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Beach, Fiji

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Getting around in Fiji

Air: 

While most international flights to fiji are focused on Nadi, many domestic air services to eastern Fiji fly into Suva's Nausori Airport.

Pacific Sun (www.pacificsun.com.fj) operate shuttle services around the islands. The flight time from Nadi to Suva is approximately 30 minutes. Turtle Airways (www.turtleairways.com) operates a seaplane service to numerous resorts in the Mamanuca and Yasawa groups from Nadi.

Booking isn’t essential and flying is an easy – and relatively inexpensive – method of getting around all year.

Air passes: 

Discover Fiji: available with Air Fiji (tel: 331 3666 or 5055; www.airfiji.com.fj). Gives four flights within 30 days. The usual routing is Nadi-Taveuni-Savusavu-Suva-Nadi. It is only sold outside of Fiji in conjunction with an international flight ticket. Children over two and under 12 years of age pay 75% of the fare.

Departure tax: 

There is no departure tax for domestic flights in Fiji.

Side of road: 
Left
Road quality: 

Main roads are paved.

Beware of livestock on the roads as they wander freely during the night, although it is best to avoid driving during the night altogether.

When driving past villages, drivers are advised to slow down as locals use the roads as footpaths.

The approximate driving time from Nadi to Suva is three hours.

The main roads on Viti Levu follow the coast, linking the main centres.

Car hire: 

Car hire in Fiji is available through several international companies. Car hire in Fiji can be relatively expensive; 4-wheel drive is recommended for islands other than Viti Levu. Limousines and chauffeurs are also available.

Taxi: 

You will find taxis on Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. The bus stations in the main towns usually have taxi depots and there is often an oversupply of taxis vying for business. Unlike in Suva, the taxi drivers in Nadi, Lautoka and most rural areas don't use their meters. Ask locals what is the acceptable rate for a particular trip and agree with your driver the fee in advance. If the taxi does have a meter, ask the driver to switch it on – it will likely be significantly cheaper than a negotiated price.

Coach: 

Regulations: 

The speed limit in built-up areas is 50kph (31mph) and 80kph (50mph) on highways. The minimum age for car hire is 21 or sometimes 25. Front seat passengers must wear seat belts at all times.

Documentation: 

Valid national or international driving licence required. Third party insurance is included in car hire rates but collision insurance with rather high deductible amounts is extra.

Getting around towns and cities: 

Road travel tends to be more dangerous than many people are used to: potholes, washouts and dilapidated bridges are commonplace. And, while there is rarely much traffic present, most vehicles run on diesel, which means pollution can be severe. Buses are the best, unless you are truly comfortable and capable of renting and driving a car on your own. Avoid travel at night, especially outside of urban areas. Many locals drive small trucks (known as carriers) with a tarpaulin-covered frame on the back. These often have passenger seating and some run trips between Nadi and Suva. Minivans are also an increasingly common sight on the road. Popular with locals, they're also quicker and more expensive than a bus but much cheaper than a taxi - though your ride will be far from comfortable.

By water: 

Most resorts have their own boat transport, some have catamaran services. Government and local shipping companies operate passenger services linking the outer islands. Yachts and cabin cruisers are available for charter; enquire at the shipping agents, being sure to confirm all arrangements with the captain once the vessel is in port. A number of ferries operate between the major islands, including South Sea Cruises (tel: 675 0500; www.ssc.com.fj), Awesome Adventures (tel: 675 0499; www.awesomefiji.com), Patterson Brothers, and Consort Shipping.

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