When did the City Rail Link open and what did it cost?
By Mark Pervan, Director, City Builders Association Limited · Published 2026-10-26
The City Rail Link was officially opened on 11 September 2026 and passenger services began on Sunday 13 September 2026. The project cost $5.493 billion. It has twin 3.45 km tunnels up to 42 m below the city centre, two new underground stations at Te Waihorotiu and Karanga-a-Hape, and a redeveloped Maungawhau Station.
Has this been lodged?
Not lodged. This question will be marked lodged only when this page shows the date, the recipient and the reference.
When did it open?
City Rail Link Ltd says the CRL was officially opened on 11 September 2026 and public services began on Sunday 13 September 2026. (City Rail Link Ltd) Auckland Transport confirmed the 13 September passenger opening on 6 August 2026, with the first weekday timetable from Monday 14 September. (Auckland Transport) At the end of June 2026 City Rail Link Ltd reached practical completion and handed the stations and tunnels to Auckland Transport and KiwiRail. (City Rail Link Ltd)
What was built?
- Twin 3.45 km tunnels up to 42 m underground between Waitematā and Maungawhau stations
- Two new underground stations: Te Waihorotiu (midtown) and Karanga-a-Hape (entrances at Mercury Lane and Beresford Square)
- Waitematā Station redeveloped as a two-way through-station
- Maungawhau Station redeveloped
(City Rail Link Ltd; City Rail Link Ltd)
What did it cost?
$5.493 billion, funded jointly by the Crown and Auckland Council. (City Rail Link Ltd) For the ongoing cost to ratepayers, see How much is the City Rail Link costing Auckland ratepayers?. International Railway Journal also reported the opening. (International Railway Journal)
Frequently asked questions
Who operates the CRL?
KiwiRail and Auckland Transport own and operate the completed infrastructure. (City Rail Link Ltd)
Can longer trains run?
The project includes provision for nine-car trains. (City Rail Link Ltd)
General information, not planning, legal or financial advice. Spot an error? Email info@citybuildersassociation.org (corrections policy).
Sources
- City Rail Link – official siteCity Rail Link Ltd · accessed 2026-10-26T03:00:00.000Zhttps://www.cityraillink.co.nz/
- Project OverviewCity Rail Link Ltd · accessed 2026-10-26T03:00:00.000Zhttps://www.cityraillink.co.nz/city-rail-link-project-overview
- All aboard! What you need to know about CRL opening 13 Sep (6 August 2026)Auckland Transport · accessed 2026-10-26T03:00:00.000Zhttps://at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/media-centre/2026-media-releases/all-aboard-what-you-need-to-know-about-city-rail-link-opening-13-september
- Auckland's City Rail Link opensInternational Railway Journal · accessed 2026-10-26T03:00:00.000Zhttps://www.railjournal.com/regions/australia-nz/aucklands-city-rail-link-opens/
General information, not legal advice. Spot an error? How do corrections work?