Federated States of Micronesia: Getting there & around

The main gateways into the Federated States of Micronesia are Honolulu, Manila and Guam (flights arrive there from the USA, Australia and Asia). A Circle Micronesia air pass originating in Los Angeles or San Francisco, or a Visit Micronesia pass originating in Guam, will let you hop around the islands.

There is a US$10.00 departure tax from Pohnpei, US$15.00 from Chuuk and US$10.00 from Kosrae. Yap has no departure tax.

Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap and Kosrae are linked by air, and there are small airstrips on just about every other island in the Federated States of Micronesia. The major islands have extensive road systems. Most roads are unpaved, with the main drag in town and the road to the airstrip being notable exceptions. Weno Island (Chuuk) has an efficient share taxi system, while Pohnpei has private taxis. You really need to rent a car - from around US$40.00 a day - if you want to have a good look around the larger islands.

Yap and Pohnpei both have local carriers that fly to the outer islands, but boat is the cheapest means of travel between islands. Chuuk has an extensive weekday system of commuter boats between its islands, and private speedboats do short runs throughout the country. Field trip ships link district centres with the outer islands - they're primarily cargo boats, but they're a good, cheap way to get around, with the added bonus that you'll meet a lot of locals. The trips may take several days and can be pretty grubby and tiring.