Transport in Vanuatu

Airlines
Air Vanuatu, phone (678) 23 878 operates regular services from Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Noumea and Nadi. Other airlines operating to Vanuatu include Air Caledonie, Solomon Airlines, Pacific Blue, Air Pacific and Air New Zealand. Bauerfield is the major international airport, 6km from Port Vila on the island of Efate. Air Vanuatu runs domestic flights to the major islands, but book your seat well in advance, especially on the popular flights to Espiritu Santo and Tanna. Children between 2 and 12 can fly half-price. Taxis are also available at the airport and are all metered.

Resort & Hotel Transport
There are various licensed airport transfer companies who can provide pre-arranged transport to and from the airport. Vehicles are either 26-seat standard buses or luxury 10-seat mini coaches, and most have air-conditioning. Your hotel or resort may have a transfer arranged or ask for a luxury coach from the company of your choice to be available at the airport or hotel. The costs will vary depending on the arrangement and number of passengers but is generally similar to taxi fares. Check with your travel agent to confirm your transport arrangements or contact the transfer company of your choice directly.

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 let the driver know where you are going. 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 per kilometre. There is a set price of 1000VT from the airport to Port Vila, but outside of this, you should always negotiate a price with your driver before starting your journey.

Car/Scooter Hire
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 or 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 Port Vila. The minimum age to rent one is 17 or you must have an open car licence.

Ferries/Boats
The main operator in Port Vila is Dinh Shipping Agency, phone (678) 22 865, fax (678) 24 677. MV Havannah, phone (678) 25 225, fax (678) 24 732 operates between New Caledonia and Vanuatu via Efate, Malakula and Espiritu Santo. For other internal trading vessels, their movements are aired on national radio three times daily or contact the agencies. For other marine timetables, visit Vanuatu Tourism.

Driving Fact File

• Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
• The speed limit in Vila and Luganville is 50km/h, and 80km/h 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 left.
• Keep an eye on all drivers and watch the signs.
• Some road signs have been blown or damaged by cyclones in parts of town and
  in the rural areas, so ask for directions if 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, especially in rural areas.

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