Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Santo. Santo Pekoa International Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 50 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave SON:
- 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 Santo takes about 50 minutes by Taxis. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is VUV. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some VUV in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into Santo
You have two main options for getting from Santo Pekoa International Airport into town:
- Taxis: About 50 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 70 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
How to Spend Your Time in Santo
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Santo, two standouts are:
- Matevulu Blue Hole — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
- Million Dollar Point — 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 SON — 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:
- Duty-Free & Souvenir Corner
- Relaxing in the Terminal
Best Bites Near SON
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Santo: The Anchor Inn Restaurant and Restaurant 1606. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Pekoa Snack Bar or Airport Kiosk Grab & Go. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Santo might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$9 USD
- A meal: ~$17 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$36 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at SON aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Santo itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
WiFi at SON should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Vanuatu and you’re good to go.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at SON, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Santo is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Santo.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.