The cost of transportation in Solomon Islands can range from $1 to $100 USD per trip, depending on the mode of transport, with a monthly transit pass costing around $30-$50 USD.
Quick Facts
Monthly Transit Pass($30-$50 USD)
Taxi Start Rate($5-$10 USD)
Fuel (per liter)($1.20-$1.50 USD)
Ride-Hailing Available(No)
CurrencySBD (1 USD = 8-10 SBD)
Getting Around Overview
The Solomon Islands are an archipelago with a limited transportation network, and most people rely on minibuses, taxis, and boats to get around. The quality of public transit is relatively poor, with limited coverage and frequent breakdowns. In the capital city of Honiara, there are some city buses and minibuses that operate on fixed routes, but the service is not very reliable. In the rural areas, people often rely on walking or cycling to get around, as the roads are often in poor condition and public transportation is scarce.
The main transportation modes in Solomon Islands are sea transport and road transport, with air transport being limited to a few domestic flights. The country has a total of around 1,500 kilometers of roads, but most of them are in poor condition and not suitable for high-speed travel. The sea transport network is more developed, with several ports and harbors around the country, but the service is often slow and unreliable. Despite these challenges, the Solomon Islands government is working to improve the transportation infrastructure, with several road construction projects and port upgrades underway.
Public Transportation
Transport Type
Single Fare (USD)
Monthly Pass (USD)
Notes
City Bus
$0.50-$1.00
$20-$30
Limited coverage, frequent breakdowns
Metro / Subway
N/A
N/A
Not available
Minibus / Shared Taxi
$1.00-$2.00
N/A
Operates on fixed routes, often overcrowded
Commuter Train
N/A
N/A
Not available
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Service
Base Fare (USD)
Per km (USD)
Typical City Ride (USD)
Notes
Metered Taxi
$5-$10
$1-$2
$10-$20
Limited availability, often negotiable
Ride-Hailing App
N/A
N/A
N/A
Not available
Airport Transfer
N/A
N/A
$20-$50
To city center, often by taxi or private car
Fuel & Driving Costs
Item
Cost (USD)
Notes
Gasoline (per liter)
$1.20-$1.50
Diesel (per liter)
$1.10-$1.30
Car Rental (per day)
$50-$100
Economy car, limited availability
Parking (per hour, city)
$1-$2
Limited parking facilities
Toll Roads (typical)
N/A
Not applicable
Intercity & Long-Distance
Route Type
Cost Range (USD)
Notes
Intercity Bus (4-5 hrs)
$10-$20
Limited frequency, often uncomfortable
Domestic Flight
$100-$200
Typical route, limited availability
Train (long-distance)
N/A
Not available
Transport Tips
To save money on transportation, consider using minibuses or city buses instead of taxis.
Negotiate the fare with the taxi driver before you start your journey, as the meters are often not used.
Be careful when using boats or ferries, as the sea conditions can be rough and the safety standards may not be high.
Consider renting a car for a day or two to explore the surrounding areas, but be aware that the roads can be in poor condition.
Use reputable taxi companies or car rental agencies to avoid any potential safety risks.
Always wear a seatbelt and follow traffic rules to ensure your safety on the road.