The people of the Solomon Islands are a friendly lot and will be more than happy to help you in making your vacation special.

This Solomon Islands transportation guide provides general information on travelling within the Solomon Islands. Be sure to check out the Solomon Islands tours available for getting around the islands. The Solomon Island country travel guide is also a useful tool for planning a vacation.

Solomon Islands Transportation Guide

Getting to Solomon Islands

By Air

Solomon’s international airport is located at Henderson, 11 km (7 mi) east of Honiara. The airport is small, but there are taxis, local car rental agencies available to deliver cars and  facilities for foreign exchange.

The main reason why so few tourists visit the Solomon Islands is the lack of any direct flights. The state-owned Solomon Airlines ( www.flysolomons.com ) offers flights four times a week from Brisbane in Australia, and has regular flights from several other South Pacific countries. Services use a code-sharing agreement with Air Vanuatu,  and Air Pacific. Currently Pacific blue also flys from Brisbane on Tuesday and Thursday and can be booked on www.flypacificblue.com The best way to reach the Solomon Islands from North America is via Fiji. Coming from Europe, you have a choice transiting via Australia or Fiji. Air Niugini offers flights twice a week from Port Moresby.

If you are a Round-the-World traveller coming from North America, Europe or Asia, you can pick up your regional passes from your travel agent. You should be aware that the departure tax is now included in the ticket cost.

Visit our partner Air Valid for Airline Reviews and Information about Solomon Islands.

Flights to Solomon Islands

By Sea

If you have more time, you can arrive by sea. Cruise ships visit Honiara occasionally or you can get a lift on a yacht from Australia, New Zealand or the West Coast of the US, which is a cheaper option.

Although many people travel from Papua New Guinea’s southern island, Bougainville, to the Western Province of Solomon Islands by boat, it is an illegal method as authorities are not stationed there. Locals habitually travel between Shortland Islands in the Solomons and Bougainville.

Getting Around Solomon Islands

By Air

One of the best ways to get around Solomon Islands is by air. Since most airplanes fly at 2000 m (6500 ft), the views are spectacular. Solomon Airlines offers services to 20 airfields in various provinces. All flights have a baggage limit of 16 kg (35 lbs). It is good to book in advance, as most domestic flights are heavily booked. Online ticketing is available on www.flysolomons.com

By Sea

While transport by sea is the local way, it can be unpredictable and in most cases there are no timetables. It is however, the most economical and interesting way to travel between the islands. There is a boat service between Honiara and Auki and Honiara and Gizo which is frequent and regular. Most of the Solomon’s other islands are also well connected by boat. Do keep in mind that since the fares are quite low, services are also quite basic. Choose from large, passenger-carrying vessels to cargo boats and copras that usually have some space for passengers as well. Check fares before travelling as they vary quite a bit.

By Road

Cars can be rented only in Honiara and they are a little more expensive than Australia. Taxis are a better way to travel in the city for short stays. Local taxis do not have meters and can be flagged in the street or booked in advance. Honiara also has minibuses, which are a cheap and reliable way to travel in Solomon Islands.