Getting There & Away: Tokelau

Air Travel

Airports & Flights

Tokelau has no airports or airstrips. The atolls are too small and low-lying to accommodate aircraft.

Flight Information: Not Applicable

Major airports serving Tokelau: Not applicable.
Airlines and typical routes: Not applicable.
Seasonal flight availability and price fluctuations: Not applicable.

Arrival in Samoa

To reach Tokelau, you will first fly to Faleolo International Airport (APW) in Apia, Samoa. This serves as your gateway.

Connecting to Tokelau

From Apia, your journey continues by ship.
Use flight search platforms like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for flights to Samoa.
Airport facilities and services: Not applicable for direct flight to Tokelau.

Land Transportation

Land transportation is not a factor for reaching Tokelau. The territory is an oceanic realm, accessible only by sea.

No Trains or Buses

You will not find border crossings, train connections, or long-distance bus options that lead to Tokelau.

No Self-Driving

Self-driving considerations and requirements: Not applicable. There are no roads suitable for cars between atolls.

Sea/River Arrivals

Government Ship: MV Mataliki

The main mode of access to Tokelau is via a government-chartered ship, the MV Mataliki.
This vessel sails from Apia, Samoa, specifically from the port of Apia.
The service is infrequent and irregular, typically operating every 2-3 weeks.
The journey takes over 24 hours to reach the first atoll, Atafu, then continues to Nukunonu and Fakaofo.

Immigration & Transfers

Immigration and customs procedures are handled by Tokelauan authorities upon arrival at each atoll.
Local officials verify your identity against the pre-approved passenger manifest.
Representatives from the local Council of Elders or your homestay host meet visitors to facilitate transfer.
On-atoll transport is mainly walking or bicycle.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

No standard exit fees are reported for departing Tokelau. Confirm with the Tokelau Apia Liaison Office for the latest updates.

Departure Procedures

Coordinate closely with the Tokelau Apia Liaison Office and local authorities to confirm your spot on the return journey's manifest.

Timing Recommendations

Arrive early for departure due to the informal nature of the process and the ship's potentially shifting schedule.

Transportation Overview

Inter-Atoll Transport

The MV Mataliki provides the only realistic option for access and travel between Tokelau and Samoa.

Pros & Cons

Sole realistic access option.
Infrequent, irregular schedule, long journey, subject to weather.
Booking well in advance via Tokelau Apia Liaison Office is important.

Intra-Atoll Transport

Within the small atolls, movement is mainly human-powered or by small local boats.

Modes of Travel

Walking is the main way to get around the small atolls.
Bicycles are often available through homestay hosts.
Small boats within the lagoon provide access to other islets.

Air Travel Status

There are no airports or airstrips in Tokelau. Air travel directly to the atolls is not possible.

No Air Access

Direct flights to Tokelau are non-existent.
Do not search for flight options to Tokelau.
Your air journey ends in Samoa.

Land Travel Status

Tokelau has no developed road networks, cars, or public land transport systems.

No Land Access

No car rentals are available.
No bus or train services.
Motorcycle or scooter rentals are not present.

Things to Remember

Be aware that the ship schedule is subject to change.
Travel is entirely reliant on the MV Mataliki.
Plan for potential delays on both arrival and departure.

Inter-atoll travel occurs only by ship.
Daily movement on atolls is walking or cycling.
Confirm arrangements with Tokelau Apia Liaison Office.

Departure Logistics

Departure Process

Departure from Tokelau occurs via the same ship service, the MV Mataliki, returning to Apia, Samoa.

Coordination & Timing

Coordinate closely with the Tokelau Apia Liaison Office.
Local authorities on the atoll also assist with departure.
Ensure you are on the manifest for the return journey.

On-Atoll Departure

Departure involves boarding the ship from the atoll's shore or a small pier. There are no airport facilities for departing travelers.

Boarding & Fees

Procedures are handled locally before boarding.
Arriving early for departure is recommended due to the informal nature.
No standard exit fees are reported for departing Tokelau.

Pre-Departure Check

Confirm your return passage with the Tokelau Apia Liaison Office.

Flexibility is

The ship will operate on its own timetable, which might shift.

Local Assistance

Your homestay hosts will provide guidance on departure arrangements.

General Transit Information

Car Rental & Driving

Car rental procedures, requirements, and major companies: Not applicable. Car rental is not available. There are no public roads for cars.

No Driving Needs

Driving laws, road conditions, and parking information: Not applicable.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals: Not applicable.
Consider DiscoverCars.com for car rentals in Samoa before your ship departure.

Walking & Cycling

This allows you to observe daily life and enjoy the natural environment at a relaxed pace.

Pedestrian-Friendly Atolls

The entire main village area of each atoll is pedestrian-friendly.
Simple tracks suitable for cycling exist within village areas.
Roads are uneven coral rubble paths; ride carefully.

Specialized Transport

Boat Taxis

Small boats (dinghies) are used by locals for fishing or accessing different motu (islets) within the lagoon.

Arranging Boat Trips

Arranging passage on these boats depends entirely on local contacts and availability. Your homestay host might arrange an informal trip.

Accessibility

Infrastructure is extremely limited. Facilities for mobility impairments are generally not available.

Travel Philosophy

Embrace the journey as part of the destination.

Getting There & Away