It’s almost time! You can practically feel the pacific sunbathing your skin with its warm rays. Is that a hint of the ocean that you can smell? Yes, Fiji is one of the most exciting and beautiful holiday destinations.
There are over 300 beautiful islands that will make your Instagram photos awesome. Yet, with 300 islands scattered all over the place, how on earth do you get to Fiji? What’s the best way to plan your Fiji airport transfer, and which airports do you use?
In this fun guide, we’ll show you how easy it is to do island hopping, getting to Fiji and even share some costs with you. So, pack your bags, grab your sunglasses, and let’s start our adventure in Fiji!
1. Your First Destination: Nadi International
Today, most international flights into beautiful Fiji arrive at Nadi International Airport, on Nadi island. It’s from this metropolitan airport that your adventure truly starts.
You can immediately get into the holiday spirit. Usually, it takes nothing more than 30 minutes to get cleared through airport customs and immigration.
However, if you plan on using a Fiji airport transfer service to another island, plan to meet your pickup at least 1 hour after you’ve landed. This bumper time is enough for quick toilet breaks or even a quick bite.
Suppose you are doing a Fiji airport transfer with a baby. In that case, you’ll be happy to know that Nadi International is child and family-friendly, with all the essential facilities to make travel a breeze.
2. Transfers from Nadi International
Transfers from Nadi International only operate at limited times throughout the day. If your flight arrives after the last transfer departs, or horror - you missed your transfer, you’ll have to spend your night on the island while waiting for the next transfer. The times to travel between islands vary, so double-check the times at your resort.
Luckily if you plan on travelling to nearby Denarau, you can smile! There’s a handy taxi rank just outside of the Customs Hall of Nadi International. Most taxis will take you anywhere in Viti Levu, the main island. Only Denarau Taxis are allowed to take you to Denarau Island. Taxis fares range from anything around FJ$5 and FJ$1 per km or FJ$1.60 per mile. Popular Denarau is only a short 25-minute drive away from the airport.
Busses may take a bit longer since they have to stop more frequently along the way. The busses stop at tourist accommodation and towns found along the Coral Coast and the Pacific Harbour. The frequent stops make using a bus quite popular. They typically cost around FJ$2 and FJ$26 per adult. This fare depends on how far you are travelling by bus. Buses are child friendly so that the entire family can take one.
3. Using Denarau Marina to Get to Other Islands
A popular choice for many tourists is using a ferry to get to their destination island. Plenty of ferries travel from Denarau Port and Marina to popular destinations such as the Mamanuca Islands and Yasawa island resorts.
Ferries depart from Denarau Marina throughout the day. It typically takes about 2 hours to get to the Mamanuca Islands. If you plan to use a ferry, you should try to be at the port at least 25 minutes before departure.
Ferry prices in Fiji vary quite wildly. You can expect to pay anything between FJ$90 up to FJ$180 for an adult. At the same time, kids are charged around FJ$50 and FJ$90 for a one-way trip by ferry.
Ferries aren’t just a great way to experience the beauty of Fiji first-hand, but they are also less expensive than transferring to your destination by aeroplane. Some ferries even include a bus ride with the fare. So, it’s definitely worth checking out!
4. Getting Around Fiji Using a Seaplane
So, you are the adventurous type. You don’t want to use a boring bus or even a fun ferry to travel between the islands in Fiji. No, you want to go on an adventure! If this is you, then a seaplane is the way to go.
Seaplanes can take off directly from Nadi International Airport. They travel to a wide range of popular destinations. You can travel by seaplane to the Mamanuca Islands, the Yasawa Islands, fly along the Suncoast, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, or even the Pacific Harbour and Kadavu.
Things to Know When Taking a Seaplane in Fiji
Hold your horses, though! There are a couple of things to know before you jump into that seaplane.
There are strict baggage restrictions.
Seaplanes have strict baggage limits. Usually, baggage may not exceed 20kg (44lb), 23kg (50lb) or more. This restriction largely depends on the weight of the passengers.
Seaplanes aren’t suitable for everybody.
Unfortunately, exploring by seaplane isn’t for everybody. People with mobility issues or with recent injuries won’t be able to take a seaplane. However, seaplanes are suitable for kids and the entire family.
Pricing
The costs of a Seaplane ticket in Fiji vary, depending on how far you need to travel. Shorter trips average around FJ$450 per adult, while longer trips can be up to FJ$12,000 per adult.
5. Using Domestic Flights to Get Around Fiji
Fiji is home to 30 domestic airports scattered all over the place. Luckily, half of these airports have very regular scheduled flights.
Most domestic flights depart from Nadi International. So, this makes travelling to a domestic airport in Fiji pretty straightforward. Isn’t that great?
It means you get to have more time to snorkel in the breathtaking reefs, soak up some rays and dine on the best pacific island cuisine!
The Domestic Flight Destinations in Fiji
Using a domestic airline to get about in Fiji is one of the cheaper alternatives. Fiji Airways and Northern Air have several domestic flight carriers that hop between the islands. They don’t go to all 300 islands but surely makes travelling in Fiji easy.
