How to Get Around Fiji: Travelling Between Islands, the Cheapest Transportation and More
With 333 islands scattered across the turquoise blue waters of the South Pacific Ocean, getting around Fiji is only half of the fun. Only the largest islands in Fiji have their own road networks, making for some breathtaking road trips by car or by bus. When it comes to island-hopping, you have a multitude of options from affordable ferries to luxurious helicopter transfers. There are also around 28 airports in Fiji, should you need to get to your dream destination quickly. But remember, public transport in Fiji might not be as “punctual” as you might be used to. Ferries, buses, taxis and drivers all run on a little thing that the locals like to call “Fiji time“.
So, plan how you’re going to get around Fiji with this complete Fiji transport guide.
1. Ferries and Cargo Ships
Knowing that Fiji is a nation of 333 islands, this one is pretty obvious. Fast catamaran ferries are a great option for island-hopping in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, while slower cargo ferries allow you to make your way toward some of the more remote islands, such as Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Kadavu. Although the waters of Fiji are usually quite calm, if you are prone to seasickness, tablets are available in stores in the largest harbour towns. Learn more in our Travel Fiji by Ferry Guide.
Alternatively, check out how to get to each island group by ferry, including prices, in the following guides:
- How to Take the Ferry to the Mamanuca Islands
- How to Take the Ferry to the Yasawa Islands
- How to Take the Ferry to the Lomaiviti Islands
- How to Take the Ferry to Vanua Levu
- How to Take the Ferry to Taveuni
- How to Take the Ferry to Kadavu.
© FijiPocketGuide.com2. Rental Cars
If you need flexibility and want to travel at your own pace around the largest islands, then renting a car is perhaps the best option for you to travel around Fiji. Although quite expensive, it will give you total freedom around Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island, or Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second-largest island. If you are planning on heading to any of the other outer Fijian islands, car rentals will not be available. Keep in mind that Fiji drives on the left and that you are allowed to drive in Fiji with a driving license in English or an International Driving Permit. Find out more in our Complete Guide to Car Rental in Fiji. Plus, check out your car rental options in Fiji here.
© FijiPocketGuide.com3. Buses
One of the cheapest ways to get around some of Fiji’s larger islands, such as Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau, buses are a great option to see both the stunning coastline and rugged inland landscapes, as well as get to know the vibrant local cultures with your fellow passengers. In towns, you have older buses with tarp windows, while the inter-city express buses are more modern with air conditioning. Learn more about the buses in Fiji in our guide, How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus.
Additionally, we go into detail on the bus networks in each region/island group in the following guides:
- Nadi Transport Guide
- Denarau Transport Guide
- Coral Coast Transport Guide
- Pacific Harbour Transport Guide
- Suva Transport Guide
- Suncoast Transport Guide
- Vanua Levu Transport Guide
- Taveuni Transport Guide
- Lomaiviti Islands Transport Guide
© FijiPocketGuide.com4. Taxis
There are no lack of taxis on Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. They offer very affordable metered fares within towns. However, trips and fares between towns and even for sightseeing can be negotiated. See point #5 for hiring private drivers, which is a service some taxi drivers offer. Note that only registered taxis in Fiji are those with a registration plate (number plate) starting in “LT”. They will also typically have a “taxi” sign on the roof of the vehicle. For more taxi tips, head to The Guide to Taxis in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.com5. Private Drivers
If you find driving in a foreign country daunting and you feel that finding your way around Fiji is going to be a challenge, then getting yourself a driver might be the best option. Prices for a driver for a day start at around FJ$100 which makes this way of getting around Fiji great value for money. It is worth noting that your driver will probably be on “Fiji time“, so this option is definitely a “local’s experience”. Needless to say, private drivers tend to only be available on Fiji’s largest islands, such as Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Learn more about private drivers in our guide, Hiring a Driver in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.com6. Domestic Flights (Scheduled Flights)
With 28 airports and airfields scattered around the country, flights are available to quickly make your way toward your paradise destination. There are two scheduled domestic carriers in Fiji with flights between Nadi Airport and airports in Labasa, Taveuni, Kadavu, Savusavu, Suva, Koro, Cicia, Vanuabalavu, Lakeba, Levuka and Moala. Flights are renowned for being incredibly scenic, overlooking turquoise waters, golden-sand beaches and island-dotted lagoons. Learn more in The Complete Guide to Flights in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.com7. Seaplanes and Fixed-Wing Transfers
If your destination is really remote or you’re staying on an island resort, seaplanes are a great option as they only need a bit of calm water to land. Some smaller islands have airstrips where it’s possible to take a small fixed-wing aircraft, typically departing from Nadi Airport. Learn more about the aviation companies and typical prices in Where to Hire a Plane or Seaplane in Fiji.
