Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Traveling to the Solomon Islands, this string of nearly a thousand islands set in the Pacific, is unlike any other journey. Here, the bus is often a private van, the “boat-bus” connects villages better than the road, and the plane serves as both a shared taxi and an ambulance in emergencies. For a visitor, understanding how this very particular system works is the key to getting around stress-free, without breaking the bank, and while staying safe.
Public transportation in this archipelago is heavily influenced by the geographical and climatic context. The country, with few roads, depends primarily on maritime connections. It is also vulnerable to cyclones and floods. Its transport network is currently undergoing gradual transformation.
Understanding the Context: An Archipelago Where the Boat is King
The Solomon Islands consist of approximately 994 islands, including six main large islands and hundreds of small inhabited islands. Nearly 85% of the population lives in often isolated rural areas, sometimes without roads, and most travel is done by sea.
The Solomon Islands’ road network spans approximately 1,360 to 1,523 kilometers, of which only a small portion is paved.
A comparison between roads, ports, and airports clearly shows the country’s mobility logic.
| National Infrastructure | Number / Estimated Length | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Total Road Length | 1,360–1,523 km | Only 33–184 km paved |
| Plantation Private Roads | ~800 km | Not part of the public network |
| Airports | 36 | Only 1 with a paved runway (Honiara) |
| Heliports | 3 | For difficult access or emergencies |
| International Ports | 2 (Honiara, Noro) | Ports managed by the Ports Authority |
| Community Jetties / Ramps | >91 | Crucial for local boats |
In this context, talking about “public transportation” in the Solomon Islands means combining several modes: buses and minibuses in Honiara, shared taxis and pickups, inter-island ferries, motorized canoes used as water buses, and small domestic air connections operated by the national airline.
Getting Around Honiara: Minibuses, Taxis, and Walking Under Constraints
Honiara, the capital located on Guadalcanal Island, concentrates a large portion of the country’s vehicles. There are an estimated over 10,000 vehicles for about 70,000 to 78,000 inhabitants, a high motorization rate for a city where the single main road runs along the coast and gets congested during rush hour.
The Minibus Network: The Backbone of Urban Transport
The main public transport in Honiara relies on private minibuses and vans, often called “public buses,” “route taxis,” or “bush taxis.” These are not municipal buses in the classic sense, but a multitude of small private operators running on relatively fixed routes.
These minibuses travel along the city’s main arteries, stop on demand, and are hailed simply by waving at the roadside. The system is simple in principle but confusing for a newcomer, as stops are not clearly marked and schedules are virtually non-existent.
Budget-wise, these minibuses are the most economical solution for getting around the city.
| Characteristics of Minibuses in Honiara | Detail |
|---|---|
| Owner | Private operators (not strictly regulated) |
| Standard fare in the center | ~3 SBD per trip (proposal to increase to 5 SBD) |
| Payment method | Cash, in Solomon Islands dollars (SBD), small bills |
| Typical hours | From dawn to about 6–7 PM |
| Network | Main Honiara arteries only |
| Comfort | Very basic, often crowded during peak hours |
User complaints focus on reliability: long waits, overloaded vehicles, insufficient service during peak hours. The network is described as “underdeveloped” and “unreliable,” but it remains essential for budget travel.
In 2025, cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was launched. It aims to improve urban transport management and establish a safer, more practical bus system, offering hope for better organization in the medium term.
Taxis: More Comfortable, But More Expensive
In Honiara, taxis are ubiquitous and are often the simplest way, especially for a visitor, to reach a hotel, the airport, or a specific neighborhood. They can be hailed on the street, but authorities and embassies recommend booking them through a hotel or trusted operator to avoid scams and ensure the driver’s reliability.
In theory, some taxis are equipped with meters. In practice, they are often not used. The golden rule is therefore to negotiate the fare before getting in. Available information provides some price benchmarks.
| Taxi Fare Indicator in Honiara (order of magnitude) | Indicated Amount |
|---|---|
| Starting fare (normal trip) | ~10 SBD |
| Recommended price per km | ~10 SBD/km (some sources quote much higher, but 10 SBD is often cited as a “fair” benchmark) |
| Estimated 5 km trip hotel → airport | ~49 SBD |
| Airport → Honiara center | ~137–149 SBD depending on exact point |
| 1 hour wait | ~100 SBD |
Prices can rise at night, during holidays, or in times of high demand. Some guides report huge disparities in estimates for 1 km (up to 100 SBD), which mainly illustrates the lack of strict regulation and the necessity of agreeing on a price beforehand.
