Vanuatu Transportation Guide: International Connections, Inter-Island Flights, and Island Travel
How to reach Port Vila, fly between islands, and get around town and the islands — key travel info in one place.
Arrival and Airports
| Airport | Description | Transport Options |
|---|
| Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) | Port Vila, the main international gateway | Taxis take around 10–15 minutes to reach the city center |
| Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON) | Luganville, Santo Island | Taxis available to Luganville and nearby resorts |
| Tanna, Malakula, and other island airports | Domestic routes to outer islands | Access via domestic flights |
Getting to/from the Airport
Port Vila Airport is about 6 km from the city center. Taxis are the main option—agree on the fare before starting your trip. Some hotels offer airport transfers. Luganville Airport on Santo Island is also close to the town area, with both taxi and hotel shuttle options. Both airports are small, and immigration and baggage claim are usually quick.
Local Transport
- Taxis: Available in Port Vila and Luganville. Most fares are negotiable, keeping short trips reasonably priced.
- Shared minibuses: Common locally. They have no fixed stops—you can flag them down. Fares are low.
- Renting a car: Drive on the right, same as in most countries. However, rural roads are narrow and rough, so drive carefully.
Inter-Island Transport
- Domestic flights: Connect Port Vila with Santo Island, Tanna, Malakula, and others. Aircraft are small, flights are weather-dependent, and schedules may change. Confirm the latest information before booking.
- Ferries and cargo ships: Available between some islands, but journeys take longer and services are infrequent.
- Speedboats and chartered boats: More flexible for reaching resort islands. Can be booked through your hotel.
Tips
- Checked luggage allowances on inter-island flights are limited. Contact the airline in advance if you have excess baggage.
- Cyclone season brings changeable weather. Allow buffer time in your itinerary and for flights.
- Internet access is limited on outer islands. Download offline maps and inform family of your plans in advance.