Transport in Vanuatu
Airlines
Air Vanuatu operates regular services from Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Noumea and Nadi. Other airlines operating to Vanuatu include Air Caledonie, Solomon Airlines, Pacific Blue and Air Pacific.
Vanuatu’s domestic carrier, Vanair runs flights to the major islands, but book your seat well in advance, especially on the popular flights to Santo and Tanna. Children between 2 and 12 can fly half-price. An airport bus service is provided by tour operators for hotel transfers for those on package holidays. Taxis and mini buses are also available at the airport. The price of a one-way ride from the airport to town is VT100 per person. Taxis are all metered and cost from VT1000.
Buses & Taxis
Public mini buses have a red ‘B’ on their number plate. They don’t have a fixed route, so just flag one down and tell the driver where to go. The fare is 100VT per trip within the town limits and from 200VT to villages or areas out of town. Most of the islands with roads have taxis (usually a 4WD truck open utility) – these have a red ‘T’ on their number plate. The minimum charge is 100VT and you will probably pay about 100VT a kilometre. Taxis in Vila and Luganville are not metred and for longer journeys, you can negotiate a price before starting your journey.
Car Rental
Rental car company offices are located in Port Vila’s international airport, and downtown in both Vila (Efate) and Luganville (Santo). Cars, 4WDs and vans are available for hire if you are 23 and over. Both international and national driving licences are accepted, as long as you have held your licence for at least a year. There are also scooters (mopeds) for hire in Vila. The minimum age to rent one is 17 or you must have an open car licence.
Driving Fact File
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
The speed limit in Vila and Luganville is 50km/h, but there are no restrictions out of town.
Road conditions can be rough, so take care. Watch for people or animals on the road, especially in rural areas.
Vehicles drive on the right - always give way to traffic coming from the right.
Some road signs have been blown or damaged by cyclones in parts of town and in the rural areas, so ask locals for directions if you are in doubt.
There are several petrol service stations in town and they open till late. If you are driving out of town, be certain to check there is enough fuel in your tank.
Ferries/Boats
The main operators are Dinh Shipping Agency in Port Vila and Sea-Link Vanuatu, located in Santo. Other inter-island traders are Lady Deamer, MV Havannah that operates between New Caledonia and Vanuatu via Efate, Malakula, Santo. There is no fixed timetable. The movement is aired on national radio three times daily or contact the agencies.