Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Papua New Guinea.

National Trains

Papua New Guinea has no national passenger rail network. The only operating railway is the Oro Gold Mine railway in Morobe Province, which is for cargo and mining operations only, not public transport.
Future plans — Several rail projects have been proposed but remain in early stages. Check with your accommodation or tour operator for updates on any new developments.

Port Moresby PMV system — PMVs (public motor vehicles) are the main public transport in Port Moresby—colourful minibuses that follow set routes. Fares are negotiable but typically K1–K3 per ride depending on distance.
PMVs are notorious for overcrowding and petty theft. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid travelling alone at night, and never flash cash or phones.
Other cities — Lae, Madang, and Goroka also operate PMV networks. Service is frequent during day hours but minimal after sunset.
Board at designated stops and let the driver know your destination when you get on; ask locals for help if unsure of routes.

Uber in Port Moresby — Uber operates in Port Moresby and nearby areas. It offers safer, metered rides compared to street taxis and is available via smartphone app.
Street taxis — Yellow and white metered taxis operate in Port Moresby and Lae. Always insist on the meter or agree on a fare before boarding.
Unlicensed 'taxi-taxis' operate throughout the country but are unregulated and high-risk for theft and assault. Avoid them, especially at night.
Hotel pickup — Ask your hotel or accommodation to arrange a taxi or driver; this is more secure than hailing one on the street.

Road conditions in PNG are extremely poor outside major towns. Many roads are unpaved, pothole-ridden, and poorly marked; heavy rain can render them impassable.
You must have a valid international driving permit and a current passport. PNG driving permits are issued by the RTC (Road Traffic Command) but rental agencies typically handle this for visitors.
Driving at night outside Port Moresby is very dangerous due to poor lighting, lack of road markings, and high risk of armed robbery. Avoid it entirely if possible.
Car rental — Major agencies like Avis and Hertz operate in Port Moresby and Lae. Self-drive is possible but hiring a driver is strongly recommended for safety and navigation.
Vehicle theft and break-ins are common in urban areas. Never leave a car unattended, use secure parking, and remove all valuables.

Nadi Jackson International — Port Moresby's main airport (POM) handles most international flights. Domestic flights depart from a separate terminal. Allow extra time for security and check-in.
Domestic carriers — Air Niugini is the national carrier; others include Hevilift, Airlines PNG, and MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship). Book in advance as flights fill quickly and cancellations are common.
Domestic flights are expensive and frequently delayed or cancelled due to weather or mechanical issues. Have flexible travel plans and bring extra cash.
Baggage allowances are typically 20 kg on international and 15 kg on domestic flights; excess charges are steep. Confirm limits when booking.
Ground transport — Book airport transport (taxi, Uber, or hotel pickup) in advance. ATMs and money changers are available at Jackson International but may have limited hours.

Inter-island ferries — Regular passenger ferries connect Port Moresby to nearby islands and coastal towns. The main operator is Niugini Shipping; ferries are slow but affordable (K20–K100+ depending on route).
Ferry schedules are unreliable and subject to weather cancellations. Departure times are loose and overloading is common. Bring seasickness medication and accept delays philosophically.
Private charters — For remote areas and islands, private boat charters are often the only option. Negotiate rates with local operators or ask your accommodation for referrals.
Water safety standards are minimal. Vessels may lack life jackets or safety equipment. Inspect the boat before boarding and avoid travelling in rough seas.

No travel cards — PNG has no integrated transit pass system. Pay per journey: PMVs accept cash (kina), Uber uses card or app payment, and taxis require kina.
Flight bookings — Book domestic and international flights through Air Niugini's website, travel agents, or hotel concierge. Advance booking (2–4 weeks) secures better availability and prices.
Ticket scams exist; always book through official channels or accredited agents. Street vendors selling 'discounted' ferry or bus tickets are unreliable.
Keep all receipts and booking confirmations. Print or screenshot e-tickets as proof of payment.

Local SIM cards — Major providers are bmobile-vodafone, Digicel, and smctel. SIMs cost K5–K20 and are sold at airports, shops, and markets. You'll need ID to activate.
Data plans — Prepaid data bundles (K10–K50+) are available daily, weekly, or monthly. 4G coverage is spotty outside Port Moresby and major towns; use 3G and SMS when available.
Internet is slow, expensive, and unreliable. Don't rely on it for navigation, bookings, or communication in remote areas. Download offline maps and book in advance.
Roaming — International roaming is very expensive (often K5+ per MB). Buy a local SIM instead; most countries offer free incoming SMS and calls via apps like WhatsApp.
Emergency contacts — Police: 000, Ambulance: 111, Fire: 110. Note numbers before losing service.