Samoa – Getting there and around

The nine islands of Samoa are located in the Pacific Ocean, around 5632km northeast of Australia.

Getting there
Getting to Samoa generally includes either one- or two-stop flights, unless you are coming from Honolulu, Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney or Nadi, in which case you can fly direct to Apia.

From Australia: Virgin Blue operates direct flights to Apia from Brisbane and Sydney, and 1-stop flights from Melbourne and Perth.

From New Zealand: Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand operate direct flights to Apia from Auckland.

From the UK: The most convenient flights (2-stop) are on United Airlines or American Airlines to Chicago or San Francisco connecting with Air Pacific to Apia via Honolulu.

From the USA: From New York, the most convenient 2- and 3-stop flights are on United Airlines or American Airlines to Los Angeles or Continental to San Francisco connecting with Air Pacific to Apia. From Los Angeles, the most convenient 1-stop flights to Apia are via Auckland on Air New Zealand or Honolulu on American Airlines.

Flight time to Samoa
From Brisbane to Apia is 4 hours 45 minutes, direct flight
From Sydney to Apia is 5 hours 15 minutes, direct flight
From Melbourne to Apia is 7 hours 30 minutes, with connecting flight
From Perth to Apia is 10 hours, with connecting flight

From Auckland to Apia is 3 hours 50 minutes, direct flight
From London to Apia is 33 hours 30 minutes, with connecting flight
From New York to Apia is 28 hours 35 minutes, with connecting flight
From Los Angeles to Apia is 17 hours 55 minutes, with connecting flight

Flying in – Faleolo Airport is 34km from the capital, Apia. Typically, hotels and resorts provide pre-arranged transport for guests. Buses, taxis and hire cars are also available.

Entry requirements 
A passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay as well as a ticket for return or onward travel. A visa is required and can be issued on arrival for a maximum stay of 60 days.

Getting around Samoa
Polynesian Airlines operates daily flights from Faleolo Airport (Apia) on Upolu to Maota and Asau on Savai’i Island. Frequent ferries operate between Upolu and Savai’i. Taxis and hire cars are easily available. Traffic drives on the right.