City Rail Link won’t open until second half of 2026

Friday, 28 November 2025

Auckland’s long-awaited City Rail Link (CRL) won’t open to passengers until the second half of 2026, government and local leaders have confirmed.

Transport minister Chris Bishop, minister for Auckland Simeon Brown, Auckland mayor Wayne Brown and deputy mayor Desley Simpson jointly announced the timeline, saying the project remains on track but still requires extensive testing before it is ready for public use.

“The finish line for the City Rail Link is getting closer,” Bishop said.

“New Zealand can look forward to the benefits this project will deliver next year. Streets and public spaces are reopening and we’re now transitioning from construction to testing and commissioning.”

“Opening an underground rail line is complex. There is a thorough programme of tests to make sure the CRL is safe, and that the new train timetable is reliable from day one,” Bishop said.

The CRL is New Zealand’s largest-ever transport infrastructure investment, a multi-billion-dollar underground rail line aimed at transforming central Auckland’s commuter experience. Once open, the CRL is expected to significantly reduce travel times, boost train frequency and bring thousands more people into the CBD daily.

“This is the largest transport infrastructure project in New Zealand’s history,” minister Brown said.

“It will support businesses, grow the economy, and ensure Auckland is a world-class city.”

Construction is due to be completed in June 2026, followed by final preparations and handover to Auckland Transport and KiwiRail. This includes more than 16,000 safety and operational tests.

Bishop said Aucklanders have continued to show patience and understanding as “this massive construction project begins to see light at the end of the tunnel, and we want to thank them for that. It won’t be too much longer”.

Mayor Brown said that while there is still work to be done, progress is clearly visible.

Deputy Mayor Simpson added: “Albert St is reopening this weekend and surrounding streets are becoming cone-free. The city is beginning to sparkle again.”

“Our city centre is being rejuvenated into a greener, more vibrant and better-connected place.”

The City Rail Link has been nine years in the making and there's likely another year left to wait. Why's it taking so long?

Construction started in 2016 and it was due to open in November this year and then it was pushed out to 2026.

Rail network rebuild update

Alongside CRL preparations, the Rail Network Rebuild programme and Henderson Station upgrade are also advancing. Bishop noted a major four-week network closure is planned after Christmas to complete key works.

“The Rail Network Rebuild programme is making good progress, replacing foundations and upgrading drainage on the Auckland network. Once complete, this will reduce delays and allow more frequent trains in the future. There is more to do before CRL can open, including significant work during a four-week closure after Christmas,” Bishop said.

Auckland Transport is preparing to operate the new network, including integrating 23 new trains and training staff. Updates to customer information, signage and ticketing systems are also underway.