Regional Bus Services
Together with Waikato and Bay of Plenty Regional Councils, we offer a regional bus service for students who live in smaller towns.
Waikato Regional Bus Service
Students living in the wider Waikato region can use the Waikato Regional Bus Service to travel to the Hamilton campus.
Unfortunately, we are no longer offering our Thames service. There are some changes to our Tokoroa, Te Kuiti and Matamata services, which are being operated by Waikato Regional Council:
Tokoroa and Te Kuiti
The new Waikato Regional Council bus services from Tokoroa and Te Kuiti are public services and travel through surrounding towns.These services operate Monday to Friday, including study weeks, exam weeks and teaching recess, but excluding public holidays.
The Te Kuiti service includes a transfer to a connecting bus at Waikato Hospital. If you make this connection you’re eligible for free transfers for half an hour after tagging off.
Visit Tokoroa Connector – BUSIT and Te Kuiti Connector – BUSIT for more information.
Matamata
There is an existing Waikato Regional Council public service that is from Matamata to Hamilton operating Monday to Friday.
Visit Eastern Connector - BUSIT for more information.
Te Kauwhata
There is an existing Waikato Regional Council public service that is from Te Kauwhata to Hamilton operating Monday to Friday.
Visit Northern Connector - BUSIT for more information.
For more information on all services provided by Waikato Regional Council, visit Waikato Regional Bus Services.
Cost
To use these regional bus services, simply tag on with your Bee card. To receive a student discount, your Bee Card must be registered with the University.
Thames
This service is not available in 2023. If you impacted by the service no longer being available, please email [email protected] with your Student ID, days of travel and how you are currently coming to campus.
Bay of Plenty Regional Bus Service
Tauranga-based University of Waikato students living in and around Whakatāne, Rotorua and Katikati can use the Bay of Plenty Regional Bus Service for free. Find out more here.
Tauranga-based University of Waikato students who live in Whakatāne, Rotorua and Katikati can use the Bay of Plenty Regional Bus Service for free, thanks to a joining venture between the University of Waikato, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
The service operates Monday - Friday; including study weeks, exam weeks and teaching recess, but excluding public holidays.
Buses are scheduled to arrive between 8:30am - 9am and depart just after 5pm daily.
Bus Routes and Timetables
Costs
This service is free. Simply tag on with your Bee card (with tertiary concession preloaded) to access the service free of charge. Make sure you carry your valid student ID in case you are asked for proof of concession eligibility.
This service is also available to the public at a cost.
Contact
For more information, email [email protected]