Pago Pago Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Tutuila

Most travellers get to Pago Pago and Tutuila by international flight. The majority of international flights come from Samoa and Hawaii, which both make good stopovers if you're coming from further afield.

American Samoa's main international airport is Pago Pago International Airport, which is located about 10 minutes from downtown Pago Pago on the southern coast of Tutuila.

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 popular and convenient way to travel around Tutuila 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. 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 Tutuila'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, Tutuila's 'aiga buses are a vibrant and popular way for locals to get around the island.

With no real schedule, however, and most only operating Monday to Friday, buses should only be considered as a transport option if you've got 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.

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, 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 should be able to get in touch with the nearest one.

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

A simple way to get between Pago Pago International Airport 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.

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

Not only do many accommodations offer their own selection of island tours, including transport to each of Tutuila's sightseeing highlights LINK#D004, 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 Pagopago & Tutuila LINK#TTD125.

For a quick visit to Tutuila, the island is on the itinerary of several South Pacific cruises.

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

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

It is possible to get to Pago Pago and Tutuila via the sea from neighbouring islands and countries.

Regular ferry services operate frequently between Tutuila and the Manu'a Islands, as well as from Tutuila to Aunu'u Island.

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.

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 on Tutuila 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 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.