Getting Around Kiribati
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use minibuses and bikes on Tarawa. Inter-Island: Rent a scooter for atoll exploration. Remote Atolls: Boats and domestic flights. For convenience, book airport transfers from Tarawa to your destination.
Train Travel
Air Kiribati Domestic Flights
Limited but essential network connecting Tarawa to outer islands with scheduled services.
Cost: Tarawa to Christmas Island AUD$200-300, flights 1-3 hours depending on distance.
Tickets: Book via Air Kiribati website, office in Tarawa, or agents. Confirm schedules as they change.
Peak Times: Avoid December-February for high demand and potential delays due to weather.
Island Hopper Passes
Multi-island flight passes for 3-7 stops starting at AUD$500, ideal for exploring multiple atolls.
Best For: Extended trips visiting several islands, saves up to 30% on individual fares.
Where to Buy: Air Kiribati counters at Bonriki Airport or online with e-ticket delivery.
Charter Options
Private charters available for remote Phoenix or Line Islands via operators like Coral Sun Airways.
Booking: Arrange in advance through travel agents, costs AUD$1000+ per hour for small groups.
Main Hubs: Depart from Tarawa's Bonriki Airport, with airstrips on most major atolls.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Vehicle
Available mainly on Tarawa for exploring the atoll. Compare rental prices from AUD$50-80/day at Bonriki Airport or in Bairiki.
Requirements: Valid international license, cash deposit, minimum age 21 with experience.
Insurance: Basic coverage included, but add comprehensive for off-road atoll tracks.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 40 km/h on Tarawa roads, no highways, watch for pedestrians and livestock.
Tolls: None, but fuel is expensive at AUD$1.80-2.20/liter.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow causeways, no formal signals on most roads.
Parking: Informal, free near villages, secure spots at hotels for AUD$5/day.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations limited to Tarawa and major atolls, petrol AUD$2.00/liter, diesel AUD$1.80/liter.
Apps: Google Maps useful on Tarawa, offline mode essential for remote areas.
Traffic: Light congestion on Tarawa's main road, but potholes and flooding common during rains.
Urban Transport
Tarawa Minibuses
Informal bus network on South Tarawa, single ride AUD$1, no fixed schedules, flag down anywhere.
Validation: Pay cash to driver upon boarding, routes cover Bairiki to Bonriki.
Apps: None formal, ask locals for routes, services run dawn to dusk.
Bike & Scooter Rentals
Bikes and scooters available on Tarawa and tourist atolls, AUD$10-20/day from guesthouses.
Routes: Flat atoll paths ideal for cycling, especially around lagoons and villages.
Tours: Guided bike tours on Christmas Island for eco-exploration and birdwatching.
Local Boats & Ferries
Outrigger canoes and small ferries connect Tarawa islets, AUD$2-5 per trip within the atoll.
Tickets: Pay on board, negotiate for longer lagoon crossings.
Inter-Atoll: Cargo-passenger ships like the Mayflower link islands weekly, AUD$50-100.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near causeways on Tarawa for easy access, beachfront on outer islands for seclusion.
- Booking Timing: Book 3-6 months ahead for dry season (May-Nov) and events like independence celebrations.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates due to weather disruptions from cyclones.
- Amenities: Confirm generator power, solar water, and proximity to boat landings before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for current conditions amid climate impacts.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
3G/4G on Tarawa and major atolls, spotty in remote areas with satellite options.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from AUD$10 for 1GB, ideal for islands.
Activation: Install pre-trip, activate on arrival, roaming from Fiji works temporarily.
Local SIM Cards
Telecom Kiribati offers prepaid SIMs from AUD$10-20 with basic coverage.
Where to Buy: Bonriki Airport, shops in Bairiki, passport not always required.
Data Plans: 2GB for AUD$15, 5GB for AUD$30, top-ups via vouchers.
WiFi & Internet
WiFi in hotels and guesthouses on Tarawa, limited elsewhere with solar-powered hotspots.
Public Hotspots: Available at airport and main villages, free but slow.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps on Tarawa, use for emails, not streaming.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Gilbert Islands Time (GILT), UTC+12, no daylight saving; varies by group (Line Islands UTC+14).
- Airport Transfers: Bonriki Airport 4km from Bairiki, minibus AUD$2 (10 min), taxi AUD$10, or book private transfer for AUD$15-25.
- Luggage Storage: Limited at airport (AUD$5/day) or guesthouses in Tarawa.
- Accessibility: Challenging due to sandy paths and stairs, most transport not wheelchair-friendly.
- Pet Travel: Restricted, check airline policies for domestic flights, quarantine required for imports.
- Bike Transport: Bikes can be carried on ferries for AUD$5, free on some local boats.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Kiribati
Bonriki International Airport (TRW) on Tarawa is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Bonriki International (TRW): Primary hub on Tarawa, connections from Fiji and Hawaii, 4km from capital.
Casablanca Airport (CXI): On Christmas Island, limited international flights from Nadi, 2km from settlement.
Tabiteuea Airport (TBF): Domestic airstrip with flights from Tarawa, basic facilities for southern atolls.
Booking Tips
Book 3-6 months in advance for dry season (May-Nov) to save 20-40% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) often cheaper, avoid holidays.
Alternative Routes: Fly via Nadi (Fiji) or Honolulu for better connections and savings.
Budget Airlines
Fiji Airways and Air Pacific serve TRW with Pacific routes, Nauru Airlines for regionals.
Important: Include baggage and inter-island fees in total cost calculations.
Check-in: Online 24-48 hours prior, airport processes can be slow.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Limited to Tarawa (Bank of Kiribati), fees AUD$3-5, carry cash for outer islands.
- Credit Cards: Visa accepted at resorts, cash preferred elsewhere, no Amex widely.
- Contactless Payment: Rare, use cash or cards at main hotels.
- Cash: Essential for markets, boats, and villages, keep AUD$100-200 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary, small gifts appreciated for extra service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid informal exchangers.