Henderson Station

A third platform and additional tracks are being built at Henderson Station which will enable more frequent and reliable train services as part of the City Rail Link (CRL) programme. This upgrade of rail infrastructure, which will continue until mid-2026, is mostly taking place in scheduled network closures during public, school and university holiday periods.

On this page

CRL and Henderson Station project background | What's being modified at Henderson Station | Upgrading the lifts and escalators.

City Rail Link and Henderson Station project background

The City Rail Link (CRL) Henderson Station third platform project is part of an extensive programme to upgrade and renew Auckland's rail network in preparation for CRL opening in 2026.

CRL and its associated network upgrades will be a game changer for how Aucklanders get around with a better-connected public transport network, with more frequent and reliable train services.

Major upgrades of the rail infrastructure in the Henderson Station area, and modifications to the station, are part of the work that will help deliver the transformation CRL will bring to how Aucklanders travel around the city. Some of these benefits include:

  • Up to 16 trains per hour through the central city, every four to five minutes at peak times
  • An additional 50 per cent capacity added to the current rail network
  • Double the number of people within 30 minutes' travel to Auckland's city centre
  • Easier connections between more parts of Auckland
  • New underground stations at Te Waihorotiu and Karanga-a-Hape. 

Henderson will play a pivotal role in the new Auckland rail network. After CRL opens, passengers will be able to travel from Henderson to the new Te Waihorotiu Station in midtown within 35 minutes - a 24-minute time saving compared to current public transport options. 

The CRL will also allow passengers to travel by train direct from Henderson to South Auckland, via the new Onehunga-West line.

What’s being upgraded at Henderson Station

Major upgrades to rail infrastructure to support a greater frequency of trains:

  • A new third platform to enable more frequent and reliable services
  • The third platform allows some trains to be turned around in Henderson at the end of service, while retaining two through-tracks for trains travelling to and from Swanson
  • Upgrades to track layout, overhead lines and signalling equipment
  • Auckland Transport has replaced station lifts and escalators
  • A new emergency exit bridge at the southern end of the station
  • Replacing aging sleepers and rail, and underground foundations for greater resilience
  • A new staff facility building

Upgrading the lifts and escalators

Auckland Transport (AT) has installed new lifts and escalators within Henderson Station. This project was completed in July 2025. 

Auckland April Rail Closure 2025: Henderson Station project
Summer Rail Closure 2024/25

Benefits for customers

  • The upgrades to rail infrastructure at Henderson will allow more frequent and reliable train services.
  • They support new connections by train to more places with the new additional platform.
  • The new lifts and escalators will provide greater reliability for customers.

Information for businesses and residents

Throughout the construction, KiwiRail will:

  • Ensure the construction site, and surrounding area, remains tidy, safe, accessible, and easy to navigate.
  • Maintain a dialogue with affected businesses, residents and property owners on the progress and impacts of the construction and respond quickly to community feedback.
  • Minimise, as much as possible, any disruption to normal services, such as rubbish removal and loading and servicing.