From the airport to the city centre Fiji

Your international flight will almost certainly arrive at Nadi International Airport (on the island of Viti Levu). On arrival, you can withdraw Fijian dollars, buy a local SIM card and obtain a bus pass (from the Vodafone store).

For cabs, ask for the meter to be turned on or ask for a flat-rate fare of 15 F$ (for the city center, Port Denarau will be more expensive, but in this case ask your hotel directly to arrange the transfer). The bus costs 1.50 F$.

To take the bus, here are the directions: when you leave the airport, you'll find the buses organized by the tour operators, and you'll have to go straight on until you see Queen's Road, which serves Lautoka to the left and downtown Nadi to the right. Once you've reached Queen's Road, look for the bus stop slightly to the left.

Please note that for domestic flights, the baggage limit is 15 kg. Flexibility is often possible when domestic flights are part of your overall itinerary booked with the same airline, but check this carefully beforehand to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

The capital Suva also has its own airport, located in Nausori to be exact, around 40 minutes away by car. Cabs to Suva from the airport are reasonably priced. You can also take the bus (next to the Suva market) which will take you to the Nausori market, from where you can take a cab. Suva-Nausori airport is really tiny, so you'll need to plan well in advance how long it will take to get there, but there's no point in arriving 2 hours before your flight! Check-in for domestic flights usually takes place between 90 minutes and 30 minutes before flight departure.

Vanua Levu has two airports: Labasa (to the north) and Savusavu. Flights from Labasa are often cheaper than those from Savusavu, so this can be a good option for arriving in or departing from Labasa, with a quick tour of the town in the process. Cabs from downtown Labasa to the airport cost around F$12 (ask for the meter).

Taveuni Island has its own airport at Matei, but it's mainly a runway and nothing more. There are buses to and from the island, but they don't run very frequently, so it's best to arrange a transfer directly with your hotel. To reach the Somosomo Strait on the island of Vanua Levu, however, it's easier to arrive in Taveuni and then reach your resort by cab or boat, which you can book directly with your hotel.

The island of Ovalau used to have an airport, which is no longer in use.

For the more remoteislands of Fiji (Kadavu, Rotuma), air travel is preferable, with flights normally departing from either Nadi or Suva.

Arrival by boat Fiji

Fijians often use boats to travel from island to island, and all routes are possible, even to the most remote islands, but we're only highlighting those that we feel are best done by boat. Longer journeys (e.g. Savusavu - Savu or Taveuni - Suva) are possible, but for reasons of time and comfort, we advise against doing them by boat. In this case, it makes more sense to fly.

The main companies are Interlink and Goundar Shipping. Interlink has a much better reputation than Goundar among the local population. Their Facebook page provides up-to-date information. It's not always crystal-clear on first reading, but often the itineraries offered by the companies include a bus trip and a boat trip, which is why you see several towns indicated in the itinerary. The ticket obviously includes both portions. Tickets can be purchased either at the bus station or in the city center. The easiest way is often to ask directly on arrival where the ticket office is. If you'd like to call for information, here are the Interlink numbers: Labasa: +679 999 2025, Suva: +679 999 2026, Savusavu: +679 999 2031, Lautoka: +679 998 9724.

The connection between Vanua Levu and Taveuni is easy and daily. From Savusavu, take the bus to Buca Bay for about 1? hours, where the ferry is waiting to take you to the Wairiki wharf on Taveuni island. The main ferry company is Sun City, but you can also travel on the Taveuni Princess. Sun City mobile number: +679 997 7564.

Ovalau Island is currently only accessible by boat. From Suva, you'll take the bus to Natovi (northeast of Viti Levu island) for around 2.5 hours, and the ferry crossing takes almost 2 hours. The total journey is often quicker on the way back from Ovalau, as the bus is already waiting for ferry passengers. The round trip costs around F$50. Interlink is the preferred company, but Goundar has the advantage of operating the link on a daily basis.

The Mamanucas and Yasawas archipelagos are extremely well served from Nadi (Port Denarau to be precise). The main company is South Sea Cruises, which operates regular services to hotels on these islands.

