Getting Around Palau 2025
Navigate Palau like a local with our transportation guide.
Palau is a pristine Pacific paradise featuring the legendary Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 200 limestone and coral islands covered in lush greenery. This small nation offers world-class diving, the famous Jellyfish Lake where you can swim among millions of harmless jellyfish, and some of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Palau.
Public Transit
Very limited public bus service within Koror at $1-2 per trip; inter-village buses on Babeldaob for $2-5 but service is infrequent and not tourist-oriented
Taxis
Taxis available in Koror with no meters - agree on price before departure; short city trips $10-20; very scarce after 10 PM
Car Rental
Best option for exploring Babeldaob and Koror freely; $50-60/day for compact car, $70-90 for SUV; international license accepted under 30 days
Walking
Downtown Koror is walkable for restaurants and shops within a 1-2 km radius; Malakal Island requires short drive or taxi
Getting There
How to arrive in Palau.
✈️ By Air
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Palau.
🚌 Buses
Limited public bus service. Koror city buses cost $1-2 per trip. Inter-village buses available for $2-5. Service is infrequent and not tourist-oriented.
🛺 Local Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Long-Distance Buses
Inter-island buses connect villages on Babeldaob for $2-5. Infrequent schedules. Most tourists rely on rental cars or tours.
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Domestic Flights
Palau Pacific Airways offers charter flights to outer islands like Peleliu and Angaur. Prices vary, typically $150-300 per person round trip.
Private Car/Driver
Driving in Palau
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Generally not recommended
Driving Side
Right-hand traffic
License Required
International Driving Permit recommended
Road Conditions
Varies by region. Main highways usually good, rural roads may be poor.
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Rent a car if planning to explore Babeldaob - public transport is inadequate for reaching waterfalls, monoliths, and northern villages
Arrange your return taxi before going out at night - taxis are very scarce after 10 PM and hotels stop arranging transport late evening
Fill up fuel in Koror before driving north on Babeldaob - there are no gas stations in the northern half of the island
Boats are the main transport for Rock Islands - book morning departure tours as afternoon weather can deteriorate quickly
Most dive operators include boat transport to dive sites in their package prices - no additional transport needed
Useful Apps
Palau Ride
Local taxi booking service available via phone call - ask your hotel reception for the current contact number as no app exists yet
Most Koror taxi drivers and private boat operators can be contacted and booked via WhatsApp - ask your hotel for reliable contact numbers
Navigate Palau Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
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