Fiji Airways will take you between destinations, such as:
- Labasa
- Taveuni
- Kadavu
- Savusavu
- Suva
Then, heading from Suva, you can reach the following destinations:
- Kadavu
- Taveuni
- Koro
- Cicia
- Vanuabalavu
- Lakeba
- Nadi
On the other hand, Northern Air provides flights from Suva or Nadi to:
- Taveuni
- Savusavu
- Labasa
- Levuka
- Moala
- Suva
- Nadi
Since these are pretty standard domestic flights, they are perfectly suitable for the entire family. There’s even space to bring along your scuba gear, a couple of surfboards or a fishing rod.
The Cost of Domestic Flights in Fiji
Domestic flights are pretty affordable, especially if you plan to fly to one of the other outer islands. Savvy travellers should keep an eye on domestic flight specials.
There’s almost always some promotion running, making domestic flights even cheaper for the entire family. Not that flying around Fiji is expensive, to begin with.
Most of the time, you can expect to pay around the following prices for airfare between islands in Fiji:
- Travel from Nadi to Suva: FJ$220 - FJ$250/adult and FJ$160 - FJ$180/child.
- Travel from Nadi to Savusavu: FJ$450 - FJ$500/adult and FJ$340 - FJ$400/child.
- Travel from Nadi to Taveuni: FJ$550 - FJ$600/adult and FJ$420- FJ$500/child.
- Travel from Nadi to Kadavu: FJ$400 - FJ$450/adult and FJ$300- FJ$350/child.
- Travel from Suva to Lakeba: FJ$540 - FJ$600/adult and FJ$400 - FJ$450/child.
These prices are all roundtrip fares, so you can expect to pay even less for a one-way ticket.
Transfers Between Domestic Airports and Resorts
Almost all the local airports have great facilities for the entire family. Not only are they safe and well-maintained, but it’s a perfect place to get a transfer to your hotel.
Travelling from a domestic airport to your hotel or resort is simple. Use an airport taxi or even a shuttle service to get between the airport and the resort. Most resorts do offer an in-house shuttle service.
So, while planning your memorable holiday with your besties, ask the resort to fetch you from the airport. Travel between the islands in Fiji is that easy.
6. Want to Be Different? Try a Helicopter Flight!
A helicopter flight is worth it for the brave at heart or anyone adventurous enough to try something different. Skip the long roads and the queues for a short, fun-filled hop directly to your destination.
A helicopter ride is perfect for getting to your island, especially if it isn’t serviced by many domestic airlines or seaplanes. Most private resorts do have an in-house helicopter service to hook you up.
Things to Know When Booking a Helicopter Flight in Fiji
Helicopters have very strict weight limits. Baggage is typically limited to anything between 15kg or 23kg. Heavier passengers weighing over 100kg will also be charged extra.
Despite these restrictions, few things can beat soaring through the open skies and seeing the beauty of the pacific islands.
The Cost of Hiring a Helicopter in Fiji
A helicopter flight is more expensive than domestic flights or even ferry transfers, yet they are one of the most exciting ways to travel around Fiji. Remember to snap as many photos as you can as you soar over the turquoise-clad waters of Fiji.
Typically, pricing varies between FJ$450 to FJ$1900 per adult for a one-way trip. The pricing varies, depending on which island you are travelling to.
There are plenty of child-friendly promotions, so the young can also hop along and enjoy the flight without breaking the bank. Babies that can sit on your lap get to fly for free!
Unlike domestic planes, seaplanes and ferries, helicopter flights are often limited to a shorter distance. They are perfect for travelling between islands such as Viti Levu and the Yasawa Islands.
7. Tips for Travelling Around Fiji
We know you are eager to start your holiday. We can see that smile on your face, that tingle in your belly. It’s almost time! A last couple of tips before you book your flight and start packing your bags.
Always Take Out Travel Insurance
Sometimes a tropical storm may blow in, and this could result in your flight or ferry being cancelled or delayed. Ferry captains are friendly and will help you out by providing a letter for your insurance company. This is helpful should you be unable to travel due to the weather and need to book a hotel for the night.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Fijians are well-known for their welcoming and open culture. If you are worried about your travel plans, feel free to ask questions. Chat to your resort or hotel concierge. They’ll be happy to help you plan your transfers.
Fiji Is Perfectly Safe for the Entire Family
Today, it’s no secret that Fiji is safer than Bali. You can travel around Fiji with a sense of peace. Families of all sizes are welcomed all over Fiji.
Plenty of modern facilities will make travelling around Fiji safe and pleasant. After all, the trip is about exploring and having fun, not about worrying and stressing out.
8. Are You Ready to Explore Beautiful Fiji?
There you have it—our detailed guide on travelling between the hundreds of islands in Fiji. So, whether you plan on exploring Fiji by ferry, by seaplane, helicopter or just use a straightforward domestic airline, you’ll have plenty of options for getting to your destination.
Remember, getting to your destination is part of the fun. Take as many photos as you can, videos too! Your trip to Fiji will be a fun, memorable one. See you there!