A long layover in Paama Island is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Tavie Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Before heading into Paama Island, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Vanuatu vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Paama Island is roughly 30 minutes from PBJ via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting from PBJ to Paama Island
From PBJ, the local transport gets you to Paama Island 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 local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at PBJ aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Paama Island itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Paama Island:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Exploring Paama Island on a Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Paama Island:
Start with Explore Local Village Life (Pre-arranged). Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Then, if time allows, make your way to Coastal Walk to Pristine Beach. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside PBJ, you can spend time at Tavie Airport Waiting Area or try Observing Local Air Operations. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Paama Island: Village Homestay Meal (Pre-arranged) and Community Laplap Experience. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Local Snack Vendor at Airport or Traveller’s Hydration Point. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at PBJ, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Paama Island 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.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at PBJ include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Vanuatu also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Paama Island genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.