A known company that focuses on service to the international airport, reachable at +677-36-563.
Honiara Airport Taxi
Walking and Cycling: Possible, But Not Ideal
Honiara is relatively compact, and it is entirely possible to explore the city center on foot, to reach the central market, some museums, shops, and restaurants. But several factors make walking less comfortable than it seems.
First, the city stretches along the coast and climbs hills, which sometimes requires covering long distances in a hot and humid climate. Secondly, sidewalks are rare or cluttered (trees, parked vehicles, street furniture), not well-suited for people with reduced mobility, and often incompatible with international accessibility standards.
The situation is even more problematic for people with disabilities. An audit conducted by the World Bank and the Pacific Disability Forum shows that pedestrian infrastructure generally does not meet accessibility standards, to the point that many people with disabilities prefer to stay home rather than face the public space.
Cycling suffers from the same drawbacks: lack of bike lanes, degraded road surfaces, dense traffic, hilly terrain, and oppressive heat. Bicycles are seen more as a tool for adventure or occasional leisure than as a real daily mode of transport.
Outside the capital, the Solomon Islands have some more developed road axes, notably on Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Makira. But even there, many sections remain unpaved, full of potholes, sometimes cut off by damaged or flood-washed bridges.
Across the country, it is estimated that only about 58% of the rural population has access to a usable road. This results in very different realities from one province to another.
| Province / Area | Share of National Road Network | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Guadalcanal + Malaita | 59–65% of roads | Better service, but roads often degraded |
| Rest of the country | 35–41% | Areas sometimes without roads, dependent on boats |
| Overall rural areas | ~85% of the population | Isolated villages, access often multimodal (walking + boat) |
Rural Minibuses, Open Trucks, and “Trailers”
Where there is no real minibus network, residents use open flatbed trucks fitted with wooden benches, trailers pulled by pickups, or vans converted into informal public transport. The principle remains similar to Honiara: you get on and off on demand, pay on board, and schedules are approximate.
Transport fares are generally higher in rural areas than in the city, due to longer distances and increased vehicle wear on these roads. It is highly recommended to have small bills in Solomon Islands dollars (SBD) on hand, as drivers do not always have the necessary change.
Car Rental and Driving
For travelers with some experience driving in difficult conditions, renting a car can offer great freedom, especially for exploring Guadalcanal from Honiara. International (Avis, Budget) and local agencies are present, mainly at the airport.
To rent a car in Cyprus, a valid driver’s license is required, with an international driving permit recommended and generally accepted for a maximum of four months. Driving is on the left. Drivers must be cautious on roads that are often narrow, winding, poorly maintained, and poorly lit. At night, extra vigilance is necessary due to potholes, the presence of pedestrians and animals, as well as vehicles that are insufficiently or poorly lit.
Accidents are frequent, fueled by a certain casual attitude toward traffic rules, sometimes inappropriate speeds, and insufficient vehicle maintenance. After an accident, the law requires staying at the scene until the police arrive or, if the situation seems dangerous, going to the nearest police station.
In a country where nearly 1,000 islands stretch over about 2,000 kilometers, the sea acts as the main highway. To connect provincial capitals and major islands, ferries and mixed cargo ships handle most “public” travel.
Regular Ferries: Connecting Honiara to the Provinces
From Honiara, regular connections exist to most provinces. There are notably services to Auki (Malaita), Tulagi (Central Province), Gizo via Marovo (Western Province), as well as to other islands via a network of mixed cargo ships carrying both passengers and goods.
Several private companies serve this market:
| Company / Boat | Main Route / Service Area | Approximate Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Pelican Shipping Limited | Honiara – Auki / Gizo (via Marovo) | MV Pelican Express ~300 passengers on some routes |
| Fair West Shipping Ltd | Interprovincial routes | Variable capacity |
| Franjti Shipping Ltd | Domestic routes | N/A |
| Marina Shipping | Various routes | Marina II: ~248 passengers |
| Auki Express | Honiara – Auki | ~194 passengers |
| Fair Lady / Fair Glory | Major routes (several provinces) | ~472 passengers each |
The schedules of these boats depend on the day of the week and demand. As an illustration, Auki Express offers several daily trips between Honiara and Auki (e.g., a departure at 7:00 AM, a return at 10:30 AM, then another service at 4:00 PM), but reliability is not total: delays, cancellations, or last-minute changes are not uncommon.
