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Denarau Transport Guide: 8 Ways to Get to (& Around) Denarau

© FijiPocketGuide.com
Last Updated: 26 August, 2024

A Complete Guide to Transport on Denarau Island

The luxury resorts, fantastic shopping and eateries, and island excursions; no wonder you have your sights on Denarau Island! Denarau is located 20-30 minutes south of Nadi International Airport, which makes it one of the easiest Fiji holiday destinations to get to after your flight has landed. Despite being an island, Denarau Island is actually attached to the mainland via a causeway, leaving visitors with a great selection of road transport to get there. Find out more in this list of ways to get to Denarau Island, as well as a few ways to get around Denarau.

While Denarau has bus services to make getting around easy, most of the island is small enough to walk around the resorts and Port Denarau on foot. Learn more about Denarau with our Complete Guide to Denarau.

Table of Contents

1. Taxis (LT Plates) – How to Get to Denarau

In Fiji, you’ll encounter two types of taxis: those with LT on the license plate and those with LH (we’ll dive into the latter in the next section). For now, let’s focus on the LT taxis. These are a popular and affordable way to travel from Nadi Town and Nadi International Airport to Denarau. You’ll find them in abundance, so there’s no need to book in advance when heading to Denarau. However, keep in mind that these types of taxis are not permitted to provide pick-ups in Denarau. The journey between Nadi Airport and Denarau typically takes about 20-30 minutes. For more insider tips on taking a taxi in Fiji, don’t miss our 10 Things You Need to Know About Taxis in Fiji. Note that taxis are cheaper than LH taxis, which is detailed in Taxi Prices in Fiji: The Costs You Need to Know.

Denarau Transport Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Denarau Island© FijiPocketGuide.com

 

2. Taxi/Transfer Companies (LH Plates) – How to Get to (& Around) Denarau

When you spot those distinctive LH license plates in Fiji, you’re looking at transfer companies, often with “Tours & Transfers” or similar in their name. While they might cost a tad more than your standard LT taxis, they come with some pretty sweet perks. First off, they’re much easier to pre-book, so you can check out the 10 Best Airport Transfers in Fiji to get started. You can expect higher-quality vehicles too. And let’s not forget the more attentive tourist service. Depending on the company, you might even score some refreshments with your airport meet-and-greet. Here’s a hot tip from us: if you find a company you like on your first trip, stick with them throughout your Fiji adventure. They often offer discounts for multiple trips, so you’ll be saving some of those hard-earned holiday dollars. Note that leaving Denarau (without pre-booking a transfer service), expect it to be a little more expensive – again, check Taxi Prices in Fiji: The Costs You Need to Know and The Guide to Taxis in Fiji to learn more.

Denarau Transport Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Denarau Island© FijiPocketGuide.com

 

3. Westbus – How to Get to (& Around) Denarau

The public bus service between Nadi and Denarau is the cheapest way to get to Denarau. The yellow Westbus is the only public bus operator servicing Denarau, costing less than FJ$5 per person between Nadi and Denarau – check out Where to Book Bus Transport in Fiji? for tips. Nadi-Denarau buses run from 5 am to 11 pm and at 5-minute intervals between 6 am and 7 pm. Westbus can also transport you around Denarau for under FJ$2 per person, payable using an e-Transport card available from Vodafone shops. Cash is no longer accepted on buses. Note that  Learn more about how buses work in Fiji in How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus.

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4. Bula Bus – How to Get Around Denarau

The Bula Bus is a hop-on-hop-off bus service that provides frequent and convenient transportation between all the resorts of Denarau. This cheerful, open-air bus is a lifesaver for those wanting to explore the island without the hassle of driving or multiple expensive taxi rides. Operating daily from 7 am to 10:30 pm, the Bula Bus offers an extensive service that caters to both early birds and night owls. The cost is just over FJ$10 per adult for a full-day pass. (And here’s a tip for families: children under 12 travel free with a paying adult!)

You can purchase your Bula Bus pass from various convenient locations:

  • Denarau Resort Receptions: Most resorts in Denarau have tickets available for guests, so you can sort out your transport right where you’re staying.
  • Travel Desks: Various travel desks located throughout Denarau sell passes.
  • Outlets in Denarau Town: Keep an eye out for signs and stickers indicating “Bula Bus” at local shops. For instance, the pharmacy facing Port Denarau’s main car park is a handy spot to grab your ticket.

Again, more details can be found in Where to Book Bus Transport in Fiji?

Denarau Transport Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Denarau Island© FijiPocketGuide.com

 

5. Car Rentals – How to Get to (& Around) Denarau

Those travellers who like to get out and explore independently can hire their own vehicle from Nadi International Airport, as well as from some resorts in Denarau. Complimentary parking for guests is available at many of the resorts and apartments on Denarau Island. A large car park also exists at the Port Denarau Marina for a fee. Check out The Driving Times in Fiji You Need to Know as well as car rental recommendations in The Best Car Rentals in Fiji.

Denarau Transport Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Denarau Island© FijiPocketGuide.com

 

6. Water Taxis and Ferries – How to Get to Denarau

One of the main water transport hubs in Fiji is Port Denarau. Ferries, cruises and boat excursions depart from Port Denarau, so if you want to explore the outer islands, Denarau is a good location to base yourself. Most transport in Port Denarau connects to the Mamanuca Islands and the Yasawa Islands. Learn more about ferries and water taxi transport in How to Catch a Water Taxi in Fiji and The Guide to Travelling in Fiji by Ferry.

Port-Denarau-transport© FijiPocketGuide.com

 

7. Helicopter Charters – How to Get to Denarau

For a truly spectacular arrival in Denarau, consider taking a helicopter charter. Several companies offer this thrilling transport option, including Island Hoppers Helicopters, Heli-Tours Fiji, and Pacific Island Air Helicopters. These aerial transfers not only provide a swift journey but also treat you to breathtaking views of Fiji’s stunning landscapes from above. It’s an unforgettable way to start your Denarau adventure! For more details on helicopter services in Fiji, check out our guide on Where to Hire a Helicopter in Fiji.

Denarau Transport Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Denarau Island© FijiPocketGuide.com

 

8. Yachts – How to Get to Denarau

Port Denarau Marina is a premier marina facility, a bustling hub that serves as the gateway to exploring the idyllic islands of Fiji’s Western Division. You’ll find a well-protected basin with 52 fully serviced berths and 16 swing moorings, including 20 berths capable of accommodating superyachts up to 85 metres in length with 5-metre draft. Yachties will appreciate the clearly marked channel, 5 metres deep at zero tide, leading into the marina. Essential services are at your fingertips, including fuel, water, single and three-phase power, and WiFi. Need some maintenance? The marina boasts a 30-tonne travel lift, hardstand area, and marine workshops to keep your vessel shipshape.

When it’s time to restock, you’ll find a supermarket and pharmacy. The marina is part of the largest retail and restaurant complex in the Nadi area, offering a smorgasbord of dining options. Check out The Sailing Guide to Fiji to learn more.

Denarau Transport Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Denarau Island© FijiPocketGuide.com

More About Denarau Transport and Ways to Get to Denarau Island

That’s it for our guide to Denarau transport and ways to get to Denarau Island; for more information about getting around Denarau, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Guide to Denarau Island.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin (Ruveni) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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