If you’ve got a layover in Sola, don’t let it go to waste sitting at SLH. The city, in Vanuatu, is within easy reach — roughly 30 minutes by Local Taxi/Shared Van. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
A few things to sort out before you leave SLH:
- 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 Sola takes about 30 minutes by Local Taxi/Shared Van. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is VUV. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
How to Get Into Sola
From SLH, the Local Taxi/Shared Van gets you to Sola 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 Taxi/Shared Van offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at SLH may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Sola’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Sola, budget roughly $36 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $17 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $9 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Sola.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
If you head into Sola, here are two things worth checking out:
Sola Village Cultural Walk is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Port Patteson Shoreline Exploration is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.
If you’d rather stay inside SLH — 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:
- SLH Terminal Waiting Area
- Local Craft Viewing (SLH)
Where to Eat
For food in Sola, local travelers recommend Sola Guesthouse Kitchen (Local Meals). If you have time for a second stop, Sola Village Cook-Up Stand is another popular pick.
Back at SLH, SLH Airport Refreshments Kiosk is the go-to. SLH Airport Light Bites & Hot Drinks rounds out your in-terminal options.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at SLH, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Sola 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.
Taking a Break at SLH
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, SLH 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
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Sola count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave SLH. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.