Getting Around Samoa 2025
Navigate Samoa like a local with our transportation guide.
Discover Samoa, a pristine Polynesian paradise in the South Pacific where ancient culture thrives alongside stunning natural beauty. From the iconic To-Sua Ocean Trench to cascading waterfalls and white-sand beaches, this independent island nation offers authentic cultural experiences and warm hospitality.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Samoa.
Public Transit
Colorful timber buses run main routes on Upolu at low cost but with no fixed schedules and limited Sunday service. Not suitable for reaching remote attractions.
Taxis
Readily available in Apia without meters - always agree on fare before departure. Reliable for short in-town trips but expensive for full-day use.
Car Rental
Best option for exploring Upolu and Savai'i independently. Drive on the left. Roads on Upolu's main routes are good; Savai'i has variable road conditions.
Walking
Central Apia is walkable between waterfront, markets, and most town sights within 20-30 minutes on foot.
Getting There
How to arrive in Samoa.
✈️ By Air
Faleolo International Airport
Maota Airport
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Samoa.
🚌 Buses
Colorful 'timber buses' operate on main routes. Fares: Apia to suburbs $2-5 WST, longer routes $5-15 WST. Flag down buses anywhere along routes. No fixed schedules but frequent during business hours. Limited Sunday service due to cultural observance.
🛺 Local Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Long-Distance Buses
Timber buses connect villages across Upolu and Savai'i islands. Main route Apia to Lalomanu $10-15 WST. Cross-island routes $8-12 WST. Buses stop running early evening. Limited Sunday service.
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Domestic Flights
Samoa Airways operates flights between Upolu (Faleolo) and Savai'i (Maota). Flight time 25 minutes, frequency 2-4 times daily. Fare $50-80 USD one-way. Book in advance during peak season.
Private Car/Driver
Driving in Samoa
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.
Always agree on taxi fare before getting in - there are no meters in Samoa
Drive on the LEFT side of the road - Samoa switched from right in 2009
An International Driving Permit is required alongside your home country license
Timber buses are the most affordable option ($2-15 WST) but have no fixed schedules - flag them down anywhere on the route
Almost no services run on Sunday due to Samoan cultural observance - plan self-drive or arrange transfers in advance for Sunday travel
Carry cash (WST) for buses, taxis, and petrol - card payments are not available at most petrol stations outside Apia
The ferry from Mulifanua Wharf to Salelologa (Savai'i) takes 90 minutes and runs 6-8 times daily - take the earliest crossing for maximum island time
Petrol costs approximately $4 WST per liter - budget $80-120 WST for a full day of driving around Upolu
Useful Apps
Samoa Ride
Local rideshare app operating in Apia area - more reliable than trying to hail a taxi at night
Google Maps
Works reasonably well in Apia and main routes but may have gaps on rural Savai'i roads - download offline maps before travelling
Navigate Samoa Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
Download Transport Guide