The Cost of Taxis at Nuku’alofa Airport and Vava’u Airport
After you’ve landed at Fua’amotu Airport, Tonga’s main airport, or even the less-visited Lupepau’u Airport in Vava’u, how much is it going to cost you to get to your accommodation? Taking a taxi is a fast and convenient way to get to where you need to go (providing your accommodation doesn’t involve overwater transport to get to, of course). Check out the typical taxi prices and find the answer to: how much does a Tonga airport taxi cost?
Tips for Taking a Taxi at Tonga’s Airport
- Ask for a rate before agreeing to a ride, as taxis from the airports don’t use meters
- Look out for licensed taxis with a “T” at the beginning of the vehicle’s number plate
- Taxis are clearly signposted from the arrivals area of Fua’amotu Airport and parked in clear sight just outside Lupepau’u Airport
- Many accommodations offer their own airport transfers which are sometimes cheaper than a taxi
For more tips, see 10 Things to Know About Taxis in Tonga.
Taxis at Fua’amotu Airport (Nuku’alofa)
Fua’amotu International Airport is the main airport of Tonga and most likely the airport you will be arriving in. Learn about the arrival process in Airport Arrival in Nuku’alofa Tonga.
Taxis wait eagerly outside of the international and domestic terminals, easy to identify with a “taxi” sign and/or a “T” at the beginning of their number plate. Ask for the fare first, as taxis don’t tend to use meters.
Taxis to/from Nuku’alofa
Taxi Price: TOP$30-$40
Nuku’alofa is the capital of Tonga, located 21km (13 miles) from Fua’amotu Airport. It’s where most accommodations are located in Tongatapu, including:
- Villa Apartments Westside
- Tanoa International Dateline Hotel
- Emerald Hotel & Restaurant
- Seaview Lodge & Restaurant
- Waterfront Lodge
- Villa Ishadora
- Little Italy Hotel
- Malau Lodge
- House of Tonga Hotel
See more options in 10 Best Hotels in Nuku’alofa.
Taxis to/from the West Side Resorts
Taxi Price: TOP$50-$60
Many of Tongatapu’s resorts are located on the west side of the island, lining beaches like Ha’atafu and Kanokupolu. Resorts here include:
- Heilala Holiday Lodge
- Vakaloa Beach Resort
- Liku’alofa Beach Resort
- Holty’s Hideaway
- Teukava Beach Oasis
- White Sands Beach Resort
- Blue Banana Beach House
- Ha’atafu Beach Resort
- ‘Otuhaka Beach Resort
Find out more about accommodations in 10 Best Resorts in Tongatapu.
Taxis at Lupepau’u Airport (Vava’u)
Some international flights from Samoa, American Samoa and Fiji arrive at Lupepau’u International Airport. Domestic flights run between Vava’u and Tongatapu multiple times daily except on Sundays. Taxis wait outside of the airport to connect with arrivals.
Taxis to/from Neiafu
Taxi Price: TOP$25-$30
Neiafu is the main town of Vava’u, which is only around 9km (5.6 miles) away from Lupepau’u Airport. Taxis in Neiafu can be found outside of the Tonga Post shop opposite the ANZ Bank. Most of Vava’u’s accommodation is located here, including:
- Flying Annie Moa Bed & Breakfast
- Jia Heng Holiday Hotel
- Boathouse Apartments
- Puataukanave International Hotel
- Elim Hotel
- Hilltop Hotel
- Twin View Motel
- K & S Guest House
- Lupetea Apartment
- Port Wine Guest House
- Port of Refuge Villas
See the complete list of accommodations in The Complete Guide to Vava’u.
Taxis to/from ‘Utungake Island
Taxi Price: TOP$30-$50
‘Utungake Island is attached to the main island of Vava’u by a causeway. It has a small number of alternative accommodations available, providing a more resort-style experience connected to the mainland. Accommodations include:
- Mystic Sands
- Tongan Beach Resort
- Lucky’s Beach Houses
Learn more about Vava’u resorts here.
Alternative Airport Transfers
Taxis are not your only option to get between Tonga airports and your chosen accommodation. Other airport transport include:
Accommodation Transfers
Many accommodations arrange their own airport transfers with guests, often having their own vehicle for pick-up. For resorts that are on an off-shore island, airport transfers also include boat transport of the resort’s boat. Airport transfers by accommodations in Nuku’alofa are typically cheaper than a taxi, while prices tend to be more expensive than a taxi for other areas of Tongatapu and on Vava’u.
Airport Transfer Services
Some tour companies in Tongatapu offer door-to-door airport transfer services, which is usually a more expensive option.
Find out more in Tonga Airports: Your Airport Transfer Options.
More About the Tonga Airport Taxi Cost
- Cheapest Airport Transfer Options in Tonga
- The Complete Guide to Nuku’alofa Airport Tonga TT007
- How to Get Around Tonga
Author
Robin C.
This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with the Ministry of Tourism of Tonga. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.