Getting Around Vanuatu
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use minibuses for Port Vila and Efate. Rural: Rent a car for island exploration. Inter-Island: Ferries and domestic flights. For convenience, book airport transfers from Bauerfield to your destination.
Ferry Travel
Inter-Island Ferries
Reliable ferry services connecting major islands like Efate, Espiritu Santo, and Tanna with scheduled departures.
Cost: Port Vila to Santo VUV 3,000-5,000 (US$25-42), journeys 2-4 hours between close islands.
Tickets: Buy via ferry company apps, websites, or port offices. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends and holidays for better prices and availability.
Ferry Passes
Multi-island passes offer 5-10 journeys for VUV 15,000-25,000 (US$125-210), ideal for island-hoppers.
Best For: Multiple island visits over a week, significant savings for 4+ trips.
Where to Buy: Main ports, ferry websites, or official apps with instant activation.
Cargo & Local Boats
Cargo ferries and small local boats connect remote islands to the main routes.
Booking: Reserve seats days in advance for best prices, discounts up to 30% off-peak.
Main Ports: Port Vila Harbour is the hub, with connections to Luganville and Lenakel.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Efate and rural islands. Compare rental prices from US$50-80/day at Bauerfield Airport and Port Vila.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check for off-road inclusions on rugged roads.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, no major highways.
Tolls: None on Vanuatu roads, but some bridges may have small fees.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, pedestrians in villages have right of way.
Parking: Free in most areas, but secure spots in Port Vila cost US$2-5/day.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available on main islands at US$1.50-2.00/liter for petrol, limited on outer islands.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for navigation, download offline maps essential.
Traffic: Light overall, but watch for potholes, livestock, and rain-affected roads.
Urban Transport
Minibuses in Port Vila
Informal minibus network covering Efate, single ride VUV 150-300 (US$1.25-2.50), no day pass but frequent service.
Validation: Pay cash to driver upon boarding, routes follow main roads with shared pickups.
Apps: Limited apps, but local info boards and asking drivers help with routes and timings.
Bike Rentals
Bike hires in Port Vila and resorts, US$10-20/day with shops near tourist areas.
Routes: Flat coastal paths ideal for cycling, especially around Erakor Lagoon.
Tours: Guided bike tours available for island exploration, including volcano visits on Tanna.
Taxis & Local Services
Taxis operate in Port Vila and airports, fixed rates or metered from VUV 500-1,500 (US$4-12) per ride.
Tickets: Negotiate fares upfront, use shared taxis for longer island trips.
Water Taxis: Essential for nearby islands like Nguna, US$20-50 round trip depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near ports or airports on islands for easy access, central Port Vila for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (May-Oct) and major festivals like Land Diving.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for cyclone season travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, 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
Good 4G in urban areas like Port Vila, spotty 3G on outer islands and rural spots.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from US$5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Digicel and Telekom Vanuatu offer prepaid SIMs from US$10-20 with island coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for US$15, 10GB for US$25, unlimited for US$30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi available in resorts, cafes, and ports, limited in remote areas.
Public Hotspots: Main airports and tourist hubs have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally 5-50 Mbps in urban areas, reliable for basic use.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Vanuatu Time (VUT), UTC+11, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Bauerfield Airport 5km from Port Vila, taxi US$10 (10 min), minibus US$2, or book private transfer for US$20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports (US$5-10/day) and guesthouses in major towns.
- Accessibility: Limited on uneven roads and ferries, many resorts offer basic access for mobility needs.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on ferries with restrictions (small free, large US$10), check accommodation policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on ferries for US$5, free on some domestic flights if folded.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Vanuatu
Bauerfield Airport (VLI) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Bauerfield Airport (VLI): Primary international gateway, 5km from Port Vila with taxi connections.
Pekoa Airport (SON): Main hub for Espiritu Santo, 10km from Luganville, bus US$5 (20 min).
Tanna Airport (TAH): Small regional airport with domestic flights, convenient for southern islands.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season travel (May-Oct) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Fiji or New Caledonia and taking regional flight to Vanuatu for savings.
Domestic Airlines
Air Vanuatu and Vanair serve inter-island routes with frequent short flights.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and weather delays when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in recommended 24 hours before, airport fees apply for walk-ins.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in Port Vila and Luganville, typical withdrawal fee US$3-5, use bank ATMs to avoid markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted at resorts and shops, cash preferred in rural areas.
- Contactless Payment: Limited, but growing in tourist spots; Apple Pay rare outside cities.
- Cash: Essential for markets, taxis, and islands, keep VUV 5,000-10,000 (US$40-80) in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated, add 5-10% at restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchanges with poor rates.