Getting Around Nauru
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Walk or use taxis in Yaren district. Rural: Rent a car for coastal exploration if available. Island-Wide: Limited buses. For convenience, book airport transfers from Nauru International Airport to your destination.
Train Travel
No Rail Network
Nauru has no passenger train system; the island relies on road transport for all internal movement.
Alternative: Use taxis or buses for short distances across the 21 sq km island, journeys under 30 minutes.
Tickets: No rail passes needed; focus on local taxi fares or informal rides.
Peak Times: Avoid midday heat (11 AM-3 PM) for comfortable walking or short trips.
Island Passes
No formal passes exist, but multi-ride taxi arrangements can be made with local drivers for AUD$20-50/day.
Best For: Multiple short trips around districts, savings for groups or extended stays.
Where to Get: Arrange at hotels, airport, or through community contacts for informal deals.
Regional Connections
For travel beyond Nauru, use flights via Nauru Airlines to nearby Pacific islands or Australia.
Booking: Reserve seats in advance for limited flights, discounts for round trips up to 20%.
Main Hub: Nauru International Airport (INU) handles all regional departures.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Limited options for tourists; arrange through hotels or private owners. Compare rental prices from AUD$50-80/day at the airport or Yaren.
Requirements: International license, credit card, minimum age 21; left-hand drive.
Insurance: Basic coverage often included, but verify for island roads and weather.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h island-wide, no highways on the small ring road.
Tolls: None required; roads are free but some areas may have informal fees.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and vehicles from the right; watch for livestock.
Parking: Free in most areas, but secure spots at hotels; avoid leaving valuables.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations limited, AUD$1.80-2.20/liter for petrol; fill up in Yaren or near airport.
Apps: Use Google Maps for basic navigation, download offline as coverage varies.
Traffic: Minimal congestion; main issues are potholes and rainy season flooding.
Urban Transport
No Metro System
Nauru lacks metros; walking is primary in compact Yaren district, distances under 2 km.
Validation: No tickets needed for walking; for taxis, pay on arrival AUD$2-5/ride.
Apps: Limited; use hotel concierge or local advice for routes and pickups.
Bike Rentals
Bikes available informally through guesthouses, AUD$10-15/day with basic helmets provided.
Routes: Flat coastal paths ideal for cycling around the island's perimeter.
Tours: Guided bike loops offered by eco-tour operators, exploring phosphate landscapes.
Buses & Local Services
Informal minibuses operate between districts, no fixed schedules; flag down as needed.
Tickets: AUD$1-3 per ride, pay driver in cash; services run dawn to dusk.
Island Loop: Main route circles the island, connecting all 14 districts in under 1 hour.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near Yaren or airport for easy access, coastal spots for beaches and sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (May-Oct) and events like Pacific Games.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-dependent travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for air conditioning, generator power, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
4G coverage in main districts, spotty in remote areas; 5G rollout limited to Yaren.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from AUD$5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Digicel Nauru offers prepaid SIMs from AUD$10-20 with island-wide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airport, shops in Yaren, or hotels; passport required for registration.
Data Plans: 2GB for AUD$15, 5GB for AUD$25, top-ups available via app.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels and some cafes; public access limited but improving.
Public Hotspots: Airport and government buildings offer free WiFi for visitors.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in covered areas, suitable for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Nauru Time (NRT), UTC+12, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Nauru International Airport (INU) 2km from Yaren, taxi AUD$5-10 (5 min), or book private transfer for AUD$15-25.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airport (AUD$5-10/day) or hotels in Yaren.
- Accessibility: Limited ramps and paths; most areas walkable but uneven terrain challenges mobility.
- Pet Travel: Restrictions apply; check airline policies, quarantine rules for entry.
- Bike Transport: Bikes can be carried on informal buses for small fee, or rent separately.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Nauru
Nauru International Airport (INU) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Nauru International (INU): Sole airport, 2km from Yaren with taxi connections.
Regional Hubs: Connect via Brisbane (BNE) or Nadi (NAN), flights 3-5 hours.
Other Access: No secondary airports; all international traffic through INU.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (May-Oct) to save 20-40% on limited fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Thursday) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Fiji or Australia and connect via Nauru Airlines for savings.
Budget Airlines
Nauru Airlines and Air Nauru serve regional routes from Australia and Pacific islands.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and limited frequencies when comparing costs.
Check-in: Online 24 hours before, airport processes are straightforward but early arrival advised.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Limited to Yaren and airport, fees AUD$2-5; use bank machines to minimize charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted at hotels, American Express rare outside main spots.
- Contactless Payment: Growing acceptance, Apple Pay and Google Pay at larger venues.
- Cash: Essential for taxis, markets, and small shops; carry AUD$50-100 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary, but small amounts (AUD$1-2) appreciated for extra service.
- Currency Exchange: Australian Dollar (AUD) used; use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchanges.