There are 5 ways to get from Thames to Waitomo Caves by bus, train, or car
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.
Bus
best- Take the bus from Marshall St, Paeroa to Transport Centre22
- Take the bus from Hamilton - Central to Waitomo TownshipAuckland - Central - Palmerston North
5h 16m$23–110Bus via Manukau City
cheapest- Take the bus from Thames to Manukau CityAuckland - Central - Tauranga / ...
- Take the bus from Manukau City to Waitomo TownshipAuckland - Central - Palmerston North
5h 24m$10–110Bus, train
- Take the bus from Thames to Manukau CityAuckland - Central - Tauranga / ...
- Take the train from Papakura to OtorohangaNorthern Explorer
6h 20m$85–189Drive 165.8 km
- Drive from Thames to Waitomo Caves165.8 km
2h 7m$49–71Bus via Auckland
- Take the bus from Thames to Auckland - CentralAuckland - Central - Tauranga / ...
- Take the bus from Auckland - Central to Waitomo Glowworm CavesAuckland - Central - Auckland - Central
5h 35m$80–162
Thames to Waitomo Caves by bus
Questions & Answers
The cheapest way to get from Thames to Waitomo Caves is to bus via Manukau City which costs $10 - $110 and takes 5h 24m.
The fastest way to get from Thames to Waitomo Caves is to drive which takes 2h 7m and costs $45 - $75.
No, there is no direct bus from Thames to Waitomo Caves. However, there are services departing from Thames and arriving at Waitomo Township via Marshall St, Paeroa and Hamilton - Central. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5h 16m.
The distance between Thames and Waitomo Caves is 182 km. The road distance is 165.8 km.
The best way to get from Thames to Waitomo Caves without a car is to bus which takes 5h 16m and costs $23 - $110.
It takes approximately 5h 16m to get from Thames to Waitomo Caves, including transfers.
Thames to Waitomo Caves bus services, operated by Busit, depart from Marshall St, Paeroa station.
Thames to Waitomo Caves bus services, operated by Busit, arrive at Transport Centre station.
Yes, the driving distance between Thames to Waitomo Caves is 166 km. It takes approximately 2h 7m to drive from Thames to Waitomo Caves.
There are 56+ hotels available in Waitomo Caves.
What companies run services between Thames, New Zealand and Waitomo Caves, New Zealand?
You can take a bus from Thames to Waitomo Township via Marshall St, Paeroa, Transport Centre, and Hamilton - Central in around 5h 16m.
- Phone
- +64 4495 0775
- bookings@greatjourneysnz.com
- Website
- greatjourneysofnz.co.nz
Train from Papakura to Otorohanga
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 10m
- Frequency
- 3 times a week
- Estimated price
- $70–85
- Schedules at
- greatjourneysofnz.co.nz
- Phone
- 0800 205 305
- busit@waikatoregion.govt.nz
- Website
- busit.co.nz
Bus from Marshall St, Paeroa to Transport Centre
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 32m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $13–17
- Schedules at
- busit.co.nz
- Phone
- +64 9 583 5780
- info@intercity.co.nz
- Website
- intercity.co.nz
Bus from Hamilton - Central to Waitomo Township
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 15m
- Frequency
- 5 times a week
- Estimated price
- $5–50
- Website
- https://www.intercity.co.nz/
Bus from Thames to Manukau City
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 9m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- $5–50
- Website
- https://www.intercity.co.nz/
Bus from Manukau City to Waitomo Township
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 15m
- Frequency
- 5 times a week
- Estimated price
- $5–60
- Website
- https://www.intercity.co.nz/
Bus from Thames to Auckland - Central
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 50m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- $5–55
- Website
- https://www.intercity.co.nz/
- Phone
- +64 9 583 5790
- info@greatsights.co.nz
- Website
- greatsights.co.nz
Bus from Auckland - Central to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 45m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $75–110
- Website
- https://www.greatsights.co.nz/new-zealand-tours/
- Standard
- $75–110
- Flexi
- $85–650
Want to know more about travelling around the world?
Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including How to get from Stansted Airport into central London, Italy Travel Guides, and Need to know: Eurostar - to help you get the most out of your next trip.