Picton
Ferry

Compare Prices

Compare Cook Strait Ferries

There are two ferry operators sailing between Wellington and Picton: Interislander and Bluebridge.

Both carry passengers and vehicles across Cook Strait, with the journey taking around 3.5 hours.

Picton Ferry let’s you compare both at the same time.

Which ferry should you choose?

There isn’t one ferry that is always better. The best choice usually comes down to:

  • Departure time: The two operators have different sailing schedules, so one may suit your travel plans better.
  • Price: Fares can vary depending on your travel date, vehicle and availability.
  • Availability: Popular sailing times such as school and public can sell out well in advance.
  • Onboard facilities: The ships and facilities differ between the two operators, including seating, food, lounges and cabin options.
  • Travelling with a vehicle or pet: Check the individual fare and travel options that apply to your booking.

Use the tables below to compare Interislander and Bluebridge side by side and decide which option best suits your journey.

Click here to compare price and availability of both ferries for your travel times.

Interislander ferry travelling through the Marlborough Sounds Interislander

Interislander quick check

  • Classic Cook Strait ferry service Good for travellers wanting a familiar Picton–Wellington ferry crossing.
  • Strong vehicle travel focus Compare carefully if travelling with a car, campervan, motorbike, trailer or roof load.
  • Three ticket classes Saver, Flexible and Refundable give different change and refund rights.
  • Best customer fit Choose by sailing time, vehicle space, ticket flexibility and final price.
Bluebridge ferry entering Picton Bluebridge

Bluebridge quick check

  • Comfort and onboard options Useful if you want to compare cabins, lounges, seating, Wi-Fi, movies or rest space.
  • Pet arrangements matter Check pet options carefully before choosing by price alone.
  • Three ticket classes Saver Sail, Super Sail and Flexi Sail give different change and refund rights.
  • Best customer fit Choose by comfort, timing, ticket terms, pet needs and final value.

Need urgent official ticket changes?

Use your official ferry booking reference and contact the operating carrier directly.

Interislander: 0800 802 802 Email Interislander Bluebridge: 0800 844 844 Email Bluebridge
Question
Interislander
Bluebridge
Customer takeaway
Can I change sailing date or time?
Saver: $20 per person, $30 per vehicle, $15 per motorbike, plus higher fare difference. Flexible and Refundable: no change fee for equal/lower fare; pay fare difference if higher.
Saver Sail: $20 per person, infants excluded, plus $20 per vehicle, motorbike or trailer. Super Sail and Flexi Sail: no change fee; fare difference may apply.
Choose flexible if your timing may change.
Can I cancel and get a refund?
Saver and Flexible are non-refundable. Refundable can be cancelled up to 1 hour before departure, less non-refundable card fees.
Saver Sail and Super Sail are non-refundable under normal cancellation rules. Flexi Sail is refundable if cancelled at least 1 hour before sailing. Card fees may be non-refundable.
Choose Refundable or Flexi Sail if cancellation is possible.
Can I add passengers, vehicles or change details?
Changes are subject to ticket rules, available space and fare difference. Added passengers, vehicles, trailers or motorbikes may increase the fare.
Changes are subject to fare type, available space and fare difference. Added passengers, vehicles, trailers, cabins or lounges may increase the fare.
Adding people, vehicles, trailers or cabins can change the final price.
What if the ferry is cancelled, delayed or disrupted?
Interislander may provide rebooking, refund and/or compensation options depending on the ticket, cause of disruption and its published policy.
If Bluebridge cancels your sailing and you cannot travel later, Bluebridge says a refund may apply regardless of fare type.
Contact the operating carrier directly using your official ticket reference.

Read the ticket type before booking.

Fare rules, refund rights, change fees, card fees, check-in times and disruption policies can vary by carrier, ticket type, booking channel, promotion, passenger type, vehicle type and travel date. Always check the official fare conditions shown before payment.