Transportation

Transportation in Vanuatu

Transportation in Vanuatu is informal and island-appropriate. Port Vila has basic public transport; getting between islands requires boats or flights.

Within Port Vila

Minibuses ("Buses"):

• Main public transport option
• Small vans with "B" license plates
• Fixed routes but no fixed schedules
• Wave one down like a taxi
• Very cheap: 150-200 VUV (~$1.50-2)
• No formal bus stops - flag anywhere

Taxis:

• Available throughout Port Vila
• Metered or negotiate price before boarding
• Typically 500-1,500 VUV for trips within town
• Yellow "T" plates

Walking:

• Port Vila center is walkable
• Sidewalks limited in places
• Safe during daytime

Cycling:

• Possible but not common
• Few dedicated bike paths
• Watch for traffic and road conditions

Having Your Own Vehicle

Many expats have cars:

• Freedom to explore
• Essential for living outside Port Vila center
• Useful for emergency evacuation access

Buying a car:

• Both new and used available
• Import duties make cars expensive
• Japanese imports (Toyota, Nissan) common
• Budget: $10,000-25,000 for reliable used vehicle

Driving:

• Drive on the RIGHT (same as US/Europe)
• International driving permit accepted initially
• Local license required for long-term stay
• Road conditions vary (paved in Port Vila, dirt roads elsewhere)

Fuel:

• Petrol available in Port Vila and Luganville
• Limited elsewhere - plan ahead
• Prices higher than Australia

Between Islands

Domestic Flights:

• Air Vanuatu operates domestic routes
• Connects Port Vila to major islands
• Small prop planes
• Some remote strips require charter

Key routes:

Ferries:

• Connect major islands
• Big Sista ferry (Port Vila-Luganville)
• Journey time can be long (20+ hours)
• Basic facilities
• Much cheaper than flying

Small boats:

• Local boats between nearby islands
• Often informal arrangements
• Safety varies - check conditions

International Travel

Bauerfield International Airport (VLI):

• Main international airport in Port Vila
• Located 6km from city center
• Connections to:
• Australia (Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne)
• New Zealand (Auckland)
• Fiji
• New Caledonia
• Solomon Islands

Airlines serving Vanuatu:

• Air Vanuatu (national carrier)
• Qantas
• Virgin Australia
• Fiji Airways
• Air Caledonie

Flight times:

• Sydney: ~3 hours
• Brisbane: ~2.5 hours
• Auckland: ~3 hours
• Fiji: ~1.5 hours

Costs Overview

Tips for Getting Around

1. Minibuses are cheapest but require patience
2. Rent a car if exploring beyond Port Vila
3. Book domestic flights early - limited seats
4. Ferry travel is scenic but slow and basic
5. Road conditions deteriorate quickly in rain
6. Ask locals about current transport options - things change
7. International flights book through Air Vanuatu or partner airlines

For Outer Islands

If living on outer islands:

• Flights may be weekly or less frequent
• Boat transport weather-dependent
• Stock supplies when possible
• Plan around transport schedules
• Medical emergencies require air evacuation