» Getting to Vanuatu   » Getting to Moorings from the Airport   » Inter Island Travel   » Map of Port Vila  » Bus, 4WD, Taxi

GETTING TO VANUATU

Vanuatu is a chain of 83 islands spread between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn.

The closest neighbors are New Caledonia and the Solomon Island both linked to Vanuatu by air.

Most travellers enter Vanuatu by Efate Island and the town of Port Vila.

Bauerfield airport is just 10 minutes from Vila. There is an ANZ ATM in the arrival hall so grab some Vatu while waiting for your luggage.

More and more airlines are flying in. Air Vanuatu, the national airline fly's from Sydney (3hrs), Brisbane (2 ½) and from, New Caladonia, Fiji and Auckland.

Qantas code share with Air Vanuatu from Australia and with Air New Zealand bothcodes share and are flying there own aircraft into Port Vila.

Pacific Blue or Virgin Blue tend to be the best value airline into Port Vila flying from Brisbane with connections to all Australian cities.

From North America you can fly via Fiji with Qantas or Air Pacific or via Auckland with Air New Zealand.

From Europe many airlines service Australia and New Zealand however it was recently released that Cathay Pacific is the best value ticket from Europe with stops in Hong Kong and your choice of Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne or Auckland.

Please ask your travel agent about round the world tickets when booking. Some good deals that link Vanuatu can be purchased where you can fly into Vanuatu from one country and out again into another.

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INTER ISLAND TRAVEL

Air Vanuatu's domestic aircraft link the major islands of Vanuatu. The small single aircraft Unity Airlines is also very good value if you have up to 4 people flying around the island. A new helicopter Service has also just started flying from Port Vila harbour. Tickets are generally purchased once in Port Vila. We can arrange to pre-purchase tickets for you should you like to plan well ahead.

All departure taxes, both for domestic and international are included in the airfare.

Freighters can also be booked for slower passages to the outer Island however be prepared for a rough ride.

The island gateway is a new Fast Cat service. It services Tanna and Santo however it is unreliable in rough seas. We recommend this service is booked when in Port Vila. The Island Gateway is more reliable with it's 7 Islands day trip out of Port Vila. It can include diving and snorkeling. You can even book a fare on a beach and over night or island hope these fabulous islands. We recommend booking this service via us so that we can advise you on the best island to stay and the on the reliability of the service.

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TRAVELLING BY BUS

The local buses will take you anywhere within the post Vila vicinity for 100V (about $1.20). Look for the letter "B" next to the front number plate and simply flag him down, tell him where you want to go and, voila! ... although you may get to drop off a few locals before you get to your destination. They are rickety old things too, with belching smoke... but loads of fun!

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FOUR WHEEL DRIVE

These are a must if planning a trip round the island. The roads are full of pot holes and ruts, making the going slow and bumpy in a conventional vehicle. The Millennium road project is due to start in the next 12 months. This is a USA funded project which the Vanuatu government won a bid for, to build a bitumen road round the main island. Both  Budget (+678 23 170 - speak to Lorna, who has a great knowledge of what to see around the island) & Avis (+678 22 570) have them for hire.

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GETTING A TAXI

Look for a Tico or other small cars with a 'T' on the number plate and you'll find yourself a taxi, and there are plenty of them. Some are metered some are not and usually it won't be much more than a bus ride. It is recommended for longer journeys to be clear about the price before you set out. They can be hailed from anywhere with the wave of a hand or simply by raising your eyebrows.

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BOOKINGS

To book your Vanuatu accommodation in Port Vila, simply click on the "Book A Bed Now" image on the top right hand column of any page. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll take care of the rest.

Looking forward to your company!