Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Anelghowhat. Aneityum Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 30 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave AUY:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Vanuatu. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Anelghowhat takes about 30 minutes by Walking / Local vehicle. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is VUV. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Things to Do During Your Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Anelghowhat, two standouts are:
- Mystery Island (Inyeug) Day Trip — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Anelghowhat.
- Explore Anelghowhat Village — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside AUY — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Aneityum Airport Scenic Viewpoint
- Local Airport Life Observation
Where to Grab a Meal
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Anelghowhat: Anelghowhat Guesthouse Meals and Anelghowhat Village Food Stall. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Airport Refreshment Hut or Local Kiosk at AUY. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From AUY, the Walking / Local vehicle gets you to Anelghowhat in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Walking / Local vehicle offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Anelghowhat might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$8 USD
- A meal: ~$15 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$33 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Anelghowhat, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Storing Your Luggage at Aneityum Airport
Specific locker facilities at AUY aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Anelghowhat itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at AUY, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Anelghowhat itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Vanuatu that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Need a Nap? Options at AUY
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, AUY has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Anelghowhat exploring the streets or relaxing at AUY, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.