A long layover in Tokua is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Tokua Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 50 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Before heading into Tokua, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Papua New Guinea vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Tokua is roughly 50 minutes from RAB 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.
Transport from Tokua Airport to Downtown
From RAB, the local transport gets you to Tokua in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 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.
What to Budget for Your Tokua Side Trip
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Tokua, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
How to Spend Your Time in Tokua
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Tokua, two standouts are:
- Bitapaka War Cemetery — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Tokua.
- Kokopo Market — The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside RAB, you can spend time at Tokua Airport Waiting Area or try Tokua Airport Kiosk & Souvenirs. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Tokua, local travelers recommend Gazelle International Hotel Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, Kokopo Beach Bungalows Resort Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at RAB, Tokua Airport Canteen is the go-to. Departure Lounge Snack Bar rounds out your in-terminal options.
Storing Your Luggage at Tokua Airport
Luggage storage options at RAB can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Tokua for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and RAB is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Tokua and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, RAB 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 Tokua count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave RAB. 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.