How to Take a Ferry to Levuka & the Lomaiviti Islands

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The Lomaiviti Islands Ferries

Two main ferry services connect Viti Levu (Fiji’s main island) with the Lomaiviti Islands. These services offer a convenient way to explore the archipelago (you’ll love the scenic views along the way!).

Venu Shipping

Venu Shipping operates a combined bus and ferry service three times a week from Suva to Levuka. They also extend their routes to Koro Island. The journey is made aboard the MV Queen Gudi, a vessel that’s become a familiar sight in these waters.

Goundar Shipping

Goundar Shipping is primarily a cargo-shipping company, but don’t let that fool you – they also cater to passengers with comfortable cabins and deck spaces. Their regular departures from Suva to Levuka are a popular choice among travellers.

For those looking to venture further, Goundar Shipping also offers monthly services from Suva to Gau and Koro before returning to Suva. Occasionally, these trips extend to Taveuni and Vanua Levu, giving you even more options to explore (we recommend checking their schedule in advance). These longer journeys usually occur on the Lomaiviti Princess 7, MV Daya or a similar vessel.

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The Lomaiviti Islands Routes and Durations

Ferries offer tourists a viable way to reach the historic town of Levuka on Ovalau Island from Suva. However, if you’re thinking of island-hopping to other gems in the Lomaiviti Group, be prepared for a different experience. These longer routes, often overnight journeys, are primarily used by locals out of necessity rather than for leisure. While they might not be the most comfortable trips, they certainly offer an authentic glimpse into Fijian life!

Venu Shipping Routes

Venu Shipping operates several routes, including services to the Lomaiviti Islands. (Note: Times are subject to change. Always check with the Venu Shipping Office or their Facebook Page for the most up-to-date information.)

1. Suva to Levuka: Departs daily. The journey takes approximately 3 hrs 30 mins.
   • Bus departure: 1 pm from the Western Bus Stand opposite the Flea Market in Suva (reporting time: 12 pm)
   • Bus journey to Natovi Landing: About 2 hours
   • Ferry ride to Levuka: Approximately 1 hr 30 mins
   • Estimated arrival in Levuka: 4:30 pm
2. Levuka to Suva: Departs each day from Monday to Saturday. The total journey time is about 3 hrs 35 mins.
   • Weekday departure: 5:30 am from in front of Outback Range Limited supermarket in Levuka’s main street (reporting time: 4 am)
   • Sunday departure: 1:30 pm (reporting time: 12:30 pm)
   • Bus ride to Levuka Wharf: About 5 minutes
   • Ferry journey to Natovi Landing: Approximately 1 hr 30 mins
   • Bus ride from Natovi Landing to Suva: About 2 hours
3. Suva to Koro: Departs once a month. The entire journey takes about 14 hrs 30 mins.
   • Bus departure: From the Western Bus Stand opposite the Flea Market in Suva (reporting time: 5:30 am)
   • Bus journey to Natovi Landing: About 2 hours
   • Ferry departure from Natovi: 8:30 am
   • Ferry journey to Koro: Approximately 12 hours
4. Koro to Suva: Departs once a month, typically the day after the Suva to Koro service.

Goundar Shipping Route

Goundar Shipping operates routes to the Lomaiviti Islands. (Note: Times are subject to change. Always check with the Goundar Shipping Office or their Facebook Page for the most up-to-date information.)

1. Suva to Levuka (morning service): The bus departs from the Western Bus Stand opposite the Suva Flea Market at 6 am (reporting time 5 am). The journey takes about 4 hrs 30 mins in total. First, you’ll enjoy a two-hour bus ride to Natovi Landing, followed by a direct ferry to Levuka, arriving at approximately 10:30 am.
2. Levuka to Suva (afternoon service): Departs daily from Levuka Wharf at 2:30 pm (reporting time 2 pm). The entire journey takes about 3 hrs 30 mins. You’ll experience a scenic 1.5-hour ferry trip to Natovi Landing, followed by a two-hour bus ride to Suva.
3. Levuka to Suva (morning service): The ferry leaves Levuka Wharf daily at 6:30 am (reporting time 6 am). This service also takes about 3 hrs 30 mins, arriving at Natovi Landing around 8 am, where you’ll board a bus for the final two-hour leg to Suva.
4. Suva to Levuka (afternoon service): The bus departs from the Western Bus Stand at 1:30 pm, reaching Natovi Landing at 3:30 pm. The ferry then leaves at 4:30 pm, arriving in Levuka around 6 pm. Total journey time is approximately 4 hrs 30 mins.
5. Suva-Gau-Koro-Suva route: This weekly service departs from Narain Wharf (just north of Suva city centre) at 6 pm (reporting time 4 pm). Be prepared for a long journey – this round trip takes approximately 12-15 hours.

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The Cost of the Ferry to Levuka and the Lomaiviti Islands and Where to Purchase Tickets

Although it’s best to inquire about the latest ticket prices at ticket offices/booths, you can check out our guide on How Much Do Water Taxis & Ferries Cost in Fiji? for a list of approximate prices.

Venu Shipping

Ferry tickets can only be purchased from a Venu Shipping agent or ticket office. Ticket offices include:

• In the carrier car park (see what a carrier is in our Fiji Transport Guide) opposite the Suva Flea Market, Suva.
• The Outback Range Limited Supermarket in Levuka, Ovalau.

Goundar Shipping

Ferry tickets can only be purchased from a Goundar Shipping agent or ticket office. Ticket offices include:

• In the carrier car park (see what a carrier is in our Fiji Transport Guide) opposite the Suva Flea Market, Suva.
• 22 Freeston Road, Narain Wharf, Walu Bay, Suva.
• Ambalal & Sons, Levuka, Ovalau.

Note that information and tickets are available at the ticket booth opposite the Suva Flea Market, but those reporting for a ferry with Goundar should go to Narain Wharf.