🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Fiji
✈️ Flying to Fiji
Main Airport
Nadi International Airport (NAN) — Fiji's only international airport, located 9km north of Nadi city on the west coast of Viti Levu. Gateway for over 95% of visitors. Connections to both Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups depart from nearby Port Denarau, 20 minutes away.
Flight Times:
- From Europe: 24–30 hours total (no direct flights—connect via Sydney, Auckland, or Singapore)
- From Australia: 3–4 hours direct (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)
- From New Zealand: 3 hours direct (Auckland)
- From USA (Los Angeles): 10 hours direct (Fiji Airways, United)
- From Asia: 9–11 hours (Singapore, Hong Kong)
💡 Insider Tip
Fiji Airways is the national carrier with direct flights from Sydney, Auckland, Los Angeles, Singapore, and Hong Kong. From Europe, routing via Sydney with Qantas or via Singapore with Singapore Airlines gives the smoothest connections. Book Fiji Airways legs directly for better flexibility.
🚖 From Airport to Hotels
Taxi (Most Common)
Metered taxis meet all arrivals. The meter rarely runs—agree price first. Nadi city: FJD 15–20 (10 min). Denarau Island: FJD 25–35 (20 min). Coral Coast resorts: FJD 80–120. Drivers are generally honest and helpful.
Hotel Transfers
Most resorts and hotels offer airport transfers—book in advance. Often included in packages. Meet-and-greet with name board in arrivals. Range from FJD 30–80 per car depending on destination.
Local Bus (Budget Option)
Public buses serve Nadi town from just outside the airport terminal. Fare under FJD 2. Slow and crowded but perfectly functional for budget travelers heading into Nadi. For Denarau or beach resorts, a taxi is more practical.
South Sea Cruises Coach
South Sea Cruises operates free coach transfers from Nadi and surrounding hotels to Port Denarau Marina—the departure point for Mamanuca and Yasawa island ferries. Book your ferry first, transfers included.
⚓️ Other Ways In
Fiji sits alone in the South Pacific, 3,150km northeast of Sydney. Flying is the only practical option for international visitors. No commercial ferry connections from other countries.
Cruise ships call at Suva and occasionally Lautoka. Lines including Princess Cruises, P&O, and Celebrity Cruises include Fiji on South Pacific itineraries. Check cruise schedules if interested.
Private yachts clear customs at Port Denarau, Savusavu, or Suva. The South Pacific cruising circuit brings many sailors through Fiji between May and November.
Domestic flights connect Nadi to Suva (Nausori Airport), Savusavu, Taveuni, Kadavu, and outer islands. Fiji Airways and Northern Air operate these routes. Essential if you want to reach Taveuni without a day-long ferry journey.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Most nationalities receive visa-free entry for up to 4 months. This includes EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most other Western nations. No visa needed—entry granted on arrival.
Requirements: Passport valid 6+ months beyond your stay, return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds (FJD 200+ per day). No advance registration required.
Check visa requirements for Fiji →🚗 Getting Around Fiji
Rental Car (Best for Viti Levu)
Ideal for exploring the main island. Drive on the left (British system). Roads are generally good on the main Queen's Road (south coast) and King's Road (north coast). Around FJD 80–150/day from airport. Avis and Budget at airport; local companies often cheaper.
Public Buses
Sunbeam Transport and Pacific Transport serve routes between Nadi, Suva, and Coral Coast. Cheap—Nadi to Suva FJD 10–15 (3–4 hours). Slow and stopping but a genuine local experience. Useful for budget travelers on Viti Levu.
Taxis
Available everywhere in Nadi, Suva, and along the Coral Coast. No meters are used—always negotiate price before you get in. Day hire FJD 150–250 with driver. Hotels can recommend reliable drivers.
Island Ferries (Mamanuca & Yasawa)
South Sea Cruises operates high-speed catamaran transfers from Port Denarau to Mamanuca resorts. The Yasawa Flyer slow ferry departs daily for the Yasawa chain—journey to far end 5–6 hours, FJD 100–160 one way. Resort speedboats charge more but are faster.
🎫 Transport Tip
Uber doesn't operate in Fiji. For Nadi area, your hotel can book taxis. For island hopping, book South Sea Cruises in advance—especially during school holidays when transfers fill up.
🚋 Local Transportation Tips
Viti Levu is larger than it looks on a map. The Coral Coast drive from Nadi to Suva takes 3–4 hours; the north coast route takes 4–5 hours.
Driving Tips
- Drive on the left: British system, right-hand drive cars
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on highways
- Watch for: Pedestrians, livestock, potholes on secondary roads
- Fuel: Available in all towns. Remote areas—fill up before heading out
Google Maps works well in Fiji for main roads. Download offline maps as backup. Secondary roads in the highlands are often unpaved.
🚘 Renting a Car
Recommended for exploring Viti Levu beyond the resorts. The Coral Coast, Pacific Harbour, and Suva are all accessible and reward independent exploration.
Things to Know
- Drive on the left side of the road
- Valid home country or international driving licence required
- Check vehicle condition carefully before accepting—photograph any damage
- Insurance usually included—check the excess amount
- 4WD recommended if exploring highland or unpaved roads
⚠️ Rental Warning
Some rural roads in the Highlands and Sigatoka Valley require 4WD. Stick to sealed roads in a standard car. Flash flooding can make some routes impassable in wet season (Nov–Apr).
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Fiji
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book island transfers early: South Sea Cruises fills up during school holidays—book before arrival
- Use local buses on Viti Levu: Nadi to Coral Coast under FJD 5—fraction of taxi cost
- Stay on Viti Levu: Island resorts add FJD 50–200 per day in transfer costs—factor this into your budget
- Bula Pass: If visiting multiple Yasawa islands, the Bula Pass gives unlimited ferry travel for 5–15 days at a fixed price
- Share taxis for day trips: Split cost of a full-day taxi 4 ways to reduce per-person cost significantly