Getting Around Fiji
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use local buses for Suva and Nadi. Rural: Rent a car for Viti Levu exploration. Islands: Ferries and domestic flights. For convenience, book airport transfers from Nadi to your destination.
Ferry Travel
Bligh Water Ferries
Reliable ferry network connecting Viti Levu to Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands with daily services.
Cost: Nadi to Yasawas FJD 150-250 round-trip, journeys 2-4 hours depending on route.
Tickets: Buy via ferry company apps, websites, or ports. Online booking recommended for peak season.
Peak Times: Avoid December-February holidays for lower prices and availability.
Ferry Passes
Bula Pass offers unlimited travel on Yasawa Flyer for 5-21 days from FJD 200 (5 days) to FJD 500 (21 days).
Best For: Island-hopping over multiple days, significant savings for 4+ stops.
Where to Buy: Nadi Port, ferry websites, or agents with instant digital activation.
High-Speed Options
Fast catamarans like Yasawa Flyer connect to outer islands quickly, with links to domestic flights.
Booking: Reserve seats 1-2 weeks ahead for best prices, discounts up to 30% off-peak.
Main Ports: Port Denarau is the hub, with connections to Nadi and Lautoka ports.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for exploring Viti Levu countryside and Coral Coast. Compare rental prices from FJD 100-200/day at Nadi Airport and major towns.
Requirements: Valid license (international permit recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to road conditions, verify inclusions for off-road use.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 100 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal, mainly on Queens Road bridges (FJD 5-10).
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, roundabouts common in towns.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered in Suva/Nadi FJD 1-2/hour, watch for no-parking zones.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available on main islands at FJD 2.50-3.00/liter for petrol, FJD 2.20-2.80 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for navigation, download offline maps for remote areas.
Traffic: Light outside cities, but expect delays in Nadi and Suva during peak hours.
Urban Transport
Local Buses
Extensive bus network on Viti Levu, single fare FJD 1-5, day pass FJD 10-15 for unlimited rides.
Validation: Pay cash to driver upon boarding, no tickets issued, exact change helpful.
Apps: Fiji Bus app for schedules, routes, and real-time tracking in major towns.
Bike Rentals
Bike hires in Nadi and Coral Coast resorts, FJD 20-40/day with helmets provided at most spots.
Routes: Scenic coastal paths along Queens Road, suitable for short distances.
Tours: Guided eco-bike tours in Sigatoka Valley, blending culture and adventure.
Taxis & Shuttles
Air-conditioned taxis and resort shuttles operate in Suva, Nadi, and airports.
Tickets: FJD 5-20 per ride, negotiate fares or use metered taxis in cities.
Airport Shuttles: Shared vans from Nadi Airport to Denarau FJD 20-30, book in advance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near ports in Nadi for island access, beachfront in Coral Coast for relaxation.
- Booking Timing: Book 3-6 months ahead for dry season (May-Oct) and festivals like Diwali.
- Cancellation: Opt for flexible policies due to weather-related disruptions like cyclones.
- Amenities: Confirm air-conditioning, mosquito nets, and transfer services before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for updates on sustainability and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G coverage on Viti Levu, 3G/4G on major islands, spotty in remote outer reefs.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from FJD 15 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install pre-arrival, activate on landing, compatible with unlocked phones.
Local SIM Cards
Vodafone Fiji and Digicel offer prepaid SIMs from FJD 10-30 with island-wide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or kiosks with passport for registration required.
Data Plans: 5GB for FJD 40, 10GB for FJD 70, unlimited for FJD 100/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi common in resorts, cafes, and airports, but slower in rural spots.
Public Hotspots: Nadi Airport and major ports offer free access for basic use.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban areas, sufficient for emails and light streaming.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Fiji Time (FJT), UTC+12, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Nadi Airport (NAN) 9km from town, shuttle FJD 20 (20 min), taxi FJD 50, or book private transfer for FJD 80-120.
- Luggage Storage: Available at Nadi Airport (FJD 10-15/day) and bus stations in Suva.
- Accessibility: Buses and ferries have limited ramps, resorts often more accommodating for mobility needs.
- Pet Travel: Pets restricted on ferries (FJD 20-50 fee), check resort policies for allowances.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on buses for FJD 5-10, free on ferries off-peak with space.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Fiji
Nadi International Airport (NAN) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Nadi International (NAN): Primary hub, 9km from Nadi town with shuttle connections.
Suva-Nausori (SUV): Domestic focus 20km from capital, bus to Suva FJD 5 (30 min).
Labasa (LBS): Northern Vanua Levu airport for regional flights, taxi to town FJD 20.
Booking Tips
Book 2-4 months in advance for dry season (May-Oct) to save 20-40% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Thursday) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly via Auckland or Sydney for connections, then domestic to outer islands.
Budget Airlines
Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar serve Nadi with Pacific routes.
Important: Include baggage and island transfers in total cost comparisons.
Check-in: Online 24 hours prior, airport fees apply for extras.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in towns and airports, fees FJD 5-10, prefer bank machines over tourist spots.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted at resorts, less so in markets.
- Contactless Payment: Growing use in cities, Apple Pay supported at larger venues.
- Cash: Essential for buses, ferries, and villages, carry FJD 100-200 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated, add 5-10% at resorts for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, skip airport kiosks with high fees.