American Samoa Transport Guide: 13 Best Ways to Get Around American Samoa

Let's start with how you get to American Samoa. Most travellers get here by international flight.

The vast majority of international flights in American Samoa arrive at Pago Pago International Airport (PPG), located approximately a 10-minute drive from Pago Pago and conveniently positioned in the heart of Tutuila.

International flights depart from Honolulu, taking around five and a half hours. Flights are also available from neighbouring Samoa, which has connections to New Zealand and Australia. Find out about airlines travelling to American Samoa in our guide, as well as how to get a good deal in Which Airlines Fly Directly to American Samoa?

Note that before arrival, you will need to apply for your Entry Permit and, one that trips many travellers, provide evidence of your accommodation booking. Find out more about the paperwork you'll need to prepare in our guide, What Documents Do I Need to Travel to American Samoa?

A simple way to get between Pago Pago International Airport and your accommodation, or between the Manu'a Island airstrips and your accommodation, is to book a transfer with your accommodation provider.

While some hotels and lodges tend to offer airport transfers, they might not always be included in your rate, so be sure to ask.

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 the 10 Best Airport Transfers in American Samoa LINK#T030.

It couldn't be easier to get between American Samoa's main islands, Tutuila and Manu'a Islands (which include Ofu, Olosega and Ta'ū), thanks to the inter-island flight services operating regularly!

Regular ferry services operate frequently between Tutuila and the Manu'a Islands, while smaller boat transfers run between Tutuila and Aunu'u Island (more on that below).

There's even a weekly service to the nearby nation of Samoa, with ferries departing from Pago Pago Harbour once or twice a week, arriving at Apia Harbour on Upolu.

Find out more about ferry travel from American Samoa, particularly between the islands, in our American Samoa Ferry Guide: How to Use the Ferry for Interisland Travel in American Samoa LINK#T020.

A popular and convenient way to travel around Tutuila, Ofu-Olosega and Ta'ū at your own pace is by renting a car.

There is a decent selection of car rental companies on Tutuila - all based in Pago Pago. On the outer islands, they take the much more casual approach of accommodation providers having one or two vehicles available for guests to rent.

Either way, be sure to do your research using the 10 Best Car Rentals in American Samoa LINK#T007.

While most visitors will only need a 2WD to enjoy American Samoa's attractions, note that there are a rare few places that require a 4WD vehicle.

We also recommend that you become familiar with the local road rules, which we outline in How to Drive in American Samoa + 10 Road Rules You Need to Know LINK#T042.

Ultra-cheap and a fun experience, American Samoa's 'aiga buses are a vibrant and popular way for locals to get around the island.

Only available on Tutuila and with no real schedule, buses should only be considered as a transport option if you have the time to take it easy.

Buses operate from the Fagatogo Market, and there are options to travel to both the east and west coasts of the island.

Note that there are no bus services in the Manu'a Islands.

Find out more about taking the bus in our guide, Taking the Bus in American Samoa: Bus Fares, Routes & More LINK#T002.

Readily available from Pago Pago and able to take you anywhere (with a road) around the island of Tutuila, taxis provide a convenient way to get from A to B.

Although they operate on government-regulated fares, they are more expensive than buses or renting a car for the day.

Your accommodation provider on Tutuila should be able to get in touch with the nearest one.

Note that there are no taxi services in the Manu'a Islands.

Learn more about how taxis work in our guide, Taxis in American Samoa: Taxi Fares, How to Use & More LINK#T038.

If you don't want to find your own way around the islands, consider a guided tour.

Not only do many accommodations offer their own selection of island tours, including transport to each of American Samoa's sightseeing highlights LINK#TTD089, but independent tour companies are also abundant across Pago Pago and include accommodation pick-ups.

Check out island tours in the 10 Best Day Tours in American Samoa LINK#TTD124.

Take in the sights, sounds and smells of American Samoa at a much slower pace by cycling around the islands.

Bike rental is available with some accommodations, particularly in the Manu'a Islands, making it easy to explore at your own pace.

Cycling on the outer islands is on quiet roads with only a small number of uphills, making cycling in the morning or evening an appealing option for most fitness levels.

Learn more about travelling around American Samoa by bike in The Ultimate Guide to Cycling in American Samoa LINK#TTD061.

Unbeknownst to many travellers, American Samoa has several beautiful smaller islands to explore beyond the main island of Tutuila.

We've already touched on the ferries to get from Tutuila to the Manu'a Islands, but there is also the option to get smaller boats between Ta'ū and Ofu-Olosega, which can fit better into itineraries than waiting for the next ferry.

There's also a regular boat service that runs between 'Au'asi on Tutuila and Aunu'u Island, which only takes 10 minutes.

Find out more about inter-island transport in How to Catch Boats & Water Taxis in American Samoa LINK#T023.

Hitchhiking is legal in American Samoa. However, it is one of the least reliable forms of transport, especially on islands that have very little traffic. Nevertheless, it’s quite an adventure if you can make it work!

Learn more about hitchhiking in the islands, as well as safety tips, in A Traveller's Guide to Hitchhiking in American Samoa LINK#T044.

For a quick visit to American Samoa, the islands are on the itinerary of several South Pacific cruises.

Cruise passengers typically enter American Samoa from Pago Pago Harbor. From there, passengers spend the day exploring Pago Pago or travelling around Tutuila on island tours, like those listed in the 10 Best Shore Excursions in American Samoa LINK#TTD128.

Find out which cruises visit the islands in the 10 Best Cruises that Go to American Samoa.

With the exception of the cyclone season (November to April), Pago Pago on Tutuila is the official port of entry for American Samoa. For the rare few that arrive in American Samoa by private yacht, you will need to go through the entry customs at the Ports Authority.

Find out more about visiting American Samoa via yacht and the protocols involved in our Sailing Guide to American Samoa: Tips for Yachting in American Samoa LINK#T014.

Here's something we absolutely love about American Samoa – you're surrounded by some of the South Pacific's most incredible hiking terrain. The territory is home to the National Park of American Samoa, one of the US's 63 national parks, and trust us when we say the well-maintained trails here make exploring on foot not just possible, but genuinely rewarding.

We've found that walking around the more populated areas, like Pago Pago or the villages of the outer islands, is completely doable too. It's brilliant for two reasons: you're travelling in the most eco-friendly way possible, and you get to experience the natural beauty up close in a way that simply isn't possible from a car window.

For the best hiking experiences, check out our 10 Best Walks & Hikes in American Samoa National Park guide. And if you're planning your walking routes, our American Samoa Travel Times & Distances article will help you plan your adventures with ease.