Everything You Need to Know About Transport in Futuna
The remote island of Futuna offers an extraordinary Pacific adventure, but getting there requires some planning. Unlike many small South Pacific islands, this pristine destination boasts a pretty well-maintained airstrip. You can reach Futuna by plane, though once you arrive, transport options become decidedly more limited.
Don't expect public transport here. On the other hand, car rentals are available on Futuna, giving you the freedom to explore the island's cannibal and religious sites, or its black-sand beaches, at your own pace. Meanwhile, a few boat operators can connect you to the glorious uninhabited island of Alofi.
From inter-island flights to exploring by rental car, here are the main ways to reach and explore this spectacular island.
Before we begin, organise the rest of your island getaway with ease using The Complete Travel Guide to Futuna LINK#D035 and Where to Stay on Futuna: The Best Accommodations.
Table of Contents
1.Futuna by Flight - How to Get to Futuna
The quickest way to reach Futuna is by hopping on one of the domestic flights from Hihifo Airport on Wallis. You'll find flights operating twice daily except on Sunday.
These scenic flights take around one hour in a small aircraft. The main hurdle you'll face is the limited baggage allowance, so pack light!
What we love about these flights is that they land on a paved runway right on the water's edge!
For all the details on schedules and booking, check out our Domestic Flights in Wallis and Futuna: Your Guide to Interisland Flights.
2.Car Rental - How to Get Around Futuna
Like Wallis, there is no public transport available on Futuna, so car rental is the most reliable way to get around.
There is a decent selection of car rental companies on Wallis. Be sure to do your research using the 10 Best Car Rentals in Wallis and Futuna LINK#T007.
Better yet, most car rentals can drop off your vehicle at the airport (or provide transfers), making transportation a non-issue as soon as you land.
We also recommend that you become familiar with the local road rules, which we outline in How to Drive in Wallis and Futuna + 10 Road Rules You Need to Know.
3.Taxi Boats - How to Get to Alofi Island
Just across the channel from the southern tip of Futuna, the uninhabited Alofi Island makes for a captivating day trip.
Getting there is straightforward enough. Taxi boats depart from Vele, which is the same village where you'll find the airport, and can whisk you across the channel.
Alternatively, if you're staying in the main town of Leava, you'll find boat tour operators who can include Alofi in your itinerary.
Check out our complete guide to catching a water taxi in How to Catch a Water Taxi in Wallis & Futuna + 5 Best Taxi Boats.
4.Airport and Accommodation Transfers - How to Get to Your Hotel on Futuna
A simple way to get between Pointe Vele Airport and your accommodation is to book a transfer with your accommodation provider.
Hotels on Futuna charge a reasonable fee for transporting you between the airport and your accommodation.
Needless to say, airport transfers should be arranged with your chosen accommodation prior to arrival.
Compare all of your options for getting to and from the airport in our 10 Best Airport Transfers in Wallis LINK#T030.
5.Futuna by Yacht - How to Get to Futuna
Outside of the cyclone season (November to April) LINK#TT050, Leava is the official port of entry for Futuna, even if you're visiting Wallis first.
For the rare few who arrive on Futuna by private yacht, you will need to go through the clearance process with Customs and the Gendarmerie.
Find out more about visiting Wallis and Futuna via yacht and the protocols involved in our Sailing Guide to Wallis and Futuna: Tips for Yachting in Wallis and Futuna.
6.Hitchhiking – The Adventurous Way to Get Around Futuna
Hitchhiking is legal in Wallis and Futuna. With no public transport available, hitchhiking is one of the few options to get around the island. However, it is also the least reliable form of transport, especially as the population of Futuna is so small. Nevertheless, it's quite an adventure if you can make it work!
Locals are typically happy to stop if they see someone walking outside of a village on the roadside, making this a viable option for getting around.
Learn more about hitchhiking in the islands, as well as safety tips, in A Traveller's Guide to Hitchhiking in Wallis & Futuna.
More About Futuna Transport and Getting Around Futuna
That's it for our guide to Futuna transport with the ways to get around Futuna, as well as how to get to Futuna. If you have more questions about travelling around Wallis and Futuna, check out the following guides:
- Wallis and Futuna Transport Guide: 10 Best Ways to Get Around Wallis and Futuna LINK#T036
- Wallis and Futuna Travel Times & Distances: How Long Does it Take to Travel Around Wallis and Futuna? LINK#T049
- Getting Here: How to Get to Wallis & Futuna? LINK#T026
Finally, see where your transport can take you with our itineraries: Wallis and Futuna Itinerary: 2 Weeks LINK#TI043, Wallis and Futuna Itinerary: 10 Days LINK#TI044, Wallis and Futuna Itinerary: 1 Week LINK#TI045, Wallis and Futuna Itinerary: 5 Days LINK#TI046 and Wallis and Futuna Itinerary: 3 Days LINK#TI047.
