Why are we introducing a fuel surcharge?
To keep our services running safely and reliably, we’ve made the difficult decision to introduce a temporary fuel surcharge to help offset these rising operating costs.
We’ll continue to review fuel prices closely and remove the surcharge as soon as conditions allow.
What is the fuel surcharge?
- A 9.2% fuel surcharge per trip
- It applies to Retail, Resident, Multi-Trip and Commercial customers
- We will review it on a fortnightly basis and we will update you of any changes by publishing the new fuel surcharge rate on our website.
- We will also communicate any changes to the fuel surcharge directly to our commercial customers.
The surcharge rates are summarised below:
| Month | Fuel surcharge |
|---|---|
| As of 1 May 2026 | 9.2% |
When does the surcharge apply?
Applies to all bookings from Friday, 1 May 2026
For retail customers and residents the fuel surcharge will be applied at the time of booking and will be itemised on your booking confirmation.
I am an account customer. How does the surcharge work for me?
The fuel surcharge applicable to your booking is based on the date of travel (not the date of booking). You will receive a separate invoice for the fuel surcharge at the start of the week for travel the previous week (Monday-Sunday). If you have any questions, please contact us on email or call 09 300 5900
How is the surcharge calculated?
The Fuel Surcharge is calculated using a Fuel Adjustment Factor (FAF). The FAF is a transparent way to reflect changes in fuel prices without changing our base fares. Our fares include a baseline fuel cost. We will review the rates fortnightly and compare current fuel prices to the baseline. A five cent change in the fuel price will result in a 0.8% change in the surcharge. The FAF reflects fuel costs only. It can move up or down in line with fuel prices and is shown separately so customers can clearly see how fuel price changes affect the total fare.
Does this affect existing bookings?
No, for retail and resident customer bookings made before 1 May 2026 your booking will not be affected.
If you are a Pre-Pay commercial customer, the surcharge will apply for bookings made from 1 May 2026.
For On-Account commercial customers, we will send you a separate fuel surcharge invoice at the beginning of each week with the applicable fuel surcharge for the trips you took with us for the previous week (Monday-Sunday).
When will the surcharge end?
We’re keeping a close eye on fuel prices and global conditions.
The surcharge will be reviewed fortnightly and adjusted up or down, as fuel prices change. We will publish those changes on our website. When prices return to more sustainable levels, it will be removed as soon as conditions allow. For on-account commercial customers, we will also email you of any changes to the surcharge for your upcoming travel with us.
What if I need to change or cancel my booking?
If you cancel your booking, our standard cancellation terms apply. Where a refund is applicable, this will include the fuel surcharge.
If you need to amend a booking for a future travel date, the fuel surcharge that is in effect at the time you change your booking will be applied.
I am a multi-trip pass holder. How does this affect me?
The fuel surcharge will apply to any multi-trip pass purchased while the surcharge is in effect. If the fuel surcharge changes after your purchase, the surcharge applied to your multi trip pass will remain the same for all remaining trips.
I commute using the Pine Harbour – Downtown ferry service. Are these services impacted?
We operate the Pine Harbour ferry service on behalf of Auckland Transport. Refer to the AT website for any fare changes to public transport ferry services.
I am a Gold AT HOP card customer – how am I affected?
When travelling on SeaLink qualifying Gold AT HOP card services, the fuel surcharge won’t apply to your booking.