Apia Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Apia

1. Airport Transfers – How to Get to Apia

Most international travellers get to Apia first by international flight to Faleolo International Airport, which is about a 50-minute drive from the city. The majority of international flights come from New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and Fiji, which all make good stopovers if you’re coming from further afield. Find out about airlines travelling to this airport in our guide, Which Airlines Fly Directly to Samoa?.

From Faleolo Airport, transfers either with your accommodation provider or an airport shuttle service are available. Needless to say, airport transfers should be arranged with your chosen accommodation or shuttle company prior to arrival. Compare all of your options for getting to and from the airport in the 10 Best Airport Transfers in Samoa.

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2. Apia by Cruise Ship – How to Get to Apia

For a quick visit to Apia, the city is on the itinerary of several South Pacific cruises. Cruise passengers typically arrive at the Apia Harbour. From there, spend the day either exploring Apia or travelling around Upolu on island tours, as listed in the 10 Best Shore Excursions in Samoa. Find out which cruises visit Apia in the 10 Best Cruises that Go to Samoa.

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3. Bus Services – How to Get Around Apia

Ultra-cheap and a fun experience, Apia’s buses are a vibrant and popular way to get between Apia central and its suburbs. With no real schedule, however, and no eagerness to get anywhere too quickly, buses should only be considered as a transport option if you’ve got the time. The main bus stations are behind the Fugalei Market and opposite the Flea Market at Savalalo. The most central bus is the “Vaoala” bus that departs every hour to attractions such as the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. Avoid taking the bus just after the schools finish (between 2 pm and 3 pm).

Find out more about travelling around Apia by bus in our guide, Taking the Bus in Upolu: Bus Fares, Routes & More.

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4. Taxi Services – How to Get Around Apia

Readily available across Apia, taxis provide an easy and reasonably priced way to get from A to B. There are taxi stands in many of Apia’s villages and across the city centre, for example, at the Fugalei Market. Alternatively, your accommodation provider should be able to get in touch with the nearest one. Taxis don’t run on metres, so agree on a fare with the driver before departing.

Learn more about how taxis work in our guide, Taxis in Samoa: Taxi Fares, How to Use & More.

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5. Car Rental – How to Get Around Apia

A popular and convenient way to travel around Apia at your own pace is by renting a car. There is a substantial selection of car rental companies in Apia. Be sure to do your research using the 10 Best Car Rentals on Upolu. Note that you’ll need to pay for a temporary driver’s license to legally drive in Samoa, which you can learn more about, as well as other requirements, in What You Need to Hire a Car in Samoa.

We also recommend that you become familiar with the local road rules, which we outline in How to Drive in Samoa + 10 Road Rules You Need to Know.

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6. Guided Tours – How to Get Around Apia

If you don’t want to find your own way to or around Apia from one of Upolu’s resorts on the greater island, consider a guided tour. Not only do many resorts offer their own selection of Apia day tours with transport included, but independent tour companies are also abundant and will pick you up from your accommodation. Choose your city tour from the 5 Best Day Tours of Apia.

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7. Scooter Rental – How to Get Around Apia

Swerving between traffic and much cheaper to fuel than a car, riding a scooter around Apia is certainly another viable option for those who wish to explore independently. A small number of scooter rentals are available in Apia where you’ll also need to get a visitor’s driving license to legally drive on the roads.

For more tips on hiring a scooter, check out Scooter Hire in Samoa: Where to Rent, Cost & More.

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8. Apia by Ferry – How to Get to Apia

It is possible to get to Apia via the sea from one of its closest neighbours, American Samoa. Ferries from American Samoa (Pago Pago) arrive in the Apia Harbour every Thursday and sometimes on a Saturday. Note that ferries from Savai’i do not arrive in Apia but at Mulifanua Wharf on the west coast of Upolu – find out more about ferry travel in our Samoa Ferry Guide: How to Use the Ferry for Interisland Travel in Samoa.

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9. Apia by Yacht – How to Get to Apia

With the exception of the cyclone season (November to April), Apia is the official port of entry for Samoa. For the rare few that arrive in Apia by private yacht, you will need to go through the entry customs at the Ports Authority. Find out more about visiting Samoa via yacht and the protocols involved in our Sailing Guide to Samoa: Tips for Yachting in Samoa.

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10. Apia on Foot – How to Get Around Apia

Last but certainly not least is strolling around the city on foot! That’s right, the city centre is pretty compact, making it an effortless endeavour to move between the likes of Beach Road, the Fugalei Market, Friendship Park, Mulinuu Peninsula and any other city centre attractions you might want to investigate. Save some cents (and save the planet) by getting to where you need to go on foot.

For some more recreational walks, however, check out the 10 Best Walks & Hikes on Upolu.

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