City Rail Link business connect

Ongoing

City Centre
In Progress
Urban regeneration
Sustainability

The City Rail Link is opening, bringing more people into the city centre to explore the new rail network and station neighbourhoods.

Here's our advice to help you make the most of the change, and where to find support.

More people within reach

Thousands of new potential customers will be closer to your business from Sunday 13 September.

As the new CRL network and stations open, now is the time to make your business stand out and attract more people to your door.

The CRL Business Connect page is for tools, tips and information to help your business prepare for opening and maximise the benefits once services begin.

What does this mean for my business

During the First Look events, thousands of people will be heading to the new stations and surrounding neighbourhoods to see the stations before they open.

To keep the buzz going, there’ll be a range of activations and events around the stations, each designed to showcase the unique character of the area. With more people out and about than a typical Saturday, it’s a chance for local businesses to be part of the excitement.

But this is just the beginning.

Once the CRL opens, on 13 September, Auckland will be more connected than ever before. Places that once felt like separate destinations will suddenly be just minutes apart.

For example, getting from downtown to Karangahape Road will now be possible with a 6 minute train journey.

More people will be exploring different parts of the city, discovering cafés, restaurants, shops and experiences.

Residents will have more reasons to get out and enjoy Auckland, while tourists will find it easier to move around and uncover parts of the city they may never have visited before.

For businesses, that means more visibility, more foot traffic and more opportunities to connect with customers.

CRL isn't just changing how people travel. It's changing how people experience the city.

Getting your business ready

Simple checks to help customers find you: 

Check that your contact details and hours are up to date on your social media, Google Business Profile, website, and any business association listings.
Promote your closest new station entrance or proximity to new transport hubs on your website and social media.
Help keep the streets attractive and welcoming by ensuring signage, rubbish and recycling are only out in their designated spots at scheduled times.
Some loading zones and time limits have recently changed. Let your suppliers and couriers know so deliveries arrive smoothly.
The Journey Planner tool on the Auckland Transport webpage is the best place to check out what the transport changes mean for you, your staff and your customers.
Check out what events are on in your area so you can plan for higher footfall around your business.

Your station neighbourhoods

CRLL0516 Route Map Flyover Aug2026 Larger Labels V7 GF

20260129 Waitematā Plaza Station Opening 6691

Waitematā Station (formerly Britomart) at the bottom of Queen Street.

Easy connections to buses and the Downtown ferry terminal.

Check out the great shopping and hospitality offerings or take a walk along the waterfront.

Te Waihorotiu Station Interior Mark Barber 15 Jun 26 ID 12632

Te Waihorotiu Station in the heart of the central city with entrances on Wellesley Street and Victoria Street.

Easy bus and cycling connections while perfectly located for people wanting to explore Aotea Arts Quarter, visit the Art Gallery or check out the Central Library, grab a bite to eat before seeing a show or climb the Sky Tower!