Capital city in Tuamasaga, Samoa
Getting around Apia
How to get around Apia
Colourful local buses cover Apia and routes to the villages cheaply but run irregularly; taxis and rental cars suit day trips and waterfalls.
Ways to get around Apia
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Local bus | About 2–5 WST | Pay the driver; slow, irregular on Sundays |
| Taxi | About 10–25 WST in town | Agree the fare first; most are unmetered |
| Rental car | About 120–200 WST a day | Needs a local licence, issued at the police station |
Taxis in Apia
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No ride apps. Taxis are unmetered; agree the fare first or ask your hotel for a driver.
Arriving in Apia
Faleolo International (APW)
About 35 km west: taxi roughly 60–100 WST, 40–50 min; buses are cheaper but rare early or late; guesthouses offer pickups.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Not commonly rented to visitors; a car is more usual. A Samoan driving licence is required.
- Driving: on the left. Get a temporary Samoan permit from rental firms or the LTA using your home licence; valid 90 days a year.
- Onward travel in Samoa: Ferries cross from Mulifanua wharf to Savai'i in about an hour. Local buses are cheap but irregular and sparse on Sundays; most visitors rent a car with a temporary permit.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Apia?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No ride apps. Taxis are unmetered; agree the fare first or ask your hotel for a driver.
What's the best way to get around Apia?
Colourful local buses cover Apia and routes to the villages cheaply but run irregularly; taxis and rental cars suit day trips and waterfalls.
How do I get from the airport to Apia?
About 35 km west: taxi roughly 60–100 WST, 40–50 min; buses are cheaper but rare early or late; guesthouses offer pickups.
Is Apia walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Apia
Going to Apia solo?
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Sources
- Samoa Shipping Corporation (ferries)
- Samoa Tourism Authority
- Samoa Tourism Authority
- Samoa Airport Authority
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.