The Complete Guide to Taking the Bus in Vanuatu
If you're looking for an authentic way to get around Vanuatu LINK#TT059 whilst mixing with the locals, hopping on a bus is your best bet. Using public transport is not only budget-friendly but gives you a real taste of everyday life in Port Vila and Santo.
From our experience, catching a bus here is straightforward once you know the basics. You'll discover everything from bus etiquette to fares, plus what to expect when it comes to routes (spoiler alert: they're a bit more flexible than you might think).
Buses in Vanuatu are easy to spot by their licence plates, which start with a "B" (for "Bus"). They're usually minibuses or vans, rather than large coach buses.
So without further ado, let's dive into the complete guide to taking the bus in Vanuatu!
Table of Contents
5 Tips for Taking the Bus in Vanuatu
- Look for "B" plates on minivans to identify buses - these vehicles hold 10-15 people.
- No official bus stops exist! Simply wave or thumb when you see a "B" plate vehicle approaching.
- Buses stop almost anywhere and drivers adapt routes based on passenger requests - just tell them your exact destination.
- We've found that Vanuatu buses are safe with friendly drivers
- Roads can be bumpy and vehicles aren't always air-conditioned (especially uncomfortable during hot days, but it's part of the authentic experience!).
Where to Catch the Bus in Vanuatu
You'll find regular bus services operating in Port Vila (Efate), Luganville (Santo) and northeast Malekula.
Around Efate, buses also connect with Port Vila and run to the wharves where boats transport passengers between Pele and Nguna.
On Santo, there's something quirky about the bus routes that caught us off guard during our last visit. The buses to Santos' northeast coast operate on what locals call the "wrong way around" for tourists.
Here's how it works: buses come down from Port Olry in the early morning to bring local people to town for work and errands. Then they head back up north after 3 pm from the Unity Shell petrol station (also known as Paradise Station).
This means if you're planning to visit Hog Harbour, Champagne Beach or Lonnoc Beach, you'll want to time your journey accordingly. According to locals, the best strategy is to catch an early morning bus or wait until mid-afternoon for the return journey.
Are There Bus Stops in Vanuatu?
No. Getting around Vanuatu by bus is simple; just flag these minibuses with a "B" number plate down on the roadsides when you see one coming. We love how straightforward the system is, even if it takes a bit of getting used to at first.
Does Vanuatu Have Bus Routes?
Buses in Vanuatu don't follow fixed routes or timetables.
Instead, drivers adjust their routes on the fly based on where passengers want to go. Simply flag down a bus and tell the driver your destination, and they'll work it into their route, which is much speedier than your average bus journey overseas (unless you're in central Port Vila, where heavy traffic means they stick to more predictable paths).
When Do Buses Operate in Vanuatu?
Most buses operate from 7 am to 6 pm, but this can vary depending on the area and how much demand there is.
We'd recommend planning your trips with plenty of time to spare, as you don't want to be stranded somewhere remote when the sun goes down.
Bus Fares: How to Pay for the Bus in Vanuatu
As mentioned, buses in Vanuatu are incredibly affordable. Always pay in cash directly to the driver, so make sure you've got small change ready.
Bus Fares in Port Vila and Efate
In Port Vila, you'll pay a flat rate of VT$150 for most journeys around town, typically within a 12 km (7 mi) radius of the city centre. Children typically travel for just VT$50 around the Port Vila area.
For longer trips heading out of the downtown area, expect to pay up to VT$500.
Bus Fares in Luganville and Santo
On Espiritu Santo, the pricing is somewhat similar to Port Vila, with a flat fare of VT$150 around the Luganville area.
For longer trips, you'll pay around VT$400 from Luganville to Hog Harbour, Champagne Beach and Lonnoc Beach. If you're heading all the way to or from Port Olry, the fare jumps to VT$500.
Here's something we discovered during our last trip: buses to the north-east coast of Santo operate on what locals call the "wrong way around" schedule for tourists. They come down from Port Olry early in the morning (bringing locals to town for work and errands), then head back north after 3 pm from the Unity Shell petrol station (also known as Paradise Station).
This timing can actually work in your favour if you plan accordingly, but it's worth knowing about before you set off exploring.
Vanuatu Bus Etiquette
Like travelling anywhere new, there are customs to bear in mind when taking the bus in Vanuatu. A few bus etiquette tips include:
- To catch a bus, stand by the roadside and give a friendly wave (or raise your thumb) at any vehicle sporting a "B" plate.
- Tell the driver exactly where you'd like to go when entering the van.
- You'll need to pay the driver directly in cash, so have some small notes before you board.
- Wear respectable clothing, knowing that you’re sharing the bus with locals.
For more customs to respect while visiting Vanuatu, check out Vanuatu Etiquette: Ni-Vanuatu Customs & Traditions LINK#TT053.
More About the Buses and Getting Around Vanuatu
That's it for our complete Vanuatu bus guide. For more tips on travelling and transport around Vanuatu, take a look at the following guides:
- How to Catch Boats & Water Taxis in Vanuatu LINK#T020
- Taxis in Vanuatu: Taxi Fares, How to Use & More LINK#T038
- Vanuatu Ferry Guide: How to Use the Ferry for Interisland Travel in Vanuatu
Finally, if there's anything we've missed, you're likely to find it in our Vanuatu Transport Guide: 10 Best Ways to Get Around Vanuatu LINK#T036.
