Getting Around Palau
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use taxis and shuttles for Koror and Babeldaob. Rural: Rent a car for island exploration. Islands: Boats and ferries for Rock Islands. For convenience, book airport transfers from ROR to your destination.
Train Travel
Boat & Ferry Services
Reliable boat network connecting Koror to outer islands with scheduled services.
Cost: Koror to Peleliu $25-50, journeys 30-90 minutes between main islands.
Tickets: Buy via tour operators, docks, or online platforms. Mobile bookings accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid mornings 8-10 AM for better availability and calmer seas.
Island Passes
Palau Visitor Pass offers multi-day access to ferries and tours for $100 (under 30) or $150 (all ages).
Best For: Multiple island hops over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Airport, Koror docks, or official apps with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
Speedboats connect Palau to nearby Micronesia destinations like Guam and Yap.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 40%.
Koror Docks: Main hub is Koror Wharf, with connections to Babeldaob marinas.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Babeldaob and rural areas. Compare rental prices from $50-80/day at ROR Airport and Koror.
Requirements: Valid license (international permit recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check for island-specific add-ons.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 40 km/h urban, 65 km/h rural, 80 km/h highways.
Tolls: No tolls on Palau roads, but bridge fees may apply ($1-2).
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, pedestrians always have priority.
Parking: Free in most areas, metered in Koror $1-2/hour near tourist spots.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available in Koror and Babeldaob at $1.20-1.50/gallon for petrol, $1.10-1.40 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for navigation, download offline for remote areas.
Traffic: Light congestion in Koror during peak hours and dive season.
Urban Transport
Koror Taxis & Shuttles
Shared taxis and shuttles cover Koror and Babeldaob, single ride $5-10, day pass $20, multi-ride card $30.
Validation: Pay driver upon arrival, fixed rates posted at stands.
Apps: Local taxi apps for routes, real-time tracking, and cashless payments.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing in Koror and eco-tours, $10-20/day with stations near hotels.
Routes: Paved paths along Babeldaob, scenic coastal trails for cycling.
Tours: Guided biking tours available in main areas, combining nature with adventure.
Buses & Local Services
Public minibuses operate between Koror and Babeldaob towns with basic routes.
Tickets: $2-5 per ride, pay driver or use exact change.
Island Hoppers: Informal boat shuttles connecting nearby atolls, $10-20 depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near docks in Koror for easy access, Rock Islands resorts for diving.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (Dec-Apr) and major dive events.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-dependent plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, dive gear storage, 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
Good 4G coverage in Koror and Babeldaob, spotty in outer islands.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $10 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
PNCC and SK Telecom offer prepaid SIMs from $15-25 with island coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 3GB for $20, 8GB for $35, unlimited for $50/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi available in hotels, resorts, cafes, and some public areas.
Public Hotspots: Koror town and airport have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally moderate (5-50 Mbps) in urban areas, suitable for browsing.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Palau Time (PWT), UTC+9, no daylight saving time observed.
- Airport Transfers: ROR Airport 10km from Koror, taxi to center $15 (15 min), shuttle $10, or book private transfer for $20-30.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airport ($5-10/day) and hotels in Koror.
- Accessibility: Limited on boats and trails, many resorts offer wheelchair access.
- Pet Travel: Pets restricted on ferries, check resort policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on shuttles for $5, rentals include transport options.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Palau
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Roman Tmetuchl (ROR): Primary international gateway, 10km north of Koror with taxi connections.
Koror Airport (ROR domestic): Small hub for inter-island flights 5km from town, shuttle $8 (10 min).
Peiep (Peleliu Airstrip): Limited regional airstrip with scenic flights, convenient for southern islands.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (Dec-Apr) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Guam or Manila and connecting to Palau for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
China Airlines, Korean Air, and Japan Airlines serve ROR with Asian connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to Koror when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in Koror, typical withdrawal fee $3-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted at resorts, cash preferred in rural areas.
- Contactless Payment: Limited, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in major hotels.
- Cash: Essential for taxis, markets, and small vendors, keep $50-100 in small bills.
- Tipping: Not customary, but 5-10% appreciated for exceptional service at resorts.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchanges with poor rates.