A trip between Honiara and Gizo on some ships can take about 12 hours. A fast boat transfer between Munda and Gizo (about 50 km) takes about two hours.
The boat stands out as a particularly affordable transport solution, offering significant financial benefits for different types of travelers.
Fares remain significantly lower than domestic flights, allowing for substantial savings.
This mode of transport is widely adopted by local residents for their regular travel.
A perfect alternative for travelers wanting to control their transport expenses.
Motorized Canoes and Dinghies: The Village “Bus”
On shorter trips, especially between villages, lagoons, and small islands, motorized dinghies with outboard engines act as public transport. Residents pay a fare per “sector” traveled, often negotiated or known locally.
For a visitor, these vessels represent both a way to reach remote areas and a typical experience of daily life in the Solomon Islands. However, safety must be considered: official standards exist but are not always enforced. A personal life jacket is highly recommended, and one should not hesitate to refuse to board if the boat appears clearly overloaded or in poor condition.
For particular excursions (diving, snorkeling, visiting islets), day charters are possible. The standard rate for hiring a boat for the day is around 1,500 SBD, often excluding fuel, which can quickly increase the bill.
Shipping Franchises: Subsidizing the Sea’s “Public Service”
For the most isolated islands, where the commercial viability of routes is insufficient, the government has set up an original scheme: the Franchise Shipping Scheme (FSS). This is a system of public subsidies paid to private operators to regularly service certain routes deemed essential.
Among the routes benefiting from this scheme, we find, for example:
| Subsidized FSS Route | Service Area / Objective |
|---|---|
| Route 3 | Sikaiana Island (very isolated) |
| Route 5 | Rennell and Bellona Province |
| Route 6 | “Weather coast” of Makira |
Other routes to Temotu, Ontong Java, Ndai, the Shortland Islands, or the exposed coast of Guadalcanal are under consideration. Operators must meet strict criteria (minimum vessel capacity, at least one year of experience, full compliance with maritime safety regulations). This system aims to break isolation, facilitate trade, deliver public services and basic goods, and strengthen cohesion between communities.
Safety at Sea: A Major Challenge
Maritime transport in the Solomon Islands remains exposed to risks: passenger overloading, sometimes insufficient vessel maintenance, changing weather, lack of strict controls. Authorities and partner countries (Australia, Asian Development Bank, World Bank) are investing in modernizing wharves, rehabilitating ports, and improving safety standards.
Nevertheless, several practical recommendations remain valid for all passengers:
– avoid boarding a ferry that is clearly overloaded;
– check for the presence of accessible life jackets and emergency exits;
– carry your own life jacket if you must make multiple sea trips;
– monitor weather forecasts, especially between November and April (cyclone and heavy rain season).
The Plane as a “Long-Distance Bus” Between Islands
Air transport plays a complementary role to boats: more expensive, but much faster, and sometimes essential for medical emergencies or official travel.
The country has a total of 36 airports, only one of which – Honiara International (Henderson) – has a paved runway. The other 35 have grassy, dirt, or gravel runways, of varying lengths, sometimes very short.
The national airline Solomon Airlines operates all domestic flights, serving about 20 destinations from its hub in Honiara. On these flights, the baggage allowance is limited to 16 kg. It is therefore necessary to travel light or plan to pay for excess baggage.
For a visitor, the plane can resemble public transportation on the scale of the archipelago: regular routes connect provincial capitals like Munda, Gizo (via Munda or Seghe), Auki, Kirakira, etc. Prices are higher than by boat, but air connections save hours, even days of travel.
Transport Policy, Accessibility, and Green Transition
Behind the very empirical functioning of public transportation in the Solomon Islands lies a structured effort of planning and investment.
