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The Cycling Times & Distances in Samoa
The Cycling Times & Distances in Samoa

The Cycling Times & Distances in Samoa

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

How Long Does it Take to Cycle in Samoa?

If a cycling holiday in the tropics sounds like the dream, make it a cycling holiday in Samoa. With mostly quiet roads experienced at a more natural pace, much like life in the many villages you peddle through, Samoa’s two main islands Upolu and Savai’i are very doable by bike. However, Samoa isn’t Rarotonga; this isn’t a place you’ll want to attempt to cycle in a day. So strap on your helmet and see how long it will take to cycle around Samoa in this guide to the cycling times and distances in Samoa.

How Long Does it Take to Cycle Around Samoa?

There are two islands to cycle around in Samoa; Upolu and Savai’i. The most cyclist-friendly of the two is Savai’i with its main road of the island making a pleasant multi-day ride if cycling for 2-4 hours in the morning before the heat of the day kicks in. Cycling around Savai’i at this pace takes at least 7 days. A similar time and distance can be achieved on Upolu to take a total of at least 14 days to ride around the entire of Samoa. But you may want to take longer for a rest day here and there.

For a comparison of how long it takes to drive around Samoa, check out our Samoa Travel Times & Distances: How Long Does it Take to Travel Around Samoa?

The Cycling Times & Distances in Samoa© SamoaPocketGuide.com

Cycling Times on Upolu

Due to its relatively large size, limited road network and lack of bicycle rental options, Upolu is a destination made for cycle touring rather than day rides. Luckily, there are tour and bike hire operators specialising in just that, which we detail in The Ultimate Guide to Mountain Biking in Samoa.

How Long Does it Take to Cycle Around Upolu?

At a relaxed pace (12 kph / 7 mph), it takes approximately 15 hours and 25 minutes to cycle around Upolu. This is 185 km (115 miles) cycling the outer roads. However, Upolu makes an excellent cycle touring destination if the journey is split into at least six or seven days.

Cycle Touring Times and Distances Around Upolu

(Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)

  • Mulifanua to Lefaga Bay – 22 km / 13.4 mi / 1 h 50 mins
  • Lefaga Bay to Maninoa – 22 km / 13.4 mi / 1 h 50 mins
  • Maninoa to Tafatafa Beach – 17 km / 10.6 mi / 1 h 25 mins
  • Tafatafa Beach to Lalomanu – 26 km / 16.2 mi / 2 h 10 mins
  • Lalomanu to Faleapuna (via Le Mafa Pass) – 38 km / 23.6 mi / 3 h 10 mins
  • Faleapuna to Apia – 23 km / 14.3 mi / 1 h 55 mins
  • Apia to Faleolo Airport – 30 km / 18.6 mi / 2 h 30 mins.

Details of these routes can be found in the Outdoor Samoa “Samoa Cycle Guide”, while accommodations and attractions along the way are listed in The Best Upolu Accommodations and 50 Best Things to Do on Upolu.

Half-Day Bike Routes on Upolu

(Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)

  • Mulifanua to Savaia – 22 km / 4.3 mi / 1 h 50 mins one way
  • Matautu – Falease’ela – 14 km / 8.7 mi / 1 h 10 mins return.

Find out more about planning the logistics of these half-day rides in the 5 Best Bike Trails in Samoa.

The Cycling Times & Distances in Samoa© SamoaPocketGuide.com

Cycling Times on Savai’i

With much less traffic, fewer uphills and no backtracking necessary, Savai’i arguably makes the better island in Samoa for bicycle touring. Bike rentals for touring are best brought over from Upolu, which you can transport on the ferry for a small fee. Again, see The Ultimate Guide to Mountain Biking in Samoa for more advice on cycle touring on Savai’i.

How Long Does it Take to Cycle Around Savai’i?

At a relaxed pace (12 kph / 7 mph), it takes approximately 14 hours and 40 minutes to cycle around Savai’i. This is 176 km (109 mi) cycling the main roads. However, Savai’i makes an excellent cycle touring destination if the journey is split into at least seven days.

Cycle Touring Times and Distances Around Savai’i

(Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)

  • Salelologa to Lano – 19 km / 11.8 mi / 1 h 35 mins
  • Lano to Manase – 33 km / 20.5 mi / 2 h 45 mins
  • Manase to Asau Bay – 40 km / 24.8 mi / 3 h 20 mins
  • Asau Bay to Falealupo – 19 km / 11.8 mi / 1 h 35 mins
  • Falealupo to Satuiatua – 38 km / 23.6 mi / 3 h 10 mins
  • Satuiatua to Palauli – 42 km / 26 mi / 3 h 30 mins
  • Palauli to Salelologa – 10 km / 6 mi / 50 mins.

Details of these routes can be found in the Outdoor Samoa “Samoa Cycle Guide”, while accommodations and attractions along the way are listed in The Best Savai’i Accommodations and 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i.

Short Bike Routes on Savai’i

(Kilometres / Miles / Minutes)

  • Va-i-Moana – Vaisala Hotel – 6 km / 3.7 mi / 30 mins return.

Find out more about planning the logistics of this ride in the 5 Best Bike Trails in Samoa.

More About Cycling Times and Distances in Samoa

That’s it for our guide to the cycling times and distances in Samoa. For more tips on planning the perfect cycling holiday, take a look at the following guides:

Finally, check out more ways to travel around Samoa in our Samoa Transport Guide: 10 Best Ways to Get Around Samoa.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Samoa and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Samoa Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Samoa. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Upolu and Savai’i’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page

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