A Quick Guide to Cabs in Tonga
Taxis are an easy go-to when visiting a foreign country. You often know what to expect. However, with most cabs not using meters and only really two islands that you can rely on taxis, it’s definitely worth setting your expectations right for catching a cab in Tonga. We’ll go over all the things you need to know in this quick guide to cabs in Tonga.
Before we jump into our guide to cabs in Tonga, be sure to bookmark our Tonga Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get Around Tonga for even more transport tips.
Tips for Catching a Cab in Tonga
- Registered taxis have a “T” at the beginning of the vehicle number plate
- Ask for the fare before catching a ride
- Pay the driver with cash
- Taxis are a reliable transport method in Tongatapu and Vava’u only
- Taxis don’t operate on a Sunday
For more tips, see the 10 Things to Know About Taxis in Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.comWhere to Catch a Cab in Tonga
There are three islands in Tonga where cabs are available: Tongatapu, Vava’u Island and Lifuka Island (Ha’apai).
Tongatapu
In Tongatapu, cabs are available at both the international and domestic terminals of Fua’amotu Airport. You’ll also find a taxi rank outside of the Talamahu Market in Nuku’alofa town centre. The larger taxi companies also have depots across the city centre, including:
- Wellington Taxi – Wellington Road
- Oneway Road Taxi Service – The oneway road between Taufa’ahau and Unga Roads
- Holiday Taxi – Fatafehi Road
Vava’u
Taxis are available outside of the Lupepauʻu Airport. You can also find taxis parked up on the road next to the Tonga Post Office opposite the ANZ bank building in Neiafu.
Ha’apai
There are usually only one or two taxi operators in Ha’apai which change regularly. A taxi is usually waiting for incoming flights at Salote Pilolevu Airport. Ask at the Visitor Information Centre or Mariner’s Cafe in Pangai to book a taxi.
(c) tongapocketguide.comWhat Do Taxis in Tonga Look Like?
Taxis in Tonga tend to be pretty old vehicles, usually cars, people-movers and minivans.
All registered taxis have the letter “T” at the beginning of the license plate. Some taxis will also have a “taxi” sign on the roof of the vehicle.
Taxis don’t typically have baby seats so infants will have to sit on an adult’s lap. There’s usually enough space in taxis for luggage for each passenger.
(c) tongapocketguide.comHow Much Does a Taxi Cost?
The further you go in a taxi, the higher the fare. Only some taxis in Tongatapu have meters where the starting fare is TOP$3 for the first kilometre and around TOP$1.50 for every kilometre after that. In most cases, taxis don’t use a meter, so it’s best to ask the fare before getting into the taxi.
Common Cab Fares in Tonga
These typical cab fares for popular routes in Tonga. Note that fares are approximate, they are one-way and are for a taxi load – not per person.
- Fua’amotu Airport – Nuku’alofa: Around TOP$30-$50
- Around Nuku’alofa: Around TOP$5-$8
- Lupepauʻu Airport – Neiafu: Around TOP$25
- Neiafu – Talihau: Around TOP$40
- Neiafu – ‘Ene’io Botanical Gardens: Around TOP$20
- Neiafu – Mt Talau – Around TOP$5-$10
For more cab fare examples, see the Taxi Prices in Tonga: The Costs You Need to Know.
(c) tongapocketguide.comAlternative Ways to Get Around
What other ways are there for getting around on land in Tonga? Here are a few alternatives worth considering linking to more information.
- Car rental – Check out the Things to Know About Car Rental in Tonga
- Local buses – See How to Travel Around Tonga By Bus
- Accommodation transfers – Find out more in Tonga Airports: Your Airport Transfer Options
- Cycling – See Where to Rent Bikes in Tonga
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