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Outbound fromChristchurch to Nelson by train
It takes an average of 8h 49m to travel from Christchurch to Nelson by train, over a distance of around 215 miles (346 km). There are normally 18 trains per day travelling from Christchurch to Nelson and tickets for this journey start from £81.50 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:20 | |
| Departure station | Christchurch | |
| Arrival station | Nelson | |
| Journey time | From 6h 56m | |
| Distance | 215 miles (346 km) | |
| Frequency | 18 trains per day | |
| Changes | 3 changes | |
| Price | From £81.50 | |
| Train operators |
Take the train from Christchurch to Nelson in 6 hours 56 minutes
If you want to travel from Christchurch to Nelson by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Christchurch to Nelson by train to take around 8 hours 49 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 6 hours 56 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 18 trains per day running on this route, which spans 215 miles (346 km). You'll have to make 3 changes along the way on your journey to Nelson. You can travel on this route with either Avanti West Coast, South Western Railway or CrossCountry. As the main train operators on this route, all offer comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
Train tickets from Christchurch to Nelson start from £81.50 when you book in advance, which can be cheaper than buying them on the day. Travelling during Off-Peak times or using a Railcard can also help you save money on train travel. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including money-saving tips, or check our timetable above where you can view live train times.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Christchurch to Nelson? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Christchurch to Nelson take?
The average journey time by train between Christchurch and Nelson is 8 hours and 49 minutes, with around 18 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Christchurch and Nelson by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Christchurch to Nelson is 6 hours and 56 minutes.
How much does the train from Christchurch to Nelson cost?
Train ticket prices from Christchurch to Nelson can start from as little as £81.50 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Christchurch to Nelson?
No, there are no direct train services from Christchurch to Nelson. Travelling from Christchurch to Nelson by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.
What time does the first train from Christchurch to Nelson leave?
The first train from Christchurch to Nelson leaves at 04:19. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Christchurch to Nelson leave?
The last train from Christchurch to Nelson leaves at 23:20. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Christchurch and Nelson by train?
Trains travelling from Christchurch to Nelson cover a distance of around 215 miles (346 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Nelson to Christchurch.
Cheap train tickets from Christchurch to Nelson
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Christchurch to Nelson is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.