How to Commute in Fiji
Although Fiji is made up of 333 islands spread across almost 1.3 million square kilometres, public and local transport services are limited to islands with roads. Therefore, commuting transport is available on islands such as Viti Levu (the main island), Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. With the railway lines exclusively for the use of transporting sugarcane, public transport on these islands is on road. Check out the guide below on commuting in Fiji to learn more about the local transport.
For more information on overwater transport in Fiji, see our guide to Public Transport in Fiji.
5 Tips for Commuting in Fiji
- While taxis in Nadi and Suva have meters, the same cannot be said for elsewhere in Fiji, so be sure to ask the price before hitting the road
- Buses on Viti Levu require an e-ticket, which can be purchased from Vodafone stores
- You need to be 21 years or older with a full driving license to be able to hire a car
- Public buses run on a rough schedule, so don’t be surprised if they are late (or early)
- Where there is a bus station in a town or city, there is also usually a taxi depot.
© FijiPocketGuide.comPublic Buses, Express Buses and Carriers
Fiji’s main commuting routes are on the roads of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Public transport comes in the form of two different types of buses, as well as locally-run carriers and minivans.
For typical prices for bus travel in Fiji, see How Much Does it Cost to Travel Fiji by Bus?
Public Buses
A cheap way to get around a city or from the city to a rural area, public buses provide a real “local” experience. Public buses are usually in buses that have seen quite a few years and have tarps as windows, rather than glass. They are available on the islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau, although the latter two just have buses running twice a day along with the school run.
Public buses in Fiji run on a rough schedule, which you can often see up-to-date timetables at bus stops in the major towns and cities. In rural areas, it’s best to ask a local where to wait for the bus.
While public buses are a good way to get around a city or short distances between neighbouring towns, they provide a pretty lengthy trip if traveller, say from Nadi to Suva. The express buses are best for longer trips.
Express Buses
“Express bus” is the common name given to inter-city buses in Fiji. Express buses are only available on the island of Viti Levu, with two major routes: between Nadi and Suva on the Queens Road and between Nadi and Suva on the Kings Road.
While a little more expensive than public buses, express buses are still what many would consider “affordable”, with prices being FJ$16-$25 to get between Nadi and Suva. Buses are large coaches, some with air-conditioning and even a movie playing – not that you’ll need it with the scenery providing more than enough entertainment.
Carriers and Minivans
While not necessarily an “official” service, many locals run small trucks with a tarp-covered frame on the back, known as carriers. They often take routes that public buses do, while some even offer trips from Nadi to Suva.
Working in a similar way to carriers, minivans pick up passengers around Nadi and travel to Suva along the Queens Road. They usually squeeze in as many passengers as possible so don’t expect comfort.
Both carriers and minivans are typically slightly more expensive than public buses, but get passengers to their destination faster.
Learn more about these methods of transport in our complete guide to Minivans & Carrier Vans in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.comTaxis
Taxis in Fiji work the same way as they do elsewhere in the world, offering a door-to-door service. Additionally, some taxis and drivers can be hired for rural sightseeing or longer trips between towns. Taxi depots can usually be found nearby bus stops in towns and cities.
Taxis in Nadi and Suva
Taxis in Nadi and Suva work a little differently than the rest of Fiji, as they are regulated by the government. Taxi fares have a flag fall of approx. FJ$1.50 between 6am and 10pm or approx, FJ$2 outside of these hours, and approx. FJ$5 for a yellow taxi at the airport. Then it’s around 10c for every 100m travelled calculated by a meter.
See some typical taxi prices in How Much Does a Nadi Airport Taxi Cost?
Taxis Elsewhere in Fiji
Taxis can be found outside of Nadi and Suva in the towns and cities of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. In these areas, taxi drivers do not use a meter, so it’s best to ask (and negotiate) a price before hitting the road. It’s also possible to hire taxi drivers for a half-day or full-day, usually at around FJ$30 an hour or around FJ$160 for the whole day depending on how far you want to travel.
Learn more in 10 Things You Need to Know About Taxis in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.comDriving in Fiji
Finally, travelling by car is another way to commute in Fiji. For visitors, renting a car is usually a good option, allowing the freedom to go where you want when you want. Car rentals are available on the islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni.
For more advice on renting a car in Fiji, see our Car Rental category.
Driving Tips for Fiji
While major roads like the Queens and Kings Road on Viti Levu and the Hibiscus Highway on Vanua Levu are sealed, many rural roads are not. A 4WD or at least a car with high clearance is recommended for travel around Fiji’s rural areas and inland roads.
While the main roads in Fiji are well-signposted, turning off into the rural roads are less so. It’s best to have an idea of where you are going before you set off. It’s possible that you’ll need to stop to ask for directions along the way.
The speed limit in Fiji is 40km/h in towns, 60km/h in suburbs and 80km/h elsewhere. Hazards on the road include pedestrians and stray animals.
For more tips, see 10 Safety Tips for Driving in Fiji.
More About Commuting in Fiji
