Travel Guide to Transportation in the Solomon Islands: International Connections, Domestic Flights, and Inter-Island Ferries
How to reach Honiara, get around the city, and choose between flights or boats for the outer islands — all your key transport info in one place.
Arrival and Airports
| Airport | Description | Transport Options |
|---|
| Henderson International Airport (HIR) | Honiara, the main international gateway | Taxis take about 20–30 minutes to reach the city center |
| Gizo Airport (GZO) | Gateway to Western Province | Access via domestic flights |
| Munda Airport (MUA) | Near Marovo Lagoon | Access via domestic flights |
Getting to/from the Airport
Honiara Airport is about 11 km from the city center. Taxis are the main option—agree on the fare before getting in. Some hotels offer airport transfer services; it’s best to book in advance. There is no rail service and bus schedules are unreliable. If arriving late at night, arrange for a pick-up.
Getting Around the City
- Taxis: Most do not have meters; agree on the fare before starting your trip. Prices for getting around the city are relatively reasonable.
- Minibuses and buses: Commonly used by locals. Fares are cheap but routes and schedules are not fixed.
- Walking: Some parts of the city are walkable, but it’s not recommended to walk alone at night.
Inter-Island Transport
- Domestic flights: Connect Honiara with Gizo, Munda, Auki, Kirakira, and other locations. Aircraft are small and flight schedules are limited.
- Ferries and speedboats: Travel to places such as Tulagi and the Florida Islands. Services are highly weather-dependent.
- Chartered boats and flights: Offer more flexibility for reaching remote outer islands. Book in advance through resorts or travel agents.
Tips
- Driving is on the left side of the road. Renting and driving a car requires adjusting to right-hand drive vehicles.
- Domestic flights have limited baggage allowances; confirm weight limits in advance if you have extra luggage.
- Download offline maps—internet coverage on outer islands may be limited or unavailable.