Savai'i Getting there & around

Getting around

Whenever a plane arrives from ‘Upolu at Ma’ota Airport, nearly every taxi on Savai’i is waiting for it, so there’s no problem finding transport. The taxis, however, are relatively expensive. To Salelologa, the fare is ST7.80 and to Tuasivi (about 13km), ST22. Public buses are very convenient for getting to Salelologa from the airport, but if you’re travelling to Tuasivi or further north, you’ll have to change buses at Salelologa. Airport transfers can be arranged with most hotels, provided you book in advance. Buses and taxis also greet every ferry arrival.

Car & motorcycle

Car

It’s a joy to motor along the sealed Main Coast Rd that winds around the island, but keep an eye out for stray children, pigs, dogs and chickens. Off the main road you’ll encounter a few bumpy tracks where at the very least you’ll need a high-clearance 2WD (or 4WD if there’s been heavy rain). These include the steep, rocky climb up Mt Matavanu and the plantation tracks leading to Pulemelei Mound and through the Tafua Peninsula Rainforest Preserve.

There are several petrol stations along the east and north coasts.

Cars can be hired in Salelologa from several operators, including Sina World Travel (51499; Blue Bird Mall, Salelologa), from about ST150 per day. Note that a ST2500 insurance excess will apply if you cause an accident.

^ Back to top

Bus & tram

Bus

The buses of Savai’i are mostly the crowded, vibrantly coloured affairs blasting Samoan-style pop music that most travellers usually encounter first on ‘Upolu. But newer, generic buses are becoming a more common sight on the island’s roads. The market in Salelologa is the main terminal for Savai’i buses. All buses display the name of their destination in the front window. Fares are paid to the driver.

To head north to the Lava Field (ST2.50), take the Lava Field Express, which goes to Fagamalo. To go a little further west to Manase (ST3.10), take the Manase or Sasina bus. The Falealupo bus will take you up around the Falealupo Peninsula (ST4.50), while the Salega or Fagafau buses trundle past the Alofaaga Blowholes (ST2) and Satuiatua Beach (ST3). The most you’ll pay is for the bus ride to Asau (ST5). Ferry passengers will have the most luck connecting with buses to out-of-the-way destinations - that is, beyond the cluster of villages along the southeast coast - as such buses mostly depart as soon as the ferry comes in.

^ Back to top

Local transport

Taxi

Taxis are relatively expensive on Savai’i and useful only for short trips.

^ Back to top