown Airport > Frankton Bus Hub > Cromwell > Wānaka
- Queenstown Central > Queenstown Airport > Frankton Bus Hub > SH6 Crown Range Carpark > Cardrona Hotel > Wānaka
In Wānaka the SkyDrive service stops at the Wānaka Medical Centre and the Lakefront Bus Stop at 100 Ardmore Street.
We offer a simple fixed fee, and you can book in advance with confidence. If your plans change, just log into our online portal to manage your SkyDrive booking.
How to book
SkyDrive’s online booking portal is easy to use and gives you quick access to the information you need.
- Enter your destination and date (s) of travel to see real time seat availability and pricing.
- Use our secure payment system to lock in your seat and travel
- Keep your confirmation and reference email handy. Use it to log in later if you need to manage your booking, change dates and times or request a refund.
You can also buy a ticket from our drivers on the day of travel and pay by cash, as long as there is onboard availability.
If your plans change, just log into our online portal to manage your SkyDrive booking. Close to the day of travel Contact our team.
Why SkyDrive?
SkyDrive Express provides one of the most affordable ways to travel in the region with services that are fast, safe and environmentally friendly.
- Family travel is easy with discounts for kids and seniors, and luggage help for busy parents.
- Your ticket includes one free small carry-on and two checked bags. A minimal fee is charged for any extra bags or oversized equipment.
- There are no fees for changing date or time as long as you do this in advance and there is availability. Refer to our Cancellations, Refund and Rescheduling Policy.
There are real advantages to travelling by coach instead of car.
- No rental or parking fees to worry about
- Taking public transport is environmentally friendly and the most sustainable way to get around – keeping cars off the road and carbon emissions lower.
- Our services have been safely operating since 2022 and are backed by Ritchies Transport, one of New Zealand’s long standing and respected passenger transport operators.
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take to get from Wānaka to the airport in Queenstown?
When travelling via Crown Range, the travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. When travelling via Cromwell, the travel time is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Please always allow extra time when you plan your travel.
Can I buy tickets on the bus?
It is strongly recommended that you always Book Ahead for SkyDrive Queenstown. Walk-ins are not guaranteed if vehicles are at full capacity.
Are there luggage restrictions?
There are some capacity limits, but with advance notice we can work to accommodate your luggage needs. Your ticket includes two 23kg checked bags free of charge and one piece of small hand luggage. Additional bags, sports equipment (including bikes) or cargo you can book ahead of time with a small fee. You will see this during the booking process. Any bikes must be packed down into a bike bag or travel case.
I’ve left something on the bus, who do I contact?
If you believe you left an item behind, complete our Lost Property Form as soon as possible, and one of the team will be in touch. You can expect some delays after hours or on weekends, but rest assured our drivers are trained to check the vehicles after each service so may have already have your item in safe keeping.
HELP & CONTACT
Our friendly team is here to assist. First check out our Help & FAQ page. If you don’t see the answer you need there, Connect with our SkyDrive support team.
