How to get to and from Honolulu airport (HNL): bus, train, taxi and transfers

Ground transportation options

Public transportation, licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps, private transfers and car rental at Honolulu airport (HNL), 6 km from Honolulu. See also the airport guide for general information.

The airport connects seamlessly to Honolulu and key tourist destinations across Oahu via rapid transit, city buses, shuttles, and app-based rides.

Skyline (Elevated Rail)

The Lelepaua Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Station on the elevated Skyline rapid transit system links directly to the terminals via a covered pedestrian bridge connected to Terminals 1 and 2. Trains provide swift travel east toward Kahauiki (Middle Street Transit Center) and west toward Makalapa (Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam), Hālawa (Aloha Stadium), and East Kapolei. The standard one-way fare is USD 3.00 using the rechargeable HOLO Card, which includes integrated transfers to TheBus.

Public Buses (TheBus)

Honolulu's municipal transit system, TheBus, operates regular services from stops located along the second-level roadway (departures level). Fares are USD 3.00 (exact cash or HOLO Card):

Route 20: Links the airport with Kalihi, downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana Center, Waikiki, Pearlridge Center, and Aloha Stadium. Runs from 5:00 am to 1:20 am every 30 minutes.
Route 303: Connects the airport with Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and the Kalihi Transit Center (Sunday through Friday from 4:45 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 6:20 am to 7:30 pm).

Shared Shuttles

Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle provides door-to-door shared transportation between the airport and Waikiki hotels or other island locations (fare around USD 24.00 to Waikiki). Pickup points are located on the ground level along the median curb fronting Baggage Claims 11 (Terminal 1), 17, and 31 (Terminal 2).

Ride-Sharing (Uber & Lyft)

Rideshare services pick up passengers at designated zones on the second level (departures): opposite Lobby 2 in Terminal 1, and opposite Lobbies 5/6 and 8 in Terminal 2.

Official Taxis

Taxicab service at the airport is managed by AMPCO Express. Official taxi stands are positioned on the ground level, directly outside the baggage claim exits of all terminals. Attendants wearing yellow jackets supervise queues and coordinate dispatch.

All official taxis operate on metered rates. A typical journey to the Waikiki resort area takes between 20 and 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions, with approximate fares ranging from USD 40.00 to USD 55.00 (excluding luggage surcharges and driver tips).

Book ahead

Private transfer from HNL Rent a car at HNL

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Tips for getting to and from HNL

Going to the airport

Leave earlier than you think you need to: Honolulu airport is 6 km from Honolulu. Allow for rush-hour traffic, strikes or events, and check the local news before you go.
On public transportation, check the schedule (weekends and holidays usually have fewer services), whether you need to change lines and how to pay: transit card, contactless or cash.
If you booked a shared shuttle, keep the company's phone number at hand in case the pickup is late.
Returning a rental car? Follow the signs to the rental car return area. If you drive your own car, check parking at HNL.

Leaving the airport

After baggage claim and customs, follow the ground transportation signs. The arrivals page has a step-by-step guide.
Arriving late at night? Not every bus or train runs 24 hours: check the last departure in advance. Ride-hailing apps usually pick up at a designated zone, not at the curb.
With a private transfer, the driver usually waits in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name.
Renting a car? Booking ahead gives you better rates; see car rental at HNL.
Staying near the airport? See hotels and overnight stay or hotels near HNL.

Content written by German Giudici

Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.

Getting to and from Honolulu airport