© FijiPocketGuide.com
© FijiPocketGuide.com

How to Get Around Fiji

© FijiPocketGuide.com

The Transport Guide to Fiji

So you’ve figured out how to get to Fiji. Now, how are you going to get around? Luckily, Fiji has many ways to not only explore the islands but to get between them. We go over options to suit all styles and budgets in this complete guide on how to get around Fiji.

This article is a more simplified version of Fiji Transport Guide: 16 Best Ways to Get Around Fiji, so check out that list if you prefer.

Quick Fiji Transport Tips

  • Taxis in Fiji’s towns run on a meter, but it’s acceptable to negotiate fares for longer journeys
  • Airport transfers have baby seats if requested before arrival
  • Buses are by far the cheapest way to travel over land in Fiji
  • Overwater travel is expensive in Fiji, so look at resorts on the mainland if you’re on a budget
  • An overseas driving license is acceptable for renting a car in Fiji
  • Private drivers are a good way to sightsee if you don’t want to rent a car
  • Hitchhiking is not common in Fiji, replaced by carrier vans.
How to Get Around Fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

How to Get Between Island Groups

In Fiji, there are eight different island groups: Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lomaiviti Islands, Mamanuca Islands, Yasawa Islands and the Lau Islands. Getting between these island groups requires overwater travel which can be done via domestic flights, charter flights, ferries, water taxis and cruise ships.

Domestic Flights

There are two scheduled domestic carriers in Fiji. it is possible to take domestic flights between Nadi Airport and airports in Labasa, Taveuni, Kadavu, Savusavu, Suva, Koro, Cicia, Vanuabalavu, Lakeba, Levuka and Moala. Learn more about these flights in The Complete Guide to Flights in Fiji.

Charter Flights

Charter flights via fixed-wing, seaplane and helicopter aircraft are available in Fiji to take passengers between Fiji’s island groups, particularly between Viti Levu and the Mamanuca, Yasawa, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Kadavu island groups. Find out more in Where to Hire a Plane or Seaplane in Fiji and Where to Hire a Helicopter in Fiji.

Ferries

High-speed catamaran ferries service the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands from Port Denarau in Viti Levu, while the slower passenger, vehicle and cargo ferries run from Suva in Viti Levu to the Lomaiviti Islands, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Kadavu. The occasional cargo ships make runs from Suva to the Lau Islands. Find out more in The Guide to Travelling in Fiji by Ferry.

Water Taxis

There are a couple of water taxi companies servicing the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands from Viti Levu, offering on-demand resort transfers between these island groups. Find out more in How to Catch a Water Taxi in Fiji.

Cruises

There are two small-ship cruise companies in Fiji offering cruises between Fiji’s island groups of Viti Levu, the Mamanuca Islands and the Yasawa Islands. There are also limited cruises each year to Vanua Levu, Taveuni, the Lau Islands and the Lomaiviti Islands. Find out more in The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji.

How to Get Around Fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

How to Get Between Islands

For overwater travel within an island group, some island groups have more options than others. While it’s easy to island-hop in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, you will often only be able to rely on your resort’s boat to get between islands in Fiji’s other island groups.

Ferries in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands

There are island-hopping ferries for travelling between island resorts in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Find out more in How to Take the Ferry to the Mamanuca Islands and How to Take the Ferry to the Yasawa Islands. Plus, find out how these ferries work in What are the Ferry Passes to Travel Around Fiji?

Water Taxis in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands

The previously mentioned water taxis servicing the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands also offer inter-island boat transfers within these island groups. Again, check out How to Catch a Water Taxi in Fiji for more information and see approximate rates in How Much Do Water Taxis & Ferries Cost in Fiji?

Resort Boat Transfers

Fiji’s resorts that are located off the main islands with no other public transport option will provide their own boat transport for guests. This must be booked with your resort prior to arrival in Fiji and often include pick-up from the airport.

Cruises

Fiji has a couple of cruises in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands which offers an all-inclusive island-hopping holiday. Again, find out more in The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji.

How to Get Around Fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

How to Travel Over Land

The islands in Fiji with road networks include Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Ovalau and Kadavu. These are the only islands where you have any real land transport for visitors.

Car Rental

Rental cars are available in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Drivers need to be over 21, 23 or 25 depending on the company with a full valid driver’s license. Learn more about hiring a car in The Guide to Renting a Car in Fiji.

Public Buses and Express Buses

Public buses are available in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. They are the cheapest type of transport available in Fiji, where the buses used are old vehicles with canvas-covered windows. Express buses, on the other hand, are more modern coaches doing inter-city runs in Viti Levu. Find out more in How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus.

Taxis

Taxis in Fiji can be identified by their “Taxi” signs and “LT” at the beginning of the registration plate. They offer affordable metered fares within towns, while fares for sightseeing or going between towns can be negotiated. Find out more in The Guide to Taxis in Fiji.

Tours and Transfers Services

Tours and transfer services are a good way to get between the airports and your accommodation, as well as for tourist sightseeing. It’s also possible to hire private drivers through these companies. Learn more about the airport transfers in Fiji Airports: Your Airport Transfer Options. Plus, check out some of the sightseeing tours in The Guide to Guided Tours in Fiji.

Minivans and Carrier Vans

Popular with the locals, minivans and carrier vans pick up passengers from the roadside either to travel between towns and rural village or travel between Fiji’s main towns. They are particularly prevalent in Viti Levu and Taveuni. Find out more in our Minivans & Carrier Vans in Fiji guide.

Resort Transfers

Some resorts offer airport transfers for guests to get between the nearest airport and the accommodation. It’s a good idea to see if resorts offer airport transfers before booking alternatives, as some are cheaper (or free) than alternatives.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Was this article useful?

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter