The stuff you need to know to get from uni and tech to the beach, Kmart or home.
Find out about bus-related information relevant to University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic students and staff.
If you are catching a bus on the Orbus network for the first time, everything you need to know is here including:
How to catch the bus
Learn everything on how to use the Orbus public transport network, such as getting a travel Bee Card, planning your bus journey and more.
Transit app
Learn more about the free Transit app to plan your journey and track your bus, along with where you can get the app.
Dunedin bus fares
Find information on Dunedin bus fares for adults, children, Community Service card holders and SuperGold card holders.
Catching the bus with the Bee Card is simple and cheap. The card gives you access to cheaper fares in ten NZ regions and an easy tag on tag off system.
You can register your card to top up online, enjoy a youth concession (13–18 years), add a community card holder concession and manage multiple cards.
- The Community Connect concession provides Community Services card holders with half-price fares on public transport with a registered Bee Card loaded with this concession.
Where can I get a Bee Card?
You can get your Bee Card for $5:
- on the bus (CASH only)
- at the University Bookshop
- via www.beecard.co.nz
- from the ORC office on Level 2 of Philip Laing House
- at DCC customer service centres
- from libraries in Mosgiel, Port Chalmers and Blueskin Bay
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How much does a Bee Card cost?
- The card is $5 and you need a minimum $5 top-up.
- You can use your $5 credit as soon as you top-up, so catch the bus home!
- Your Bee Card can be 'loaded' with a youth concession (13 – 18 year olds) for cheaper fares. To do that, register your Bee Card on www.beecard.co.nz.
- Your fare information is on our fares page here.
Where can I top up my Bee Card?
- Top up with CASH on the bus or do it online at www.beecard.co.nz. You can set up an auto top up. Online top-ups can take up to 12 hours to come through.
- You can also pay for your Orbus service with cash (although you won't get the registered bee card discount fare).Transfers are free within a 45-minute window if you catch a second bus as part of your journey - but only if you're using a your Bee Card.
You can track your ride and plan your trip using Real time tracking with the Transit app - Download free from the App Store or Google Play
Buses run to or past the university from all over the city.
Bus services covering Port Chalmers, Balaclava, Mornington, South Dunedin and Concord areas, stop outside or close to the university on weekdays.
Check if a bus goes from your area: Check your timetables
You can track your bus using real-time information on the free Transit App Real time tracking with Transit (orc.govt.nz)
Don’t worry if you’re not on a direct route to university, you can get to campus from all over the city by hopping on a bus outside your house and transferring later onto a bus that heads past university. You have a free transfer window of 45 minutes as long as you tag on and off with your Bee Card for each trip.
If you want to escape the tertiary area, the Orbus public transport network travels to some of Dunedin’s most scenic locations. Buses travel along picturesque routes to Otago Peninsula, Waitati-Waikouaiti-Palmerston, Brighton and Port Chalmers.
The Route 18 trip along Otago Peninsula was nominated by The Spinoff as New Zealand’s most scenic public transport route. This charming trip winds along the bays and coves of Otago Harbour, travelling to Portobello and Harington Point and offering stunning views, wildlife and beaches.
A one-way journey takes an hour, and it’s the best $2.50 (or $3 without a Bee Card) you can spend in the city.
Other good spots to visit include St Clair, St Kilda and Warrington beaches, the Octagon, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, Speights Brewery, Moana Pool, Ross Creek, Woodhaugh Gardens, Chingford Park, South Dunedin shopping, and the Edgar Centre.
Bus alerts
Find the latest Orbus bus and ferry alerts and updates across both the Dunedin and Queenstown networks.
How to catch the bus
Learn everything on how to use the Orbus public transport network, such as getting a travel Bee Card, planning your bus journey and more.
Journey planner
Plan your bus journey in Dunedin or Queenstown.
What can you take on the bus
Find Orbus guidelines on things you can and can’t take on the bus, including information on animals/pets and bikes.
Fare concessions
Concessions can give discounted or free travel for children, youth, Community Service card holders and SuperGold card holders.
Public holidays
Find out which services will be operating on specific public holidays.
School buses
Find everything you need to know about catching a bus to get and from school, such as routes, times, fares and Bee Card concessions.
Accessibility
At Orbus, accessibility means making bus travel easy for everyone, in many different ways.
Transit app
Learn more about the free Transit app to plan your journey and track your bus, along with where you can get the app.
Track your bus in real-time
Learn how Orbus's real-time tracking works so you can see where and when your bus is arriving at your bus stop.
Cruise ships
Find information regarding buses and news during cruise ship seasons in Dunedin, such as additional buses for Route 14 to/from Port Chalmers to help with increased demand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Everything you want to know about using Otago public transport in one easy location.
Code of Conduct
Every person has the right to be treated with respect, with courtesy and remain safe, including on buses and at bus stops.
Contact us
Get in touch with our fantastic customer services team if you have any questions or feedback on our Orbus services.
