|
Getting Around Fiji
Viti Levu Travel Tip
Inter-Island services is provided by Air Fiji, Air Pacific and Sunflower Airlines.
Sunflower flies daily from Nadi, where the international airport is located, to Suva,
Taveuni, Savusavu, Kadavu, Vatulele, Malololailai, Rotuma, Koro, Gau and Moala,
Labasa,
Yasawa, Laucala, and Mana.
Air Fiji services 8 domestic locations from Suva's Nausori Airport - primarily those in the eastern
Lau Islands, the old capital of Levuka, Kadavu, Savusavu, Mololailai, Labasa and Lakeba. Air
Fiji also offers a 30-day pass for visitors.
Several
ferries operate from Viti Levu to many of the outer islands, with three of them able to
transport vehicles. The 54-ft. hydrofoil ferry, Drodrolagi, carries 60 passengers at 40 knots to
Savusavu and Natovi - F$42 one-way. Consort Shipping's 'Spirit of Free Enterprise', a 500
passenger ferry, departs from Suva to five outer islands.
Patterson Brothers Shipping, which has served for more than half a century, operates two
ferries: the Ovalau II,, (480 passengers) and Princess Ashika
(300 passengers). Both have VCR's and refreshment facilities. Fares start at $9.
Once you get to the island of your choice, a good way to get around is by bus, taxi or rented car.
Public bus service is fun, inexpensive and a good place to mingle among the Fijians. Over 1,000
vehicles operate on schedules, timetables and fares fixed by the Transport Control Board. Public
buses service is available on Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau.
Taxis are plentiful but not cheap. An imported vehicle such as a Toyota Corolla costs upwards
of US $35,000. This cost is reflected in the $12-14 per-hour rates. Metered taxis are compulsory
in Suva, Nausori, Lautoka, Nadi and Sigatoka.
Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty and locally-owned car rental firms have a strong presence in Fiji and
are available in Suva, Lautoka and Nadi and at the airports and hotels. Rates range from $14 for
a small car without air-conditioning to $35 for a Toyota Corolla. A valid license from home
is required. Driving is on the left side of the road.
Choosing local transportation offers an opportunity to mingle with the Fijians. I know from first
hand experience. We met a wonderful couple who invited us into their home for dinner after just
one excursion on the ferry. It was this experience and several others like it that proved without a
doubt that the Fijians are a warm and hospitable people.
| Travel Tips in Related Destinations |
| Kauai |
 |
 |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Mamanuca Islands |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Maui |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Nukubati Island |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Taveuni |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| The Big Island |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Waikiki |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
