The Cost of the Ferries in Tonga
Want to do some island-hopping in Tonga? Taking one of the inter-island ferries is by far the cheapest way to do it! You can get between the islands of Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Vava’u, Ha’apai and even the far-flung Niuas by ferry for the fraction of the price of a flight. However, this is at the expense of time, where ferry crossings have been known to take a whopping 24 hours between Tongatapu and Vava’u, for instance. However, things are starting to speed up in Tonga, with the introduction of a fast catamaran ferry between islands perhaps making it worth spending a few extra pa’anga? Find out how much pa’anga it will be in this guide to ferry prices in Tonga.
Things You Need to Know About the Ferries in Tonga
- There are two ferry choices between Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u: the MV Taka I Pomana and MV ‘Otuanga’ofa
- Check and double-check the ferry schedules! They can even change on the day of travel
- Ferry journeys are lengthy, from 2 hours to 24 hours! Pack food and drinks for the journey
- Cabins are available to book on the MV ‘Otuanga’ofa.
For more tips, see the 10 Tips for Taking the Ferry in Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.comFerry Prices to Tongatapu
The main arrival island for most travellers, Tongatapu is where many travellers get the ferry from to explore other islands, as well as make the return journey to catch their flight out of Tonga. Ferries from Tongatapu depart and arrive at Queen Salote Wharf in Nuku’alofa.
Ferry Prices for Tongatapu
Note that there are differences in fares between the ferries in Tonga.
- ‘Eua to Tongatapu – Around TOP$25
- Ha’apai to Tongatapu – TOP$65-$70
- Vava’u to Tongatapu – TOP$80-$95
Learn more about Tongatapu in The Complete Guide to Tongatapu and other transport methods for the island in 10 Ways to Get to Tongatapu (& Around Tongatapu).
(c) Tonga Ministry of TourismFerry Prices to ‘Eua
‘Eua Island sits 45km (28 miles) southeast of Tongatapu. Tongatapu is the only other island in Tonga offering a ferry service to ‘Eua, so you will need to make connections in Tongatapu if travelling from elsewhere. There are three ferries that travel between Tongatapu and ‘Eua, MV Maui, MV ‘Onemato and MV Alaimoana. The wharf on ‘Eua is Nafanua Wharf in the island’s main village, Ohonua.
Ferry Prices for Ha’apai
The ferry price of all ‘Eua’s ferries is around TOP$25, with prices being marginally more expensive on the fast catamaran, the MV Maui.
- Tongatapu to ‘Eua – Around TOP$20-$30
Learn more about ‘Eua in The Complete Guide to ‘Eua and other transport methods for the island in 5 Ways to Get to ‘Eua (& Get Around ‘Eua).
(c) tongapocketguide.comFerry Prices to Ha’apai
Ha’apai is the central island group of Tonga, making it one of the more appealing destinations to take the ferry to from either Tongatapu or Vava’u. While there are multiple ferry stops in Ha’apai, most travellers will want to stop at Pangai, the main town of the Ha’apai islands located on Lifuka Island. This is close to where most resorts and activities are based.
Ferry Prices for Ha’apai
The ferries stop at multiple islands in Ha’apai, including Nomuka, Ha’afeva and Taufa’ahau Wharf in Pangai. However, the price to depart at any of these islands from Tongatapu or Vava’u is the same.
- Tongatapu to Ha’apai – TOP$65-$70
- Vava’u to Ha’apai – TOP$70-$80
Learn more about Ha’apai in The Complete Guide to Ha’apai and other transport methods in 5 Ways to Get to Ha’apai (& Around Ha’apai).
(c) tongapocketguide.comFerry Prices to Vava’u
Vava’u is the second northernmost island group in Tonga, accessible from Tongatapu, Ha’apai and The Niuas by ferry. Ferries arrive and depart from Halaevalu Wharf in Neiafu, which is the main town of the Vava’u Group located on Vava’u’s main island.
Ferry Prices for Vava’u
Sailings between the islands of Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou in The Niuas are only available on the MV ‘Otuanga’ofa, where prices differ depending on which island you travel to.
- Tongatapu to Vava’u – TOP$80-$95
- Vava’u to Ha’apai – TOP$70-$80
- The Niuas to Vava’u – TOP$215-$250
Learn more about Vava’u in The Complete Guide to Vava’u and other transport to get to the island group in the 10 Ways to Get to Vava’u (& Around Vava’u).
(c) tongapocketguide.comFerry Prices to The Niuas
The Niuas is the northernmost island group of Tonga, located closer to Samoa than to the next nearest Tongan island group, Vava’u. The MV ‘Otuanga’ofa departs for The Niuas usually once a month, stopping at Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou. For the latter, tenders are deployed to get passengers to the rocky island.
Ferry Prices for The Niuas
It is slightly cheaper to sail to Niuatoputapu than Niuafo’ou. Bear in mind if taking the return journey by ferry, you will need to return via Niuafo’ou to get to Vava’u anyway.
- Vava’u to The Niuas – TOP$215-$250
Learn more about The Niuas in The Complete Guide to The Niuas and other transport methods in The Niuas, see 5 Ways to Get to The Niuas (& Get Around The Niuas).
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