🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Vanuatu
✈️ Flying to Vanuatu
Main Airports
Port Vila Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) — Vanuatu’s primary international gateway, located on the island of Efate just 6km from Port Vila city center. All major international routes serve this airport.
Santo–Pekoa International Airport (SON) — On Espiritu Santo, the country’s largest island. Receives some direct international services from Australia and New Caledonia, useful if your main destination is Santo.
Flight Times:
- From Australia (Brisbane or Sydney): 3.5–4 hours direct
- From New Zealand (Auckland): 3.5–4 hours direct
- From Europe: 22–28 hours total — connect via Brisbane, Auckland, Nadi, or Nouméa
- From North America: 16–20 hours — connect via Auckland, Sydney, or Nadi
- From New Caledonia (Nouméa): 1.5 hours
Main airlines flying to Port Vila:
- Qantas — Brisbane to Port Vila (4x weekly)
- Virgin Australia — Brisbane to Port Vila (up to 7x weekly)
- Jetstar — Sydney to Port Vila (seasonal)
- Fiji Airways — via Nadi from Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, and other Pacific cities
- Aircalin — via Nouméa from multiple Pacific and Asian cities
- Solomon Airlines — Auckland and Brisbane to both Port Vila and Santo
💡 Insider Tip
Brisbane is the most convenient hub for Vanuatu connections. Virgin Australia and Qantas both fly direct, with combined weekly frequencies giving you good flexibility on departure dates. For European travelers, a Fiji Airways connection through Nadi is often the simplest routing—and adds an optional overnight stopover in Fiji.
🚖 From Bauerfield Airport to Port Vila
Taxi (Most Common)
Taxis wait outside the arrivals hall. There are no meters—agree the fare before you get in. The 6km drive to central Port Vila takes 10–15 minutes and costs approximately 2,500 VUV. At night or with luggage, drivers may ask slightly more.
Hotel Transfer
Many resorts and guesthouses offer free or low-cost airport transfers if booked in advance. Contact your accommodation before arrival—it’s usually cheaper than a taxi and avoids the need to negotiate on arrival.
Minibus (Cheapest)
Shared minibuses operate along the main road into town for 200 VUV to 400 VUV. Slower and less comfortable than a taxi, but a genuine local experience if you are arriving with a light bag and no rush.
✈️ Domestic Flights — Island Hopping
Air Vanuatu operates the domestic network connecting Port Vila with the outer islands. Flights are the only practical way to reach Tanna, Espiritu Santo, Pentecost, and the more remote islands. Booking in advance is strongly recommended during the dry season (May–October) when aircraft are frequently full.
Port Vila to Tanna: 17,600 VUV one-way, 35,190 VUV return. Flight time approximately 40 minutes.
Port Vila to Santo (Luganville): 19,320 VUV one-way, 38,640 VUV return. Flight time approximately 45–55 minutes.
Provincial departure tax: An additional 200 VUV per person is payable separately in cash at the departure airport before each domestic flight. Keep small notes handy.
Smaller ATR-72 aircraft operate the main routes; Twin Otters serve the outer islands. Baggage allowances on domestic routes (typically 10–15kg) are much lower than international allowances—check with Air Vanuatu when booking and re-pack accordingly.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Citizens of 117 countries enter visa-free. Nationals of Australia, New Zealand, the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, and most other Western countries receive a free visitor permit stamp on arrival—no advance application needed. The standard permit grants 30 days, extendable to 120 days total at the immigration office in Port Vila.
Requirements at arrival: Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure, a return or onward ticket, and evidence of accommodation. Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for an eVisa in advance at evisa.gov.vu.
Check visa requirements for Vanuatu →🚗 Getting Around Vanuatu
Minibuses (Efate & Santo)
Informal shared minivans operate on Efate and, to a lesser extent, Santo. Vehicles are identified by license plates starting with “B”. Hail one from the roadside, agree on a destination, and pay on arrival. Fares run 150 VUV to 200 VUV for short hops within Port Vila, 300 VUV to 500 VUV for longer island routes. Service operates roughly 7am–6pm; bring exact change.
Taxis
Faster and more reliable than buses, essential after dark or for remote areas. License plates start with “T.” There are no meters—always agree the fare before getting in. Typical fares: 2,500 VUV from airport to Port Vila center, 4,000 VUV to Pango, 10,000 VUV from Port Vila to the Blue Lagoon. Taxis can be hired for half or full days to explore Efate—negotiate a flat rate of 15,000 VUV to 25,000 VUV for a full day.
Rental Car (Best for Efate)
The most flexible way to explore Efate’s ring road and southern highlights at your own pace. Several companies operate at Bauerfield Airport and in Port Vila. Rates from around 8,000 VUV per day for a small vehicle. A four-wheel-drive is recommended if you plan to visit the south coast or take unsealed roads. On Santo, you will need a 4WD for reaching the blue holes and Champagne Beach.
🎫 Transport Tip
Uber does not operate in Vanuatu. On Tanna, the entire island visit is effectively one guided experience—your tour operator handles all local transfers. On Santo, renting a 4WD in Luganville gives you full freedom; many of the best sites (Champagne Beach, blue holes) require a vehicle to reach.
🚋 Driving in Vanuatu
Key Driving Notes
- Drive on the right: Vanuatu drives on the right-hand side of the road
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on open roads
- Roads on Efate: The ring road is sealed and in reasonable condition; side roads vary
- Roads on Santo: The main roads around Luganville are surfaced; the east coast and Champagne Beach area require a 4WD
- Licence: Your home country driving licence is accepted; an international driving permit is recommended for non-English licences
- Fuel: Available in Port Vila and Luganville; limited on Tanna and outer islands. Fill up before leaving town
🚘 Compare Rental Cars in Vanuatu
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Fly via Brisbane: Virgin Australia and Qantas compete on this route—booking several weeks ahead often reveals significant price differences between the two
- Book domestic flights early: Air Vanuatu’s best fares sell out quickly in the dry season; book as soon as your itinerary is confirmed
- Use minibuses in Port Vila: The informal bus network costs a fraction of taxis for central routes
- Hire a driver for the day: For Efate day-trips, a fixed-rate taxi driver works out cheaper than multiple individual fares once you factor in waiting time
- Pre-book hotel transfers: Many guesthouses offer free airport collection—always ask when booking your accommodation