The Complete Guide to Taking the Bus in American Samoa
Icons of American Samoa LINK#TT038, the local buses are kitted out like something out of MTV’s Pimp My Ride with vibrant paint jobs, plasma-cut designs, hood ornaments and speakers booming reggae remixes. Needless to say, taking the bus in Pago is something of an experience and ultra-cheap too, should you need to make your way to a neighbouring village or across the island. There are a few “quirks” of riding the bus, however, which means that they’re perhaps not the most efficient transport method for busy tourists, but if you embrace “island time”, you’re sure to have a blast.
In this guide, we go over everything you need to know about taking the bus in American Samoa, including bus routes, fares, timetables (?!) and more! Plus, for more ways to get around the island, don’t forget to check out our American Samoa Transport Guide.
Table of Contents
5 Tips for Taking the 'Aiga Buses in American Samoa
- Use it for the experience and the price, not for a timely and efficient transport service.
- Pull the string or tap the top of the bus to get off.
- Pay when leaving the bus and with as close to the correct change as possible.
- Buses depart regularly to the east and west sides of Tutuila with no set schedule, so be prepared to go with the flow.
- Buses run from early morning until 5 pm Monday to Friday, and much less frequently on Saturday. There are no buses on Sunday.
Where to Catch the Bus in American Samoa
You'll find buses rumbling along Tutuila's LINK#D006 roads throughout the day, typically running from around 6 am until 5 or 6 pm when the workday winds down.
The main bus station sits right next to Fagatogo Market in the heart of town—you can't miss it. While there are a few bus shelters scattered around the villages, don't worry if you can't find one.
Simply stick your hand out anywhere along the road, and the next bus will stop for you.
Guided Tours Via 'Aiga Bus
An alternative way to experience the 'aiga buses in American Samoa is with Best Tours' guided 'aiga bus adventures, where comfort meets cultural immersion. Their "National Park Plus Tour" spans 3 hrs 30 mins and showcases the island's highlights, including the Historic Tramway, National Park Visitor Center, Afono Mountain Pass, Lower Sauma Ridge Trail, Poloa Islands beach area and the iconic Flower Pot Rocks.
The tour concludes at a waterfront facility featuring local cuisine, refreshments and cultural demonstrations, creating a perfect blend of sightseeing and cultural engagement.
Best Tours caps capacity at 20 passengers (despite buses accommodating 25), ensuring a more comfortable journey, something we personally appreciate when island-hopping.
Tours depart from designated pickup points, primarily serving cruise ship passengers with pre-arranged group bookings.
Learn more about Am Sam's tours in the 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in American Samoa LINK#TTD123.
American Samoa Bus Routes
Navigating American Samoa's bus system is refreshingly straightforward once you know the basics. You'll spot the destination village displayed clearly at the top of each bus windscreen, making it easy to identify where you're headed.
With American Samoa's compact road network, we've found that a quick glance at a map usually tells you whether a particular bus will get you to your desired attraction. And here's a tip we love sharing: if you're ever in doubt, don't hesitate to ask the bus driver – they're incredibly helpful and always happy to point you in the right direction!
How the 'Aiga Buses on Tutuila Work
The beauty of Tutuila's bus system lies in its simplicity. Each bus takes its name from the village it serves, and they'll drop you off at any village along the route between Fagatogo (the main town area near Pago Pago) and their final village destination.
We've put together the key bus routes that most international visitors find useful. All of these buses depart from and return to the bus stations in Fagatogo, which makes planning your day trips much easier.
Keep in mind that buses only travel as far as 'Amanave on the west side and Tula on the east side, so you'll need to find alternative transport methods if wanting to reach some of the northern coast villages.
That said, there's at least a fantastic northern route from Fagatogo to Vatia village, which we particularly love because it's your gateway to some incredible national park trails.
Bus Fares: How to Pay for the Bus in American Samoa
The local bus system is hands down the most affordable way to get around the islands.
Drivers only accept cash (US dollars LINK#TT009, naturally), and you'll pay when you hop off at your destination. We recommend bringing smaller bills if possible, as drivers might struggle to break a US$50 or US$100 note!
The fares are incredibly reasonable. You'll rarely pay more than US$5 per person, no matter where you're headed. From our experience, it's one of the best travel bargains in the Pacific.
To give you an idea of what to expect on Tutuila, here's a rough breakdown of typical fares:
American Samoa Bus Etiquette
Like travelling anywhere new, there are customs to bear in mind when taking the bus in American Samoa. A few bus etiquette tips include:
- To stop the bus from the roadside, simply wave to the bus driver to stop.
- Let the driver know where you are going when you board the bus; they usually remember to stop when they get there.
- If you see your stop coming up, however, pull the cord overhead or tap on the roof to indicate the driver to stop.
- Try to have the correct change ready when leaving the bus (i.e. don’t be “that guy” that pays for his US$2.50 fare with a US$50 bill!)
- There’s a seating hierarchy on buses that typically palagi (foreigners) and older people sit near the front; locals will show you where to sit if the bus is full.
- Wear respectable clothing, knowing that you’re sharing the bus with locals.
For more customs to respect while visiting Am Sam, check out American Samoan Etiquette: American Samoa Customs & Traditions.
More About Buses and Getting Around American Samoa
That’s it for our complete guide to taking the bus in American Samoa, including bus fares, timetables and more. For more ways to get around American Samoa, check out the following guides:
- 5 Best Car Rentals in Pago Pago & American Samoa
- Scooter Hire in American Samoa: Where to Rent, Cost & More
- American Samoa Travel Times & Distances: How Long Does it Take to Travel Around American Samoa?
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in American Samoa Transport Guide: 15 Best Ways to Get Around American Samoa.
