Kiribati is a remote Pacific island nation consisting of 33 coral atolls scattered across the equator. Known for pristine beaches, world-class diving, significant WWII history sites, and being among the first places on Earth to see the sunrise, this tropical paradise offers an authentic, unhurried island experience far from mass tourism.
- Public
- South Tarawa has a basic bus network of 18-20 seat vans running along the main road between Betio and Bonriki. Fare is $0.50-1 AUD. Buses run approximately 6AM-6PM but have no fixed schedule — flag them down anywhere along the route.
- Taxi
- No formal taxi service exists in Kiribati. 'Taxis' are private vehicles offering rides — always negotiate the fare before entering. Hotels are the most reliable source of trusted drivers. Typical fares: Betio-Bairiki $5-8 AUD, Bairiki-Airport $20-30 AUD.
- Rental
- Very limited. A few hotels offer bicycle rental ($5-10 AUD/day) and motorcycle/scooter rental ($20-30 AUD/day). Car rental ($50-80 AUD/day) is theoretically available but extremely scarce — book well in advance through your hotel.
- Walking
- South Tarawa is flat and the full length of the main road is walkable, though the 20km total length means walking requires planning. Always walk early morning or evening — midday heat is dangerous. Carry at least 2L of water.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi (negotiate fare before departure): $15-30 AUD, 30 minutes
- Shuttle
- Hotel shuttle (pre-arranged): $10-20 AUD per person
- Bus
- Local bus (van service along main road): $1-2 AUD, 45 minutes, may require walk from terminal
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Public buses (18-20 seat vans and larger buses) run along South Tarawa's main road from Betio to Bonriki. Fare: $0.50-1 AUD. Service runs approximately 6 AM to 6 PM. Flag down buses anywhere along the route. Can get crowded during peak hours. No fixed schedule - buses depart when full.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, bicycle, walking
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Limited official taxi service. Most 'taxis' are private vehicles offering rides. No meters - negotiate fare before departure. Typical fares: Betio to Bairiki $5-8 AUD, Bairiki to Bonriki Airport $15-30 AUD. Hotels can arrange reliable drivers.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
No intercity buses - islands are separate atolls
Flights
Air Kiribati operates domestic flights connecting South Tarawa to outer islands including Christmas Island (Kiritimati), Tabiteuea, Abemama, and other Gilbert Islands. Flights are infrequent (often once or twice weekly). Book well in advance. Fares vary: Tarawa to Christmas Island ~$300-400 AUD one-way. Website: airkiribati.com.ki
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Bonriki International Airport
From centre: 18 km to central Bairiki
Options: Taxi (negotiate fare before departure): $15-30 AUD, 30 minutes; Hotel shuttle (pre-arranged): $10-20 AUD per person; Local bus (van service along main road): $1-2 AUD, 45 minutes, may require walk from terminal
Cassidy International Airport (Christmas Island/Kiritimati)
From centre: 5 km to London village
Options: Hotel pickup (arrange in advance): $10-15 AUD; Taxi (limited availability): $15-25 AUD; No public transport - pre-arrange pickup
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Air Kiribati (website only)
airkiribati.com.ki — book domestic flights between South Tarawa (Bonriki) and outer islands including Christmas Island, Abaiang, Tabiteuea. No app — web booking or phone (+686 26190).
No ride-share apps
Uber, Lyft, Grab, and all other ride-share apps are completely unavailable in Kiribati. Arrange transport through hotels, negotiate with local drivers, or use the public bus.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Negotiate all taxi fares before entering the vehicle — there are no meters and overcharging at the airport is common
The local bus ($0.50 AUD) is the most economical way to travel the length of South Tarawa — flag it down anywhere
Bicycle rental is ideal for exploring South Tarawa's flat terrain — more practical than cars on the narrow roads
For outer islands, book Air Kiribati flights (airkiribati.com.ki) well in advance as seats are very limited on infrequent services
Inter-island ferries have irregular and unreliable schedules — always confirm departure times locally the day before travelling
Walking in midday heat (11AM-3PM) is dangerous — plan activities for morning or late afternoon and carry plenty of water
There are no ride-share apps (Uber, Grab etc.) in Kiribati — hotel reception is the most reliable way to arrange transport
For North Tarawa, arrange boat transfer through your hotel or Nemat Resort rather than trying to find transport independently