The country has adopted a National Transport Plan (2017–2036), which sets major priorities: rehabilitating roads, bridges, and wharves, ensuring regular maintenance, strengthening rural area accessibility, and making infrastructure more resilient to cyclones, floods, and earthquakes. A Medium-Term Transport Action Plan complements this strategy over shorter periods, scheduling concrete projects.
Number of kilometers of roads the project aims to upgrade by 2030.
The distribution of foreign aid between 2016 and 2022 illustrates sectoral priorities:
| Type of Funded Infrastructure | Share of Transport Aid (2016–2022) |
|---|---|
| Roads | ~53% |
| Airports | ~38% |
| Ports | ~8% |
| Others (including rail, studies) | ~1% |
Concurrently, the Solomon Islands has made ambitious climate commitments. The transport sector accounts for over half of the country’s CO₂ emissions, with roads as the main contributor. The country aims for a significant reduction in its emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. A roadmap for e‑mobility has been published, considering the gradual introduction of electric buses and small trucks. But significant obstacles remain: high purchase cost, limited access to electricity (about 20% of households), lack of charging infrastructure.
France’s score on the electric mobility readiness index, reflecting political will but infrastructure still to be developed.
On the accessibility front, guidelines have been integrated into action plans so that new road projects include facilities adapted for people with disabilities: lowered curbs, tactile surfaces, better-designed pedestrian crossings. A specific report also recommends developing point-to-point transport services (e.g., adapted taxis or minibuses) to break the isolation of people with reduced mobility.
Practical Tips for Using Public Transportation in the Solomon Islands
Even if the system can seem confusing, it is still possible to use public transportation effectively, provided you follow a few simple principles, especially for a French-speaking traveler discovering the country.
Budget-wise, travel cost studies estimate that an average stay involves about 17 USD per day for local travel, within an overall daily budget range of 82 to 246 USD (accommodation, meals, activities included). Using minibuses and ferries rather than taxis and domestic flights allows staying on the lower end of this range.
Money and Payment
Public transportation operates almost exclusively in cash. The local currency is the Solomon Islands dollar (SBD). Most buses, dinghies, taxis, and small boats do not accept bank cards or mobile payments.
It is essential to withdraw enough cash in Honiara, Gizo, Munda, or Auki, as no ATMs are available in villages and small islands. Notes of 5, 10, and 20 SBD are particularly useful for paying for small trips (minibus, dinghy, short taxi ride).
Essential Flexibility
Public transportation operates with a certain degree of improvisation. Bus, ferry, and domestic flight schedules can be modified due to weather conditions, demand, or technical problems.
It is recommended to:
– always allow a safety margin between two important connections;
– check information directly with companies or port authorities;
– use local agencies or your accommodation to confirm boat or flight departures.
Safety and Choice of Transport Mode
Transport in the Solomon Islands is generally safe if you follow basic precautionary rules. The main risks concern:
Travel can present significant risks, notably due to the overloading of ferries and canoes, the sometimes questionable condition of road vehicles, the quality of roads, and the absence of lighting at night. One should also be vigilant against pickpocketing in crowded buses, especially around Honiara’s central market.
It is prudent to avoid walking alone at night, to prefer taxis recommended by the hotel, and to keep personal belongings close on public transport.
At sea, not boarding a vessel that appears visibly overloaded or poorly maintained remains the best reflex, even if all the locals do it. It’s better to wait for the next rotation than to risk your safety.
Transport and Country Experience: What Mobility Says About the Solomon Islands
Using public transportation in the Solomon Islands is not just about getting from point A to point B. It’s also about closely observing daily life, community solidarity, the importance of “wantok” (network of kin from the same language or region), or even the power of “kastom,” this customary system that still regulates access to land and sea.
In an overloaded minibus, in the boarding line for a night ferry, or on a small dinghy crossing a lagoon, the conversations, laughter, exchanges of fruit baskets or bags of rice tell as much about the country as the jungle and lagoon landscapes.
The transport system, with its limitations, delays, and makeshift solutions, reflects the reality of a developing island state, marked by its history (civil war, natural disasters), but supported by a series of international projects to modernize its infrastructure without losing its soul.
For a traveler, accepting this element of unpredictability, preparing trips minimally, and relying on the advice of residents can transform these logistical constraints into an integral – and often memorable – part of the Solomon Islands experience.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
