MileHacker Logo
Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Viti Levu, Fiji

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Suva

Fiji has two main international airports. Nausori International Airport (SUV) serves as the main gateway for Suva itself, while Nadi International Airport (NAN) is Fiji's main international hub for long-haul flights.

Airport Details

  • Nausori (SUV): 23 km northeast of Suva, domestic & regional international.
  • Nadi (NAN): 190 km west of Suva, main international gateway for long-haul flights.
  • Most international travelers arrive at Nadi, then transfer to Suva.

Airlines and Routes

Fiji Airways, Fiji's national carrier, operates an extensive network with numerous international connections from Nadi (NAN) to major global hubs. Their domestic arm, Fiji Link, operates frequent flights between Nadi (NAN) and Nausori (SUV).

Flight Options

  • Fiji Airways connects Nadi to North America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands.
  • Other airlines to Nadi: Qantas, Air NZ, Virgin Australia, American, United, Korean Air.
  • Flight prices vary by season; book in advance for peak season (July-Sept).

Flight Deals

Find affordable airfares with Dollar Flight Club, a service for flight deals.

Compare Flights

Compare options across airlines using Skyscanner for the best routes and prices.

Car Rentals

Book your vehicle with DiscoverCars.com for pick-up at the airport.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Airport Facilities

  • Nadi (NAN): Modern terminal, duty-free, exchange, ATMs, car rentals, cafes, lounges.
  • Nausori (SUV): Smaller airport, cafe, exchange, car rentals, taxi stand.
  • Tourist information desk at Nadi Airport assists arriving visitors.
  • Airline lounges available for eligible passengers at Nadi.

Transfers to Suva

  • From Nadi (NAN): Domestic flight (30-40 min, fastest) to Nausori (SUV).
  • From Nadi (NAN): Express buses (3-4 hrs, affordable) to Suva central bus station.
  • From Nadi (NAN): Private taxi (expensive, direct); Rental car (3 hrs drive).
  • From Nausori (SUV): Taxi (FJD 20-30, metered), local bus (cheapest), hotel transfers.

Affiliate Travel Resources

Dollar Flight Club

A subscription service that sends flight deal alerts to your inbox.

Skyscanner

A global travel search engine for flights, hotels, and car rentals.

DiscoverCars.com

An online car rental platform comparing deals from various providers.

Land Transportation

Bus Travel Across Viti Levu

While Fiji is an island nation, land transportation exists on Viti Levu, connecting Suva to other parts of the island. There are no train services available for passenger travel; existing railway lines mainly transport sugar cane.

Long-Distance Bus Options

  • Queens Road: Main highway connecting Nadi (west) to Suva (east).
  • Companies: Pacific Transport and Coral Sun offer express and local services.
  • Duration: Nadi to Suva takes 3-4 hours by express bus.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

To rent and drive a car in Fiji, a valid national driver's license from your home country (in English or with translation) is needed. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is also highly recommended. Rental companies often ask for a minimum age (21 or 25) and a credit card for deposit.

Driving Information

  • Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
  • Speed limits: 80 km/h on highways, 50 km/h in urban areas.
  • Main roads are generally paved; rural roads can be unpaved and rough.

Road Safety Concerns

Be aware that potholes can be common on some roads, notably after periods of heavy rain. Drive cautiously and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Watch out for pedestrians, children, and livestock (dogs, cows) walking on or near roads, especially outside urban centers and in villages.

Hazards & Habits

  • Night driving can pose risks due to poor lighting and unexpected obstacles.
  • Driving habits are more relaxed than in some Western countries.
  • Heavy rainfall during wet season affects visibility and road slipperiness.

Sea/River Arrivals

Suva's location as a port city makes sea travel a distinct mode of arrival for specific types of journeys, mainly for cruise ships and inter-island ferries.

Cruise & Ferry Details

  • Cruise Port: Suva is a common port of call for international cruise ships.
  • Ferry Services: Operate from Suva to outer islands (Ovalau, Kadavu, Vanua Levu).
  • River Transportation: Navua River popular for tours, rafting, village visits.

Departure Information

  • Exit Fees: International departure tax is typically included in airfare.
  • International Flights (Nadi): Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights (Nausori): Arrive 1-1.5 hours before departure.
  • Cruise Departures: Follow cruise line re-boarding instructions and timing.
  • Nadi Airport: Duty-free, restaurants, cafes, lounges.
  • Nausori Airport: Limited shops and cafes. Suva Bus Station: Basic amenities.

Affiliate Resources: Getting There

Flight Search & Deals

Find the best flight options and deals for your journey to Fiji. These platforms offer comprehensive search capabilities to compare prices and routes.

Recommended Services

  • Dollar Flight Club: Email alerts for cheap flights worldwide.
  • Skyscanner: Compare flight prices from various airlines and travel agencies.
  • Use flexible date searches to discover the most affordable times to fly.

Car Rental & Transfers

Explore Fiji at your own pace with a rental car. Booking in advance can often secure better rates and a wider selection of vehicles.

Booking Platforms

  • DiscoverCars.com: Compare options from major and local car rental companies.
  • Consider picking up your rental car directly from Nadi International Airport.
  • Remember your International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home license.

Air Travel

The most common way to Fiji for international visitors. Arriving at Nadi (NAN) is typical.

Land Travel

Long-distance buses and rental cars connect Suva to other parts of Viti Levu via Queens Road.

Sea Arrivals

Suva is a significant port for cruise ships and inter-island ferries to nearby islands.

Departure Logistics

Exit Procedures

Planning your departure from Suva is as important as planning your arrival. Be aware of procedures and timing to avoid any last-minute stress.

Departure Information

  • Exit Fees: International departure tax is typically part of your airfare.
  • International Flights (Nadi): Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Domestic Flights (Nausori): Arrive 1-1.5 hours before scheduled departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Both Nadi and Nausori airports offer facilities for departing travelers, though Nadi provides a more comprehensive range of amenities due to its size and international status.

Departing Facilities Overview

  • Nadi International Airport (NAN): Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, airline lounges.
  • Nausori International Airport (SUV): Limited shops and cafes, basic services.
  • Suva Bus Station: Basic amenities, small kiosks for snacks and drinks.

Getting to the Airport/Station

To Nausori Airport SUV

Taxis are readily available and operate on a metered basis. Local public buses also connect the airport to Suva city.

To Nadi Airport NAN

Options include domestic flights, express buses (Pacific Transport, Coral Sun), private taxis, or rental cars.

To Suva Bus Station

Taxis are usually waiting at the main bus station, or you can take a local bus within the city.

Departure Reminder

Verify your departure airport (Nadi or Nausori) and allow ample time for transfers and airport procedures. For international flights, arrive well in advance. Keep your passport and boarding pass readily accessible. Enjoy your onward journey from Fiji.