Vanuatu is well located for visitors from Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. Direct flights connect several cities to Port Vila and Santo. There are no direct connections from the US or Europe. All international flights in and out of the archipelago arrive at Port Vila’s Bauerfield International Airport or Pekoa International Airport in Santo. Vanuatu is also a popular destination on the cruising circuit with many international cruise lines halting at Efate (Port Vila), Santo (Champagne Beach and Luganville) as well as Mystery Island on the southern side of Vanuatu. Private yachts can, with the requisite paperwork, also enter at Lenakel and Sola in addition to Port Vila and Luganville.
Air Vanuatu is the major domestic player, offering scheduled commercial flights that connect over a dozen location in the archipelago. Unity Airlines, Air Safaris, and Air Taxi are airplane charter companies operating in Vanuatu.
Be prepared to get a workout if you really want to get under the skin of this destination. A bicycle is probably the best way to explore villages and sights outside the towns. 4WD vehicles are needed to negotiate the rugged terrain and track roads in most places. Taxi services run between the town and tourism hubs and resort areas. Resorts organize boat transfers if they are located off the mainland. Boats can also be hired for fishing and diving trips. Self-drive cars are only available (and only advisable) in Port Vila and Luganville.
Public transport by way of island buses is a fun immersive local experience that is worth doing at least once on your trip. Locals use the minibusses that tear around bends and zip you to your destination in smaller towns. Efate and parts of Santo have a regular public bus service.
