How to pay for public transport using an AT HOP card Te ara hei utu mā tētahi kāri AT HOP

Getting started with AT HOP

An AT HOP card is a prepaid card that allows you to pay for bus, train and ferry travel in Auckland. Add money to your card before you travel, then ‘tag on’ when you board and ‘tag off’ when you exit our public transport services.  

Benefits of using a HOP card 

• Get at least 20% off every trip, compared to paying cash for train and ferry fares.
• Easily transfer between bus, train and ferry services.
• Pay just one fare as you travel between zones.
• Load applicable concessions on your HOP card for further travel discounts.

Tagging on and tagging off

Tag on and off using the card reader on buses and at train stations and ferry terminals when you travel. That way, we’ll deduct the correct fare from your prepaid HOP card. 

1. To tag on, hold your HOP card flat against the card reader.
2. Wait for the beep and a green light, then you’re ready to go.
   • 2 beeps plus a green and amber light mean you are travelling on a concession fare.
   • 3 beeps plus a green light mean your HOP card is not registered.
3. When you’ve completed your journey, tag off by holding your card against the reader as you exit the bus, train station or ferry terminal.

Your HOP card may be checked once you are on board the train, ferry or bus.

If you change your mind and decide not to board the service, just tag off within 20 minutes and you won’t be charged for the trip.

If you forget to tag on or off

If you forget to tag on or tag off, you will be charged the default fare, which will be automatically deducted next time you tag on.

If a default fare puts your card balance below $0, you will be unable to tag on until you top up your AT HOP card.

If you are unable to tag on or tag off

If your card is not allowing you to tag on or tag off, it could be one of the following:

Your card has a negative balance

You must top up your card before tagging on again.

Incorrect tag-on

You may have tagged on at the wrong reader or withdrawn your card too quickly. If there’s no beep and green light, please try again.

Device error or faulty card

You’ll need to visit an AT customer service centre, where we’ll examine your card and replace it free of charge if there’s a technical fault.

Fraudulent use 

If we detect fare evasion or fraudulent behaviour, we may cancel your card. If your card is registered, we will try to contact you first.

Note: Even if your HOP card isn’t working, you must have a valid ticket for travel. You can buy a ticket for the train or ferry from a customer service centre or vending machine at the station or terminal. 

Paying for someone else

If you’re travelling on a train or bus with someone who doesn’t have a HOP card, you can use your HOP credit to buy a single-trip ticket for them. Full cash fares apply.

• To pay for more than one person, simply tag on as usual, then ask the bus driver to charge your HOP card for each passenger.
• To pay for more than one person on the train, use your HOP card to buy a ticket from a vending machine.

Lending your card to others

You can only lend your HOP card to someone else if:

• it does not have discount concessions loaded
• it is not a gold AT HOP card.

How much you pay with AT HOP

To find out how much it costs to travel with a HOP card, visit Fare zones and calculating how much you pay.

If you think you’ve been charged an incorrect fare, you can query your transaction. 

Other ways to pay for public transport 

Train and ferry tickets

If you do not have a HOP card, you must buy a ticket before boarding the train or ferry. 

You can purchase single-trip tickets from a ticket machine or customer service centre at any train station or ferry terminal other than Northcote Point. Northcote Point passengers must buy tickets at the Downtown Ferry Terminal.

Contactless payments

We are investing in technology that will allow customers to pay for public transport with a credit, debit or digital card later in 2024.