Drivers Licences
To drive in Samoa, visitors need to validate their foreign driver’s license at the Land Transport Authority in Vaitele near the Samoa Breweries/Vailima factory. Cost for validation is ST$12, and some rental car companies will also assist in getting your license endorsed.
On September 7, 2009, Samoa switched from driving on the right hand side
of the road, to the left. Most vehicles are left hand drive, and
drivers should be cautious if you are not familiar with driving on the
left side of the road.
Rental Cars
There are many rental car companies to choose from and you can hire everything from sedans and soft top 4WDs to 12-seater vans if you have a big group. Check out our Car Rental Operators page for a complete listing
Taxis
Taxis are abundant around the islands and offer their services at very good value. Taxis are not metered so it’s good to have an idea of what the journey will cost and you agree on a price with the driver before setting off.
Trips from the Faleolo International Airport to Apia cost around SAT$50 whereas small trips around town will be between SAT$3 and SAT$12 depending on the length of the journey
Buses
Another fun way to explore the islands is to take a map and board a local bus.
Buses come in a variety of colour schemes and all the seating is wooden. If the bus is full when you board locals will sit on a persons lap, if the bus is heading into either Apia or Salelologa, the locals will carry their produce on board to the markets.
There are no bus stops around the islands, so just wave down a bus if you want to get on, and when you want to get off simply pull the cord to ring the buzzer. You pay your fare as you leave the bus.
Inter-island Ferry
The Samoa Shipping Corporation runs the passenger/vehicle ferry between the mains islands of Upolu and Savaii. The ferry departs from the Mulifanua Wharf on Upolu near the international airport, so if you are travelling from Apia, allow 45 minutes for the journey. The ferry departs from the Salelologa Wharf on Savaii for the return journey. The trip takes just over one hour each way and it pays to arrive early at the wharf to purchase your tickets.
Check with your hotel or online for sailing times. One way passenger fares are ST$6 for child 2-12 years and adults ST$12. Vehicle charges (depending on the size of the vehicle) are between ST$80 – ST$110 each way. The full fare list is also available online.
To get to Manono Island, boats operate from the Manono-uta at the western end of Upolu, just down the road from Mulifanua Wharf. One way fares cost ST$1 for children and ST$3 for adults one way.
Flights
Samoa Air operates frequent domestic services between Fagalii and Faleolo on Upolu and Maota and Asau on Savaii. For schedule and fare information, contact Samoa Air.