Your Taveuni Transport Options
Taveuni, known as Fiji’s Garden Island, offers a wealth of adventures for visitors. From chasing waterfalls to exploring marine parks for snorkelling, visiting Fijian villages, and even crossing the International Dateline, you’ll want to make the most of your time here. In this guide, we’ll cover all your best Taveuni transport options, as well as how to get to this breathtaking island in Fiji. We’ll go through the various ways to get to Taveuni and how to get around once you’re there.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Complete Guide to Taveuni.
Table of Contents
1. Flights – How to Get to Taveuni
The quickest and most convenient way to get to Taveuni is via a domestic flight from Nadi International Airport and Nausori Airport in Suva. Both Fiji Airways and Northern Air operate flights in 16-seater planes (so book early to ensure a spot and a good price). Flights arrive at Matei Airport on Taveuni, which takes approximately 1 hr 15 mins from Nadi and 50 minutes from Suva. Pacific Island Air also offers private charter services to Taveuni and its surrounding islands – see Where to Hire a Plane or Seaplane in Fiji.
Tip: Book your international flight all the way to Matei to get the full international baggage allowance.
Learn more about Matei Airport in our guide to the Airports in Fiji. Additionally, check out The Complete Guide to Domestic Flights in Fiji to see what to expect from domestic flights, and learn about international connections in our guide, Which Airlines Fly Directly to Fiji?
© FijiPocketGuide.com2. Ferries – How to Get to Taveuni
The most affordable way to get to Taveuni is via a ferry service. Interlink and Goundar Shipping runs an overnight ferry service from Suva to Wairiki Wharf on Taveuni, located between Wairiki and Waiyevo. The service occurs several times a week, taking approximately 16-20 hours. Book a sleeper cabin for a more comfortable journey.
From Vanua Levu, the Taveuni Princess and Suncity Ferry run daily ferries from Buca Bay (including a bus service from Savusavu) to Korean Wharf in Lovonivonu, taking around 1 hr 30 mins. Buca Bay has a parking area where you can pay to park for a reasonable fee.
Learn more about how ferries work in How to Take the Ferry to Taveuni. Plus, See How Much Do Water Taxis & Ferries Cost in Fiji? for approximate pricing.
© FijiPocketGuide.com3. Taxis – How to Get Around Taveuni
Taxis are relatively easy to find in the Taveuni towns of Matei, Waiyevo and Naqara. Taxis on Taveuni do not run on a metre, so it’s best to agree on a price before using a taxi to avoid any surprises. Most taxi drivers offer private driver services for the day, which can often work out to be cheaper than hiring a car. Ask around Maqai Airport, Waiyevo or Naqara for private drivers. Otherwise, most accommodations on the island will be able to organise a driver for you. Note that some drivers might not be keen to venture onto some of the inland roads, so be sure to ask.
For more tips, see 10 Things You Need to Know About Taxis in Fiji and How to Hire a Driver in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.com4. Bus Transport – How to Get Around Taveuni
Pacific Transport provides super affordable bus services around Taveuni. The bus company operates from Naqara, with routes to Navakawau in the south and between Wairiki on the west coast over to Lavena on the northeast coast via Matei and Bouma Village. The bus has a very limited schedule of around three times a day, which is further reduced on Sundays. Be sure to ask for the latest “schedule” at your accommodation or in Naqara and Matei, but be prepared for buses to run on “Fiji time“. On the plus side, buses provide quite a fun local experience and are incredibly cheap – around $4-$5 per person.
Learn more about taking the bus in How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus.
© FijiPocketGuide.com5. Car Rental – How to Get Around Taveuni
Taveuni certainly has plenty to see on a self-drive tour, which you can make happen with the island’s car rental companies: Ruz Hire Services and Aloha Taveuni Rentals & Tours. While most of the coastal road on Taveuni is sealed, note that it gets pretty rough along the southwest coast of Tavenui towards Paradise Taveuni – the bus manages it; you’ll have to take it easy.
Learn more about car rentals in The Best Car Rentals in Fiji. Plus, get familiar with Fiji’s road rules using our guide, How to Drive in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.com6. Guided Tours – How to Get Around Taveuni
An easy way to see many of the sights around Taveuni is by taking a sightseeing tour. Many of the resorts offer tours to the highlights, and transportation is included. If not, they’ll simply arrange for a local tour guide to take you around, such as with Bay Adventures and Lata Singh’s Travel & Tours. Journey to Bouma Falls, Waitabu Marine Park, Lavena or the Waitavala Waterslide!
See more of what to expect from Fiji’s guided tours in the 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.com7. Resort/Airport Transfers – How to Get Around Taveuni
Most resorts on Taveuni will provide their own airport transfer service between the resort and Matei Airport. This will be road transport if the resort is based on Taveuni or boat transport if based on one of the off-shore islands such as Qamea Island or Matangi Island. Resorts based around Matei usually offer the service free of charge, while accommodation elsewhere is likely to charge a fee.
Learn more about what to expect in Fiji Airports: Your Airport Transfer Options.
© FijiPocketGuide.com8. Yachts – How to Get to Taveuni
Taveuni is a popular port for yachties, but it’s essential to note that it’s not an official port of entry. For more details on sailing in Fiji, check out The Sailing Guide to Fiji. Viani Bay is a well-known anchorage for sailors. Viani Bay Resort caters to yachts, offering amenities such as a bar and opportunities for diving and snorkelling. Every night, you can join in on kava drinking sessions, though formal gatherings are by request only. Thursday nights feature a potluck dinner for yachties. If you fancy a meal at the resort, be sure to place your order for lunch or dinner by noon. For those sailing near Paradise Taveuni, you’ll find a free anchorage for yachts. While anchored, you’re welcome to use the resort’s restaurant and other paid services. Remember, when planning your yacht journey to Taveuni, it’s crucial to respect local regulations and customs.
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore About Taveuni Transport and Ways to Get to Taveuni
That’s it for our guide to Taveuni transport and ways to get to Taveuni; for more information about travelling to and around this stunning island, check out the following articles:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Complete Guide to Taveuni.
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:
- Taveuni Tourism Association (Regional tourism website)
- Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
- Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
- Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
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