Transfer to/from - Honiara Airport (HIR)

 
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Public transportation services, licensed taxis and rideshare, private transfer companies and car rental services in Honiara Airport (HIR)

 

 Transportation

 

Honiara Airport is connected to the capital and its surrounding areas mainly through taxi services and private transport. As a medium-sized terminal, the options are straightforward and are located just outside the terminal buildings.

Local buses

Minibus services (vans) operate along the main road, a few metres from the airport entrance. They are the most affordable option for travelling to the city centre, although they do not have dedicated space for bulky luggage, so they are mainly recommended for passengers with hand luggage. To use this service, you need to walk to the stop located at the main road junction (known as the “airport junction” or “Lungga”).

Minibuses run very frequently (approximately every 2–3 minutes). Please note that not all minibuses go to the city centre; some terminate their route earlier. For this reason, it is advisable to ask the conductor whether the vehicle goes to the “Central Market” or “town” before boarding.

Hotel transfers

Many of the main hotels in Honiara offer pick-up and transfer services for their guests. It is recommended to arrange this directly with your accommodation at least 24 hours before arrival.

  Rent a Car

 

Taxis

Vehicles are available at all times outside the arrivals hall of both terminals. It is important to note that most taxis are not fitted with meters, so it is advisable to agree the fare with the driver before starting the journey. The estimated transfer time to central Honiara is around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions along Kukum Highway.

There are several authorised operators providing services at the airport, such as Trans Taxi Services, Professional Taxi Services, Kings Cab and Honiara Airport Taxi, among others.

 
 

Latest updates: April 15, 2026

Transportation Tips to/from the airport

Some of these tips may seem obvious, but they are worth keeping in mind when traveling to or from the airport, especially if you are using public transportation.
 
 1 - To the airport: leave a little earlier than usually recommended. If you take a taxi or a private car service, allow for rush hour traffic, demonstrations, strikes or events that could delay your trip. It always helps to check the local news before you leave.
 
If you book a shared shuttle, keep the company's contact number handy in case the pickup is late. These services usually confirm a scheduled pickup time in advance.
 
If you use public transportation (bus or train), check the schedules (weekends and holidays usually have less frequent service), whether you need to transfer, and how to pay the fare (a transit card, or cash to the driver). These details seem obvious, but knowing them ahead of time can save you from a delay that could cause problems.
 
If you drive a rental car to the airport, check where to return it. Many airports have a dedicated rental car return area.
 
 2 - From the airport: this part is less stressful, since there is no risk of missing a flight. At worst, you will reach your hotel or meeting point a little later than planned.
 
Once you leave the plane, collect your baggage and complete any required arrival procedures. Then follow the signs for ground transportation or ask airport staff.
 
Check bus and train schedules in advance if you arrive late at night, since not all services run 24 hours. The same applies to taxis. If you plan to use a ride-hailing app such as Uber, have it ready on your phone to contact the driver.
 
If you booked a private transfer, a driver will usually be waiting for you with a sign. If you are renting a car, booking in advance gives you more peace of mind. Rental counters are usually located in the arrivals hall.

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