Left-hand driving, colorful shared taxis, and one ferry line — a concise guide to getting around Samoa.
Arrival and Getting into Town
| Airport | Getting into Town | Time/Price |
|---|
| Faleolo (APW) | Airport shuttle / Taxi / Homestay pickup | About 45 minutes to Apia, taxi around 60–90 tala |
Getting Around Town and the Island
- Colorful Shared Taxis (Bus): No fixed stops, flag them down; the color on the front indicates the route. Fares are 2–10 tala — the most local way to travel. Very few services on Sundays.
- Renting a Car: You can get a temporary permit in Apia with your passport and driver’s license. Samoa drives on the left (since 2009). Car rental agencies are concentrated in Apia. 4WD vehicles cost about 120–180 tala per day.
- Taxis: Meters are not used; agree on a fare before getting in. Between the airport and central Apia, fares are around 60–90 tala.
- Private Day Tours: With driver and guide included. South coast island tours cost about 200–300 tala per day.
Inter-Island Travel: Upolu – Savai’i
The Mulifanua Ferry Terminal (northwest Upolu) to Salelologa (eastern Savai’i) takes about 70 minutes with vehicles and passengers on board. Service is scheduled but significantly reduced or canceled on Sundays, and may be suspended during strong winds in the wet season. Vehicle tickets must be purchased in advance by queuing; arriving an hour early in peak season is advisable. Manono Island can be reached from the Manono-Uti Wharf on the southeast of Upolu by small boat, taking about 20 minutes.
Tips
- Ferries, village fees, and homestays generally only accept cash, so carry enough small bills.
- Shared taxis stop running early in the evening; use taxis for nighttime travel.
- Google Maps works in Samoa, but rural roads are poorly marked — asking locals is the most reliable option.