© Pxhere8. Helicopter Transfers
Another great way to see Fiji from above and land pretty much anywhere is to charter a helicopter for your Fijian holiday. This luxury method of travel comes at premium prices and can only usually carry four to six passengers. That said, flying in a helicopter is an experience of a lifetime, especially in a country as remote as Fiji. The convenience of being able to land almost anywhere, as well as the time saved on travel, is a huge advantage. Get tips on taking a helicopter transfer in Where to Hire a Helicopter in Fiji. Plus, compare air travel transfers in our guide, Helicopter Vs. Seaplane for Island Transfers in Fiji.
© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji9. Guided Tours
Don’t rule out guided tours as a transport option for Fiji. Escorted tours, typically in a minibus or minivan on land or a boat for island-hopping, offer a hassle-free way of getting between the main attractions. With many included activities, transport and commentary from a guide throughout the experience, guided tours can be a very cost-effective way of getting around Fiji. Check out some of our favourite tours in The Guide to Guided Tours in Fiji.
© Captain Cook Cruises10. Small-Ship Cruises
Fiji is home to a couple of fantastic cruise ship companies. Sail the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands with Blue Lagoon Cruises, which specialises in adults-only all-inclusive cruises. Find out more, read reviews and book tickets on Viator and Tripadvisor. Alternatively, opt for Captain Cook Cruises‘ array of cruises through the island groups of Fiji, even some of the far-flung Lau Islands! Learn more about Captain Cook Cruises on Viator, Tripadvisor and in The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji.
© Blue Lagoon Cruises11. Water Taxis
Apart from a few small communities in the remoter regions of Fiji, water taxis can only really be found going between Viti Levu and the island groups of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Water taxis offer on-demand transfers straight to the island resorts. While faster and more convenient than taking the ferry, they are much pricier. Find out more in How to Catch a Water Taxi in Fiji.
© Tourism Fiji12. Resort Transfers (Shuttle and Boat Transfers)
Before you worry about how you’re going to get to your chosen resort, have you checked whether the resort offers its own transfer service? Many resorts within reasonable distance to their nearest airport offer transfers to and from the resort, whether it’s on land, on a boat, or both! And if you haven’t picked your resort yet, be sure to check out The Top 50 Resorts in Fiji.
© Unsplash13. Airport Transfers
Almost solely on Viti Levu, airport transfer services are in abundance transporting visitors over land between Nadi Airport and resorts in Nadi, Denarau, the Coral Coast, Pacific Harbour and the Suncoast. Choose between private transfers, often giving you the opportunity to stop at the shops on the way to your resort, or shared transfers to lower the cost. More information can be found in our guide to Your Airport Transfer Options.
© FijiPocketGuide.com14. Motorbikes and Scooters
Available only on Viti Levu, motorbikes and scooters are not our most recommended option to travel around Fiji. Locals are not used to seeing two wheels on the road, even bicycles are uncommon, so these vehicles must be used with caution. If this is your dream, however, the option is there. Find out more about hiring a motorcycle or scooter in our guide, Where to Rent a Motorbike in Fiji.
© Pexels15. Minivans and Carriers
A true locals way of getting around Fiji, minivans are shared taxis typically used for getting between Viti Levu‘s main towns. Carriers, on the other hand, are pick-up trucks with colourful tarps covering two benches in the back. They mainly transport people between rural villages and towns, but some have started running between major towns. Registered minivans have registration plates beginning with “LM”, while registered carriers begin with “LC”. Learn more about this adventurous way of getting around Fiji in our guide to Minivans & Carrier Vans in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.com16. Sailing Charters
Finally in this Fiji transport guide and list of the best ways to get around Fiji, if you’re truly looking to treat yourself to an island-hopping holiday, check out the sailing charters. Yachties come and go to Fiji’s waters, many offering visitors a chance to sail around the islands with them on multi-day trips. See the sailing charters that stay in Fiji year after year in the 10 Best Sailing Charters in Fiji TTD217.
© Tourism FijiMore About Fiji Transport and Ways to Get Around Fiji
That’s it for our complete Fiji transport guide and how to get between the islands in Fiji. For more advice, however, check out the more transport-related guides:
- The Driving Times in Fiji You Need to Know
- 31 Tips for Travelling in Fiji
- 17 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji
Finally, be sure to bookmark The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji and The Top 50 Resorts in Fiji to plan the ultimate trip.
