How to Get to Espiritu Santo. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airport and Airlines

The main airport on Espiritu Santo is Santo Pekoa International Airport (SON), close to Luganville. Air Vanuatu serves as the national carrier, with some direct international flights and frequent domestic connections.

Flight Information

International Flights: Air Vanuatu to/from Brisbane (BNE), Sydney (SYD), Auckland (AKL). Some flights route via Port Vila (VLI). Fiji Airways connects via Nadi (NAN) to Port Vila.
Domestic Flights: Air Vanuatu operates frequent connections between Santo Pekoa (SON) and Port Vila (VLI). Less frequent flights connect to other smaller islands.
Global Hubs: No direct flights from North America, Europe, or Asia. Connect through regional hubs (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji) then to Port Vila, and finally to Santo.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Santo Pekoa International Airport (SON) maintains basic facilities: a small terminal, baggage claim, and a few small shops. No extensive duty-free shopping or premium lounges.

Arrival & Departure

Upon arrival, vendors sell local SIM cards (Digicel, TVL) for connectivity.
Taxis: Readily available outside the terminal. Agree on fare before journey (approx. 10-15 mins to Luganville).
Hotel Transfers: Many hotels/resorts offer pre-arranged transfers, useful for late flights.

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices generally increase during Vanuatu's dry season (May-October) due to higher tourist demand.

Seasonal Availability

International flights might operate with reduced frequency during the low season (wet season, November-April).

Booking Advice

Book flights well in advance, especially for peak travel periods, to secure better fares. Flexibility with dates helps find economical options.

Land Transportation

General Transport & Roads

Road Conditions: The main road from Luganville north to Port Olry is sealed and maintained. Roads off this thoroughfare are often unsealed, rough, and muddy after rain.
4WD Vehicles: Recommended or required for accessing certain attractions or remote areas off the main road.
Road Safety: Animals (pigs, chickens, dogs) and pedestrians frequently use the roads. Drive carefully and attentively, maintaining a slow speed in villages.
Local Buses/Minivans: Privately owned minivans serve as "buses," operating on semi-fixed routes, mainly along the main sealed road from Luganville.

Rentals & Other Notes

Car Rentals: Available through local operators in Luganville (e.g., Budget Car Rentals branch). An International Driving Permit (IDP) with your national license is needed.
Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Limited availability, usually at smaller local shops. Helmets may not be quality. Experience is important due to road conditions.
No Train Services: No trains operate in Vanuatu.
No Border Crossings: As an island, access is via air or sea; no land borders.

Sea & River Arrivals

Cruise Ships

Luganville has a dedicated cruise ship terminal, a regular port of call for South Pacific cruise lines. Passengers disembark directly, with local transport and tour operators awaiting.

Inter-island Cargo Ships

Irregular cargo ships operate between Port Vila and Luganville. They carry freight and some passengers. Schedules are unpredictable and basic, for adventurous travelers.

River Transport

River transport is limited to specific areas for local access or organized tours (e.g., Millennium Cave trek involves river crossings). No general transport option for island travel.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

All departure taxes are generally included in the airline ticket price for international flights departing Vanuatu. Confirm this with your airline.

Departure Procedures

International Flights: Arrive at Santo Pekoa Airport (SON) at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure. Check-in counters close 60-90 minutes before departure.
Domestic Flights: Arrive at least 1 hour before scheduled departure.
Ensure luggage meets airline weight/size restrictions. Verify personal belongings comply with security regulations.

Airport Facilities

Santo Pekoa Airport maintains minimal facilities in its departure lounge.

What to Find

A small, basic café for drinks and snacks.
Very limited souvenir shops. Plan to buy gifts in Luganville town.
Do not expect extensive dining or shopping options past security.

Getting to the Airport

Plan your journey to Santo Pekoa (SON) from your accommodation in Luganville or beyond.

Options

Taxis: Readily available in Luganville. Agree on fare beforehand.
Hotel Shuttles: Many accommodations offer pre-arranged airport transfers.
Rental Car Return: If you rented a car, follow rental company instructions for airport drop-off.

Departure Checklist

A quick guide to ensure a smooth departure from Espiritu Santo.

Final Checks

Confirm flight status and departure time online.
Ensure all travel documents (passport, boarding pass) are accessible.
Check baggage weight and carry-on restrictions.

Affiliate Resources: Travel to/from

Flights

Dollar Flight Club for flight deals. Skyscanner for comparing airfares.

Car Rentals

DiscoverCars.com for comparing car rental options worldwide.

Connectivity

Airalo for eSIMs, providing mobile data without physical SIM cards.

Final Tip

Always re-confirm flight times and any local transport arrangements closer to your departure date.

How to Get to Espiritu Santo