Local Transportation: Honiara

Public Transportation in Honiara

The main form of public transport consists of privately owned minivans or modified buses, locally known as "route taxis" or "public buses." They operate on fixed routes along the city's main roads.

They pick up and drop off passengers anywhere along their designated route. Simply wave them down when you see one approaching.

Usage & Tips

No official route maps; drivers display destinations. Ask if unsure.
Cash-only payments, fixed fares (SBD 5-10 per ride within Honiara).
Operate from early morning (approx. 6:00 AM) until late evening (9:00 PM or 10:00 PM).
Not wheelchair accessible. Travelers with mobility challenges find them difficult to use.

Route Taxis

Privately owned minivans operating fixed routes, common and affordable.

Hailing & Boarding

Wave them down. Confirm route with driver. Be prepared for crowded conditions.

Budget Friendly

Much cheaper than private taxis, they offer an authentic way to get around.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Services

Licensed taxis often yellow or white with "TAXI" sign. Unmarked private vehicles also operate.
Taxis rarely use meters. Negotiate and agree on fare before starting. Cash-only payment.
Short trips within Honiara range from SBD 50-150.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Widely used ride-sharing apps (Uber, Grab) are not available in Honiara.
Opt for official-looking taxis. Arrange through your hotel or trusted local contact at night.
Always confirm the price before getting into the vehicle to avoid misunderstandings.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Available from local companies and airport. Need valid license, IDP.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Very limited or non-existent for tourists.

Bicycle Sharing

Not available, nor common for tourists.

Driving Laws

Drive on the right-hand side. Roads outside Honiara are rough.

Walking & Cycling

Walking and cycling in Honiara present challenges due to infrastructure and traffic conditions.

Pedestrian Areas

Pedestrian infrastructure in Honiara is limited. Footpaths are not always consistent or well-maintained.
Traffic is busy. Exercise caution when walking, especially along main roads.
Some guided historical walking tours, focusing on World War II sites, are available through hotels or local tour operators.
Avoid walking alone at night, especially in dimly lit or less populated areas. Safety concerns increase after dark.

Cycling Infrastructure

No dedicated bicycle lanes exist in Honiara.
Cycling is not a common mode of transport for tourists.
This is mainly due to road conditions, traffic, and the lack of dedicated infrastructure.
Bicycle sharing programs and rentals are not common for tourists.

General Driving Notes

Driving occurs on the right-hand side of the road.
Main roads in Honiara are paved, but potholes exist.
Roads outside the capital vary significantly, from reasonable to poor.

Parking in the city center can be limited.
Driving at night is hazardous due to inadequate street lighting.
Pedestrians and livestock on roads are common.

Specialized Transportation Modes

Tour Buses

Available for organized excursions to World War II historical sites.

Boat Taxis

Not common for intra-city travel, but essential for inter-island trips.

Unique Transport

Honiara does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or other unique mechanized local transport systems.

Navigating Public Transit Efficiently

Honiara’s public transport system offers an authentic and budget-friendly way to move around the city.

Route & Stops

Main form is privately owned minivans or modified buses, known as "route taxis."
Operate on fixed routes along the city's main roads.
No formal bus stops. They pick up and drop off passengers anywhere along their designated route.
Wave them down when you see one approaching.

Fares & Frequency

Payments are cash-only. Fares are fixed for specific routes or distances.
Most rides within Honiara cost SBD 5-10 per person.
Operate from early morning (around 6:00 AM) until late evening (9:00 PM or 10:00 PM).
On popular routes, frequency is high, so you typically do not wait long.

Essential Public Transport Tips

Confirm Route

Ask the driver or a local for clarification before boarding to ensure it heads in your desired direction.

Avoid going astray.

Be Prepared for Crowds

Expect crowded conditions, especially during peak hours.

Embrace the local experience.

Cash Ready

Have small denominations of SBD cash ready for your fare. You pay upon entry or exit.

Small bills are preferred.

Driving & Rental Notes

Car Rental Specifics

Car rental options are limited in Honiara.
A credit card is often necessary for a security deposit.
Road conditions present challenges, especially outside Honiara.

Accessibility & Unique Transport

Honiara has very limited accessibility infrastructure. Public transport is not accessible.
Many buildings lack ramps or elevators.
No cable cars, funiculars, or other unique mechanized local transport systems.

Safety Considerations for Taxis

Taxis rarely use meters, so negotiate and agree on the fare beforehand.
Opt for official-looking taxis when possible for safety.
At night, arrange taxis through your hotel or a trusted local contact.
Always confirm the price before entering the vehicle to avoid misunderstandings.

Widely used ride-sharing apps (Uber, Grab) are not available.
Avoid walking alone at night in dimly lit or less populated areas.
Road conditions outside the capital are often unpaved and rough.
Cycling is not a common mode of transport for tourists due to lack of infrastructure and traffic.

Pedestrian & Cycling Experience

While feasible for some, walking and cycling in Honiara often have limitations.

Walking in the City

Pedestrian infrastructure is limited, with inconsistent or poorly maintained footpaths.
Traffic can be busy. Exercise caution, especially along main roads.
Some guided historical walking tours are available, often arranged through hotels or local operators.
These tours offer context and help with safe navigation.

Cycling Around

No dedicated bicycle lanes exist in Honiara.
Cycling is not a common mode of transport for tourists.
This is mainly due to challenging road conditions, traffic, and lack of dedicated infrastructure.
Bicycle sharing programs and rentals are not available for tourists.

Additional Transport Considerations

Accessibility Challenges

Honiara has very limited accessibility infrastructure. Public transport and many buildings lack ramps or elevators.

Navigating the city is challenging for mobility needs.
Private vehicle hire is the most feasible option.

Specialized Services

Tour buses are available for organized excursions, especially to WWII historical sites.

No hop-on-hop-off services.
Boat taxis are essential for inter-island travel.

Inter-Island Boat Taxis

Arrange these through tour operators or directly with local boat owners for diving or island visits.

Essential for accessing coastal areas.
Not common for intra-city travel.

Important Local Transport Notes

Driving Laws & Roads

Driving occurs on the right-hand side.
Road conditions outside Honiara vary and are often rough.
Driving at night is hazardous due to poor lighting and pedestrians/livestock.

Rental Limitations

Motorcycle/scooter rentals are very limited or non-existent for tourists.
Bicycle sharing programs and rentals are not common.
No train network in the Solomon Islands.

Final Transportation Tip

Embrace Honiara's local transport for an authentic experience and cost savings. "Route taxis" are the most common and affordable way to get around.

For destinations outside the city, or for specific excursions like diving, arranging a private taxi or boat via your accommodation or a reputable tour operator is advisable.

Local Transportation