The Federated States of Micronesia is a stunning Pacific island nation comprising over 600 islands spread across four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. Known for world-class diving, ancient ruins, pristine rainforests, and unique traditional cultures including stone money and manta ray sanctuaries.
- Public
- Essentially non-existent across FSM except limited buses on Pohnpei ($1-2/ride, irregular schedules). Do not rely on public transport for sightseeing.
- Taxi
- Available on all main islands but with no meters — always agree on price before departure. Pohnpei/Yap $5-15 most trips; Chuuk/Kosrae $10-20. Limited availability after dark.
- Rental
- Best option for independent island exploration — $45-65/day sedan, $70-90/day 4WD. Book in advance as fleet is very limited. Essential for full-day touring of Pohnpei, Yap, and Kosrae.
- Walking
- Kolonia, Colonia (Yap), and Weno centres are walkable for town exploration. Distances between attractions on all islands require vehicle transport.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Hotel shuttle - free with booking
- Shuttle
- Taxi - $5-10 to Kolonia
- Bus
- Car rental - available at airport
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Limited public buses on Pohnpei ($1-2 per ride), very irregular schedules. Essentially non-existent on other islands. Not reliable for tourists.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Available on all main islands. Pohnpei/Yap: $5-15 most trips. Chuuk/Kosrae: $10-20. No meters - agree on price before departure. Limited availability at night.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
No intercity bus service. Islands are small enough that taxis suffice for cross-island travel.
Flights
United Airlines Island Hopper connects Pohnpei-Chuuk-Yap-Guam. Flights 2-3x weekly, book well in advance. $200-400 between islands. Small charter flights available for outer atolls ($300-800).
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Pohnpei International Airport
From centre: 3 km to Kolonia
Options: Hotel shuttle - free with booking; Taxi - $5-10 to Kolonia; Car rental - available at airport
Chuuk International Airport
From centre: 5 km to Weno center
Options: Hotel pickup - arranged in advance; Taxi - $10-15 to Weno; Limited car rental
Yap International Airport
From centre: 2 km to Colonia
Options: Hotel transfers - included with most resorts; Taxi - $8-12 to Colonia; Car rental at terminal
Kosrae International Airport
From centre: 6 km to Tofol
Options: Hotel pickup - typically included; Taxi - $15-20; Very limited public transport
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
No ride-share apps available
Uber, Lyft, Grab, and similar services do not operate in FSM. Hotel staff can call reliable local taxi drivers — ask for recommendations at check-in.
FSMTC Mobile
FSM Telecommunications Corporation app for managing local SIM and data — useful for staying connected for transport coordination during your trip.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Book car rental well in advance — FSM has very limited vehicle fleets and reservations fill up quickly, especially for dive trips requiring early morning starts
Always agree on taxi fare before entering the vehicle — no meters operate across FSM and surprise overcharging happens to uninformed tourists
United Airlines Island Hopper is the only commercial service between FSM states — book months ahead as seats are limited and prices spike close to departure
Hotel shuttle transfers are often free or low-cost — ask when booking, as they can save significant taxi costs especially from airports
Night driving is not recommended on any FSM island — poor road surfaces, pedestrians, dogs, and minimal street lighting make after-dark driving genuinely dangerous
Road conditions on all islands include potholes, unmarked speed bumps, and single-lane bridges — drive slowly and defensively, especially after rain