Getting Around Papua New Guinea
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use PMVs (public minibuses) for Port Moresby and Lae. Rural: Rent a 4x4 for Highlands roads. Islands: Boats and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Port Moresby to your destination.
Domestic Air Travel
Air Niugini Network
Reliable domestic flights connecting major towns like Port Moresby, Lae, and Mount Hagen with frequent services.
Cost: Port Moresby to Lae PGK200-400 (~USD50-100), journeys 30-60 minutes between most hubs.
Tickets: Buy via Air Niugini app, website, or airport counters. Online check-in recommended.
Peak Times: Avoid Monday mornings and Friday evenings for better availability and prices.
Air Passes
Multi-sector passes for 3-7 flights starting at PGK800 (~USD200), ideal for island-hopping or Highlands tours.
Best For: Multiple destinations over a week, saves 20-30% on individual tickets for 4+ flights.
Where to Buy: Air Niugini offices, website, or travel agents with passport verification.
Charter & Small Planes
Charter flights to remote areas like Trobriand Islands or Sepik River via operators like MAF or Air Niugini charters.
Booking: Arrange 1-2 weeks ahead for groups, costs PGK500-1500 (~USD125-375) per person shared.
Main Hubs: Jacksons Airport (Port Moresby) for departures, with connections to secondary airstrips.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for Highlands and rural exploration where roads are rough. Compare rental prices from PGK150-300 (~USD40-80)/day at Port Moresby Airport and Lae.
Requirements: Valid international license, credit card, minimum age 21, 4x4 SUV recommended.
Insurance: Full coverage essential due to road conditions, includes off-road protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80-100 km/h highways, no limits on some rural tracks.
Tolls: Minimal, mainly bridges in Port Moresby area (PGK5-10).
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow Highland roads, watch for pedestrians and livestock.
Parking: Free in most areas, secure guarded lots in cities PGK10-20 (~USD3-5)/hour.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations sporadic outside cities at PGK4-5 (~USD1.20-1.50)/liter for petrol, diesel similar.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, as signals are unreliable.
Traffic: Congestion in Port Moresby, potholes and landslides common in rainy season (Dec-Mar).
Urban Transport
PMVs & Minibuses
Main public transport in cities like Port Moresby and Lae, routes marked by signs, single fare PGK1-3 (~USD0.30-0.80).
Validation: Pay cash to driver upon boarding, no tickets issued, hold on tight for bumpy rides.
Apps: Limited, use Google Maps for routes; avoid after dark due to safety concerns.
Bike & Walking
Bike rentals rare but available in tourist spots like Kokopo, PGK20-50 (~USD5-12)/day with basic paths.
Routes: Flat coastal areas suitable, but hilly Highlands challenging; walking common in villages.
Tours: Guided eco-bike tours in Madang or Rabaul for safe exploration with locals.
Boats & Ferries
Essential for island provinces, services from Alotau or Kavieng, fares PGK50-200 (~USD12-50) for short hops.
Tickets: Buy at wharves or agents, check weather as services cancel in rough seas.
Inter-Island: Regular ferries connect New Britain to mainland, 4-8 hours for PGK100-300.Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near airports in Port Moresby for flights, or village edges for cultural immersion.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (May-Oct) and events like Mask Festival.
- Cancellation: Opt for flexible policies due to weather disruptions and flight delays.
- Amenities: Confirm generator power, mosquito nets, and transport links before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for security updates and service reliability.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in cities like Port Moresby and Lae, spotty 3G/2G in rural Highlands and islands.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from USD5 for 1GB, ideal for no-SIM phones.
Activation: Download before travel, activate on arrival, covers major urban areas.
Local SIM Cards
Digicel and bmobile offer prepaid SIMs from PGK10-30 (~USD3-8) with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or markets with passport ID required.
Data Plans: 2GB for PGK20 (~USD5), 10GB for PGK50 (~USD12), top-ups easy via vouchers.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels and some cafes in Port Moresby, limited elsewhere; use mobile hotspots.
Public Hotspots: Airports and major hotels offer free access, but speeds vary.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in cities, slower in remote areas; reliable for emails, not streaming.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Papua New Guinea Time (PGT), UTC+10, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Jacksons Airport (POM) 10km from city, PMV PGK2 (20 min), taxi PGK20-50 (~USD5-12), or book private transfer for PGK100-200 (~USD25-50).
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports (PGK10-20/day) and hotels in major towns.
- Accessibility: Limited ramps on rough roads, flights accessible but remote areas challenging for mobility aids.
- Pet Travel: Restricted on domestic flights, check airline policies; not recommended for boats.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on PMVs for small fee (PGK5), secure on flights as checked luggage.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Papua New Guinea
Jacksons International Airport (POM) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from Australia, Asia, and beyond.
Main Airports
Jacksons International (POM): Primary hub in Port Moresby, 10km from center with taxi/PMV links.
Nadzab (LAE): Serves Lae area 40km out, shuttle buses PGK20 (~USD5, 45 min).
Mount Hagen (HGU): Highlands gateway with domestic focus, local taxis to town PGK10-20.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (May-Oct) to save 20-40% on international fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) often cheaper than weekends from hubs like Brisbane.
Alternative Routes: Fly via Cairns or Manila for connections, then domestic to remote spots.
Budget Airlines
Air Niugini and PNG Air for domestic, international via Qantas or Virgin Australia to POM.
Important: Include baggage and domestic add-ons in total cost comparisons.
Check-in: Online 24-48 hours prior, arrive early for security in Port Moresby.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities like Port Moresby, fees PGK5-10 (~USD1-3), use BSP or ANZ to minimize charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard at hotels and shops, cash preferred in rural areas and markets.
- Contactless Payment: Limited, growing in urban spots; carry cash as backup.
- Cash: Essential for PMVs, villages, and small vendors, keep PGK100-200 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary, small amounts (PGK5-10) appreciated for exceptional service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid unofficial changers outside banks.