Auckland's City Rail Link Opens September 13

Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown announced that the City Rail Link (CRL) will open to passengers on September 13, 2026. The $5.5 billion project includes a 3.45km twin-tunnel underground railway and new stations at Te Waihorotiu, Karanga-a-Hape, and Maungawhau. The project aims to reduce road congestion and increase train frequency to every five minutes through the city centre during peak times.

The official announcement at Karanga-a-Hape Station followed a public relations error where billboards displaying the opening date appeared across the central business district early that morning. Auckland Transport attributed the leak to a content loading issue by an advertising provider. During the press conference, Bishop initially misspoke by stating the opening would occur on Friday, September 13, before the correct date was confirmed.

Mayor Brown stated that the rail link will unlock economic opportunities and announced plans to increase housing around stations via Plan Change 120. To prepare for the launch, Auckland Transport has released a new Journey Planner and timetable. Additionally, Auckland Transport, City Rail Link Limited, and KiwiRail will host free, ticketed First Look public events at the new stations on consecutive Saturdays throughout August.