Getting Around in Fiji

Fiji has a very good transportation system, so you can choose from several options on how you would like to explore and get around these beautiful islands. In cities, buses and taxis are the main modes of transportation, though there are many other ways of getting around, too.

Buses

Buses run regularly between cities and towns on the main island of Viti Levu. Taking the bus is an inexpensive way to get around the islands. You should note that the ride can get quite bumpy, and since most buses in Fiji have only canvas blinds to keep out rain instead of windows, it can also be very breezy.

However, you can check out the views outside, plus most bus drivers will play Fijian or reggae music from their stereos at top volume, so choosing to take the bus can be very fun as well.

It costs only F$12 to take the express bus along the Queens Highway, which takes approximately four hours. If you want to get around Fiji in something that is more comfortable and don’t mind spending a bit more, you can also choose an air-conditioned coach.

Taxis

Taxis are a good way to get around Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. They can be found at the taxi depot in the main towns or your hotel can ring one up for you. Taxis are another inexpensive mode of transportation. In Suva, a taxi ride generally costs up to F$5, though it can get you a long way. Around Nadi, it can cost F$8-10 to get to the town from the airport.

Taxis are especially convenient to get around at night. It is not advised to walk through the cities alone at night, as muggings have been reported.

Rental Cars

If you want to travel Fiji at your own time and pace, renting a car is a good idea. Renting from name brand companies are best, as although they are more expensive, you are also sure to get a late model vehicle that is in good condition. Budget and Hertz are among the popular companies to rent cars from.

To drive in Fiji, you need to have a valid driving license from an English-speaking country. If you have one from another country, you will need to get an international driving permit.

Ferry

Ferries are an excellent way to see the beautiful sights if you have enough time to spare. Ferry services in Fiji connect Viti Levu to all the other island groups, as well as connecting Nadi with the Mamanuca group (this route does several runs per day from 9 am to 4 pm) and the Yasawa group (runs daily). Vanua Levu and Ovalau also do daily runs, and there is a fortnightly service to the northern and southern islands.

The ferries are able to carry vehicles and cargo, plus snacks, food and drinks are sold on board as well.  However, most ferries do not arrive or leave at the time that is appointed, so if you need to get somewhere at a particular time, travelling by ferry might not be the best mode of transportation.

Plane

If you want to get somewhere quickly or want to travel between islands, flying is an excellent choice. Fiji has two internal airlines that are reliable and run on a regular basis. Sun Air’s head offices are located at the Nadi International Airport, while Air Fiji operates out of Nausori. Both airlines have daily flights to most of Fiji’s major islands, including Savusavu, the Mamanucas, Labasa, Bureta, Vunisea, Mateo and the Yasawas. You can also visit the outer islands, including Koro, Moala, Rotuma, Lakeba, Gau and Valua Balavu, though you must have permission, as it is illegal to show up on these islands uninvited.

Flights are up to F$400 return from Nadi to the northern islands and up to F$300 return from Nadi to the southern islands. The resort islands of Malolo Lailai and Mana in the Mamanucas are visited daily with 10-minute flights costing around F$80 return. Also keep in mind that inter-island flights are only done by light plane.

Helicopters and Seaplanes

Island Hoppers offers helicopter transfers to the majority of the Mamanucas island resorts, along with helicopter flights departing from the Nadi Airport and Denarau Island.  Turtle Airways and Pacific Island Seaplanes also offer seaplane transportation services. Turtle Airways’ seaplanes depart from New Town Beach and Denarau, along with transfers to the Mamanucas, the Fijian Resort, Toberua Island Resort, Suva, the Yasawas, Pacific Harbour and some other islands as required. Pacific Island Seaplanes provides transfers to the islands in the Yasawa, Mamanuca and Lau groups.  

Motorcycles, Scooters and Bikes

Motorcycles, scooters and bikes are other fun ways to get around Fiji on your own terms. Thrifty Car Rental offers motorcycles and scooters at around F$35 to F$60 per day for scooters and 125cc for motorcycles.

Fiji’s main islands have some good areas for cycling, though some areas are too rugged or hilly. Viti Levu has long, flat roads along the Coral Coast, and you can bike around the area of the island near the Kings and Queens Roads. Mountain bikes are best for exploring the interior of the island. If you plan on biking on your trip, try to go during Fiji’s drier months, which are from May to October, as rain usually tends to fall down heavily in Fiji.

Drivers in Fiji also do not have much driving education and are not accustomed to cyclists on the road, so take caution if you are riding on roads, and avoid biking at night when visibility is low.

You should always wear a helmet if you are riding a bike, motorcycle, or scooter. It is also difficult to buy bike parts in Fiji, so remember to bring your own repair kit as well.

Bikes can be rented in Nadi, Ovalau and the Coral Coast at around F$25 to F$40 per day. Rental bikes are not always in good condition, so make sure to test the brakes and gears prior to renting one. Helmets are not provided by all operators, either. Wacking Stick Adventure Tours, which is near Nadi, also runs mountain bike tours.