Child concession for passengers 0 to 15 Child concession for passengers 0 to 15
Fares and concessions for people under 25 years old changed on 1 May 2024.
You may still qualify for a discount. Find out more about fare changes.
Children ages 5 to 15 are eligible for reduced fares with a child concession. They can also travel for free on weekends and public holidays with their registered HOP card.
Children 0 to 4 years old
Children under 5 travel for free when accompanied by a paying passenger. They do not need their own HOP card.
Children 5 to 15 years old
Children 5 to 15 years old will need their own AT HOP card registered with their date of birth. Children must be between the ages of 5 and 15 to be eligible for a child concession.
Step 1: Register AT HOP card
When you register your child's HOP card, decide who will manage the card, you or your child.
Step 2: Wait 1 hour
Your child concession will be available for use 1 hour after you've registered your card. Adult fares apply until your registration has been processed.
Step 3: Tag on to activate
Tap your HOP card on the digital card reader as you board an AT bus, train or ferry. If you do not tag on within 60 days, your concession will be cancelled and you will be charged adult fares.
If this happens, contact us and we can reactivate your concession for you.
If you don't have an AT HOP card, find out how to buy one.
Terms and conditions
The child concession must be loaded onto an AT HOP card registered with the child's correct date of birth.
Child fares apply on timetabled AT bus, train and ferry services and AT Local (excludes Waiheke and Rakino ferries). Students travelling on school buses will also pay child fares.
Adult fares apply when buying tickets without a HOP card. For more details, see Fares & discounts.
Child concession expiry
A child concession expires once the child turns 16 years old.
Secondary students ages 16 to 19 years can apply for a secondary student concession to continue to receive reduced fares.
Free weekend travel for children
Children ages 5 to 15 can travel for free on weekends and public holidays. Free weekend fares are applied automatically when you register your AT HOP card with the child's correct date of birth. Offer excludes Waiheke and Rakino ferry services.
4 easy steps
- Buy an AT HOP card.
- Create a MyAT account and register the card.
- Wait 1 hour.
- Start your adventure!
Use Journey Planner or the AT Mobile app to plan your adventure.
Age verification
Children may be asked by a Transport Officer or other AT representative to prove they are eligible for the concession.
Valid forms of ID must include the child's date of birth, for example,
- secondary or tertiary student ID card
- driver’s licence
- passport
- Kiwi Access Card (previously the 18+ card).
You may be interested in:
- Secondary student concession (16 to 19 years old)
- Tertiary student concessions
- School bus timetables
- Fare zones & how much you pay