Public transport Fiji

Fijians travel a lot by bus, so the system is well-developed, but far from reliable in terms of timetables (there aren't any, in fact, so we don't usually tell you what they are - the easiest way is to ask when you arrive in a town or directly at the bus station). However, as there is often a high frequency (especially on the two main islands), unreliability is often not a problem. Perhaps, just avoid traveling on Sundays when bus frequency is lower, but nothing is impossible.

It's essential to obtain an electronic bus card, either on arrival at the airport or in a Vodafone store in most major cities. You'll then need to present this card each time you board the bus. To top up the card, you don't necessarily need to go to a Vodafone store; any small kiosk at the bus station will let you add money to it. And don't forget: to get your bus card, you'll need to show proof of identity and present your passport. If you don't manage to get this card, you can ask passengers to use their card and give them the cash in exchange, which is usually done without too much trouble. In Nadi, drivers still accept cash directly and use a "common" bus card instead, as is also the case in Taveuni.

The easiest way totake the bus is to go to the bus station and ask about the timetable. It's often, if not always, right next to the market. You can ask the bus to stop on the road (where there's a bus stop or suitable space), just wave to it.

On the road between Lautoka, Nadi and Suva, large air-conditioned buses usually pass by, but always with the same electronic card system. In principle, they'll stop at all the resorts along the way, so all you have to do is pull the cord or press the button a little before your stop. The main companies are Sunbeam and Pacific, but don't waste too much time looking at each company's online timetable, as there's a very good chance you'll end up catching a bus from another company, as it will pass before the one you've spotted.

Small white vans run alongside local or express buses. On short journeys, this can be very convenient and no more expensive than other buses. On the other hand, for longer journeys (e.g. Nadi to Sigatoka), larger buses are preferable.

Bike, scooters & co Fiji

There are very few motorcycles or bicycles in Fiji, so we don't recommend these modes of transport, unless you're in a low-traffic area, in which case you can enjoy the scenery by bike.

With a driver Fiji

Cabs are a convenient way to get around Fiji, the price is still relatively cheap and you can request a driver for half a day or the whole day. In Nadi, as the city is quite spread out, you will certainly have the opportunity to take one. Make sure you ask for the meter to be started, or agree on the fare beforehand (ideally you'll have asked your hotel about the fare beforehand).

By car Fiji

Driving in Fiji ison the left, with speed limits of 50km/h in town, 60km/h on the outskirts of town and 80km/h outside town (60km/h in Taveuni).

Car rentals : the classic rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Budget) have an office at Nadi international airport. Car rentals are a practical way to discover Viti Levu, but they are fairly expensive, costing at least €100 for a day's rental. Cars are often automatic.

Traffic on the islands: the Queen's Road on Viti Levu is in relatively good condition, but as soon as you leave this main artery the traffic becomes more difficult, especially towards the north and east of Viti Levu. You'll need to be very well-equipped, and prefer 4x4s. On the other islands, traffic is sometimes difficult due to the state of the roads, so car rental may not be the recommended option; but that doesn't mean it's impossible. You should also be particularly vigilant for animals passing by unexpectedly, and especially at the end of the day, as the roads are often poorly lit. Driving at night or in poor light is not recommended.

Hitchhiking : not necessarily practised in Fiji, but Fijians will often offer you a lift. A little caution if you're on your own, but on the main roads the risk seems reduced.

Accessibility Fiji

Directions. With the exception of Viti Levu's main towns, addresses are not precise at all: there are no numbers or information to identify them with any certainty. Often, only the main road is indicated, for example Queen's Road, which serves the whole town. Google Maps will help you find your way around, or you can ask for the exact route before moving on. Even in small hamlets, you'll often find a police station in the form of a small blue-and-white shack, which can be a useful landmark.

Accessibility. Fiji can't be said to be a particularly suitable destination for people with disabilities or bulky equipment (baby carriages, etc.). But Fijians are always ready to help, so you'll find a solution.

Tourist traps Fiji

Be sure to ask for the cab's meter to be started. This is usually the case in Suva, but you may be in for a nasty surprise in Nadi at the end of your journey. Check your change when it's given back to you. Generally speaking, it's with cabs and at the market that you need to be vigilant.