🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Samoa
✈️ Flying to Samoa
Main Airport
Faleolo International Airport (APW) — Samoa’s only international airport, located 35–40km west of Apia on Upolu’s north coast. Conveniently, it’s just six minutes from the Mulifanua ferry terminal for onward travel to Savai‘i.
Flight Times:
- From Europe: 26–32 hours total (no direct flights—connect via Sydney or Auckland)
- From Australia: 4–5 hours direct (Sydney, Brisbane)
- From New Zealand: 3.5 hours direct (Auckland)
- From USA (Los Angeles / Honolulu): 8–10 hours
- From Fiji: 2 hours (Fiji Airways direct)
Main airlines: Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways, and Qantas operate most international flights. From Europe, the most common routing is London or major EU cities via Sydney with Qantas, then Air New Zealand or Fiji Airways onwards to Apia.
💡 Insider Tip
Auckland is the most convenient hub for Samoa connections. Air New Zealand flies Auckland–Apia multiple times per week. If travelling from Europe, adding a short stop in Auckland lets you break up the journey and explore New Zealand before heading into the Pacific.
🚖 From Faleolo Airport to Apia
Taxi (Most Common)
Taxis meet all arrivals outside the terminal. Meters are rarely used—agree on the fare before you get in. The 35–40km drive to Apia takes around 40–50 minutes and costs approximately 60 WST to 80 WST. Drivers are generally reliable and speak some English.
Airport Bus
A shuttle bus service connects the airport with major Apia hotels for around 12 WST per person. Slower than a taxi but a good budget option if you are not in a hurry. Check with your accommodation if they can arrange the transfer in advance.
Public Aiga Bus
Colorful aiga (extended family) buses pass along the main road outside the terminal and run to Apia for 4 WST to 6 WST. Slow and often full, but a genuine local experience and the cheapest option available.
Car Rental
Several international and local car hire companies have desks at Faleolo. Collecting a car at the airport is convenient if you plan to drive yourself around Upolu. See the rental section below for key driving notes.
⚓️ The Ferry to Savai‘i
The inter-island ferry is the main link between Upolu and Savai‘i. Operated by the Samoa Shipping Corporation, ferries run daily from Mulifanua Wharf on Upolu’s west coast to Salelologa on Savai‘i’s south coast. The crossing takes 60–90 minutes through the Apolima Strait, passing the small islands of Manono and Apolima.
Walk-on fares: 10 WST adults, 5 WST children aged 2–12. Tickets purchased in cash at the terminal—no advance booking needed for foot passengers. Bring enough cash for both directions before leaving Apia.
Vehicle crossings: 80 WST to 110 WST depending on vehicle size. Must be pre-booked through Samoa Shipping Corporation in Apia (beside Paddles Restaurant). Vehicle check-in closes one hour before departure.
VIP upgrade: An extra 20 WST buys priority boarding, an air-conditioned lounge, and a snack and drink. Worth it for the comfort on a warm day.
Mulifanua is conveniently just six minutes from Faleolo Airport. If you are flying in and heading straight to Savai‘i, you can transfer directly without driving into Apia first.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Most nationalities enter visa-free for up to 60–90 days. EU, UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, and most other Western passport holders receive a free Visitor Permit on arrival. No advance visa application required.
Requirements at arrival: Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay, return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds. Extensions for up to 60 additional days are available at the Immigration Office in Apia.
Check visa requirements for Samoa →🚗 Getting Around Samoa
Aiga Buses (Cheapest)
Colorfully painted flatbed trucks with bench seating. The main network covers routes across Upolu from the Fugalei bus station in Apia. Fares 1 WST to 3 WST for most routes. Frequent departures in the morning; service thins out after midday and stops early. Not available on Sundays.
Taxis
Available in Apia and near major resorts. Negotiate the fare before you get in—metered taxis are the exception, not the rule. Most drivers speak basic English. For day trips around Upolu, hiring a driver for a full day at 200 WST to 300 WST is a practical option that lets you stop freely.
Rental Car (Best for Exploring)
The most flexible way to see both islands at your own pace. Several companies operate at Faleolo Airport and in Apia. Rates from around 150 WST to 250 WST per day for a compact car.
🎫 Transport Tip
Uber does not operate in Samoa. Arrange taxi pick-ups through your hotel or at the main Apia taxi stand on Beach Road. For remote villages and waterfalls on Savai‘i, a rental car is almost essential—public buses are sparse and do not run on Sundays at all.
🚋 Driving in Samoa
Samoa switched from left-hand to right-hand driving in September 2009—an unusual change that made it easier to use left-hand-drive vehicles imported from Australia and New Zealand. Cars in Samoa are therefore right-hand-drive but drive on the right side of the road.
Key Driving Notes
- Drive on the right: Opposite to Australia, New Zealand, and the UK
- Speed limits: 56 km/h in urban areas, 88 km/h on open roads
- Roads: Main coastal road around Upolu is sealed and well-maintained; secondary and interior roads can be rough
- Licence: Valid home country driving licence accepted; international driving permit recommended
- Sundays: Traffic is very light—many businesses closed, roads quiet
- Watch for: Children, dogs, and the occasional pig on rural roads
⚠️ Sunday Driving Note
Sunday is deeply observed in Samoa. Petrol stations close, many shops shut, and the Sa (evening silence) is respected by locals. Plan fuel stops on Saturday—running low on a Savai‘i Sunday can leave you stranded.
🚘 Compare Rental Cars in Samoa
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Fly via Auckland: Air New Zealand Auckland–Apia fares are often cheaper when booked as a separate leg rather than one long-haul ticket from Europe
- Take the aiga bus: Costs a fraction of a taxi for routes along Upolu’s main coastal road
- Walk-on ferry, no car: Renting a car on Savai‘i separately is cheaper than paying the vehicle ferry fee and often gives more flexibility
- Book airport transfers in advance: Pre-arranged hotel transfers are usually cheaper than airport taxis and avoid fare negotiation
- Avoid Sunday travel days: Petrol, food, and services are limited—travel Saturday or Monday instead