The Solomon Islands is a Pacific archipelago of nearly 1,000 islands offering pristine diving sites, WWII history, traditional Melanesian culture, and untouched natural beauty. From the bustling capital Honiara to remote coral atolls, this destination provides authentic South Pacific experiences far from mass tourism.
- Public
- Public Minibuses (PMVs) operate within Honiara and major towns at very low fares (SBD 5-10) but with no fixed schedules, no air conditioning, and limited route information for visitors. Useful for short in-city hops but not recommended for tourists to navigate independently.
- Taxi
- Taxis are the most practical visitor transport in Honiara and essential for most sightseeing. Unmetered — always negotiate fare before departure. Hotel desks can call vetted reliable drivers. Best option for day trips and airport transfers.
- Rental
- 4WD vehicle hire recommended for exploring Guadalcanal beyond Honiara. Road conditions poor outside the capital — unsealed roads, potholes, and limited signs. Rental agencies at Henderson Airport including Budget and Avis. Drive on the left.
- Walking
- Central Honiara is walkable during cooler morning hours (before 10 AM). Footpaths are limited, roads are busy, and the tropical heat makes afternoon walking uncomfortable. Not safe after dark.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Hotel shuttle - Free to $50 SBD depending on hotel
- Shuttle
- Private taxi - $200-300 SBD to central Honiara (negotiate before departure)
- Bus
- Shared taxi/PMV - $50-100 SBD per person if available
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Public Minibuses (PMVs - Public Motor Vehicles) operate in Honiara and major towns. Fares typically SBD 5-10 within Honiara, up to SBD 50 for longer routes. Flag them down on main roads. No fixed schedules; operate roughly 6 AM - 6 PM. Routes identified by destination signs.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, bicycle, walking
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Taxis abundant in Honiara but unmetered. Typical fares: SBD 50-100 for short trips within city, SBD 200-300 to airport, SBD 500-800 for day hire. Always negotiate fare before departure. Few taxis have air conditioning. Hotel staff can call reliable drivers.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Limited inter-city bus services. On Guadalcanal, some PMVs run between Honiara and eastern/western villages. Schedules irregular, departures when vehicle is full. Fares vary by distance (SBD 20-100). Ask locally about routes and timing.
Flights
Solomon Airlines operates domestic flights between major islands including Honiara (HIR), Munda (MUA), Gizo (GZO), Malaita (AFT), and other destinations. Flights operate several times weekly on most routes, daily on popular routes. Book in advance especially during high season. Baggage limits typically 16kg checked, 5kg carry-on. Fares range from $100-300 USD one-way depending on route.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Henderson International Airport
From centre: 11 km east of Honiara
Options: Hotel shuttle - Free to $50 SBD depending on hotel; Private taxi - $200-300 SBD to central Honiara (negotiate before departure); Shared taxi/PMV - $50-100 SBD per person if available; Car rental - Available from airport (book in advance recommended)
Munda Airport
From centre: Western Province hub, gateway to diving sites
Options: Hotel transfers - Usually arranged with accommodation booking; Local taxis - Available but limited, negotiate fares; Boat transfers - For resort guests to offshore islands
Gizo Airport
From centre: Small airstrip on Nusatupe Island, short boat ride to Gizo town
Options: Boat taxi to Gizo - $20-30 SBD per person, 5 minutes; Resort transfers - Included with most resort bookings
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Solomon Airlines App
Book domestic flights between Honiara (HIR), Gizo (GZO), Munda (MUA), and other island destinations. Essential for planning inter-island travel.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Always negotiate taxi fare before getting in and confirm it includes all stops on your planned itinerary
Book a trusted driver through your hotel for day trips — hotel-recommended drivers are vetted and usually speak good English
Inter-island travel requires either domestic flights (Solomon Airlines) or passenger boat services — plan well ahead as schedules are limited and change frequently
Renting a 4WD is worthwhile for exploring Guadalcanal independently but international licence required; roads are rough and local knowledge helpful
When taking PMV minibuses, have exact small change ready (SBD 5-10 coins) as drivers rarely have change for large notes
Airport transfers: negotiate and arrange your taxi before leaving arrivals — do not accept unsolicited offers from unknown drivers outside the terminal