© FijiPocketGuide.com
© FijiPocketGuide.com

The Guide to Taxis in Fiji

© FijiPocketGuide.com

Taxis in Fiji: A Traveller’s Guide

Need to get across town? In Fiji, it’s easy and affordable to get a taxi, especially in some of the islands’ larger towns like Nadi, Suva and Lautoka. Taxi drivers are even happy to travel longer distances, making them an option to get across islands in the comfort of a private vehicle. So see if taxis are the right transport method for your trip to Fiji with this complete guide to taxis in Fiji.

Things You Need to Know About Using a Taxi in Fiji

  • Licensed taxis have number plates that start in “LT”
  • There are no central numbers or Uber to call for a taxi in Fiji, so if you like a taxi driver’s service and want to book them again, ask for their driver’s card
  • Taxis use taxi meters in Fiji’s town areas
  • Taxi fares can be negotiated for trips exceeding 16km (10 miles) or for countryside areas – see How to Negotiate a Taxi Price in Fiji for tips
  • You are not required to tip your taxi driver but it’s good practice to round your fare up to the nearest dollar
  • If using a taxi as an airport transfer, consider the alternative airport transport options which could be cheaper.

For more tips, check out the 10 Things You Need to Know About Taxis in Fiji.

The Guide to Taxis in Fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

What are the Taxis Like in Fiji?

The taxis in Fiji are different depending on what island and town you’re in. However, they can all be identified by an “LT” at the beginning of their vehicle registration number. They will also have a “Taxi” sign on the roof of the vehicle. All taxis, except in Korovou, Taveuni and Levuka, are permitted to have a taxi meter to use within urban areas.

Vehicles range from the old to the not-so-old in Fiji’s towns, while Nadi Airport taxis and taxis for Denarau are more standardised. Taxis from Nadi International Airport are yellow taxis which tend to be SUVs, medium hatchbacks and people-movers to suit four to six passengers with a suitcase each. The only taxis permitted to pick up in Denarau are Denarau Taxis, which are high-quality vehicles.

Taxis do not typically have baby seats available, while minivans for larger groups will need to be booked.

Note that some taxis, especially in Suva, don’t have seatbelts on the back passenger seats, as it is not required by law in Fiji.

Private Drivers

It is common in Fiji that when you ask your accommodation to call a taxi for you, you seemingly get a random driver than is not in a taxi vehicle. Instead, they might be in a branded vehicle saying “tours & transfers” or with a license plate starting in “LH”, which is the appropriate license for a driver hire/transfer vehicle. These are not official cabs but more like a “private driver”, which is another popular way to get around Fiji – just make sure you arrange a price before accepting a ride.

The Guide to Taxis in Fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

Where Can You Get a Taxi in Fiji?

Taxis are only available on the islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau.

Taxis in Viti Levu

Fiji’s largest island with the largest towns and road network has plenty of taxis to transport you not only within towns but across the island if needed. Taxis are available in abundance at taxi stands and airports, as well as easily hailed down. Elsewhere, you can get accommodations to call taxi drivers for you. Taxis become less frequent the further inland you go.

Taxis in Vanua Levu

Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second-largest island and has taxis in Labasa and Savusavu, which are easy to flag down in the towns. They are a useful method of transport to get across towns or to town attractions. Taxi drivers are also available to hire for countryside sightseeing and trips between Labasa and Savusavu. Learn more about getting around Vanua Levu here.

Taxis in Taveuni

There are limited taxis in Taveuni, some found at the Matei Airport awaiting incoming flights, while others can be found in the towns of Matei, Waiyaevo and Naqara. If you can’t find one to flag down, accommodations can arrange taxis for you. Taxis here do not use meters. Learn more about getting around Taveuni here.

Taxis in Ovalau

Taxis in Ovalau can be found in Levuka on the waterfront opposite the Church of the Sacred Heart. Taxis here do not use a meter. Learn more about getting around Ovalau here.

The Guide to Taxis in Fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

The Cost of Taxis in Fiji

Apart from Korovou, Taveuni and Ovalau, taxis in Fiji use a meter to determine the taxi fares within Fiji’s town areas. The taxi meter flagfall is around FJ$5 from the airports and FJ$1.50 elsewhere between 6am and 10pm. It is FJ$2 outside of these hours. It is then FJ$1 per km/FJ$1.60 per mile (it will be measured in metres in the taxi).

Taxi drivers are permitted to set fares or negotiate a price if instigated by the passenger for trips outside of town areas or trips that exceed 16km (10 miles).

Some typical taxi fares for longer journeys include:

  • Nadi to Lautoka: FJ$45-$55
  • Nadi to Sigatoka: FJ$80-$130
  • Nadi to the Pacific Harbour: FJ$170-$200
  • Nadi to Rakiraki: FJ$160-$200
  • Nadi to Suva: FJ$200-$230
  • Nausori Airport to Suva city centre: FJ$30-$50
  • Suva to the Pacific Harbour: FJ$40-$60
  • Labasa to Savusavu: FJ$75-$100
  • Matei to Bouma (Tavoro) Falls: FJ$20-$50
  • Matei to Waiyevo: FJ$20-$50.

For more information on taxi fares, check out Taxi Prices in Fiji: The Costs You Need to Know.

The Guide to Taxis in Fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

Hiring Taxi Drivers in Fiji

Many taxis in Fiji can be hired for sightseeing, but there is no standard price for this. Hiring a licensed taxi in Viti Levu can be costly, so it is better to hire a driver from a tour/transfer company rather than a licensed taxi.

On Vanua Levu and Taveuni, hiring a taxi for sightseeing/day hires is usually more affordable, costing FJ$140-$160 for the day.

Learn more about what is the best way to hire a driver in How to Hire a Driver in Fiji.

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.

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