Bougainville Getting there & around

Getting there & around

The most convenient way to get around Bougainville Island is by PMV. There’s only one main gravel road, running down the east coast to Arawa and Kieta, and on to Buin to the south. It’s in good condition but not all of the rivers are bridged and the road fords several of them. Some sections might be impassable for a few hours, even days, after heavy rains; take this into consideration on your way back to Buka if you fly out.

Regular PMVs ply the route between Kokopau and Buin via Arawa (you might have to stay overnight in Arawa). It costs K60 to Arawa (five hours) and K100 to Buin (eight to nine hours).