Transport in Solomon Islands

Road travel is concentrated on the larger islands and the Honiara, Guadalcanal, Malaita and Western corridors. Solomon Islands has about 1,500 kilometres of roads and around 440 bridges; approximately 88 percent of the roads were unsealed in the World Bank baseline. Congestion and maintenance gaps are especially significant in Honiara. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development manages public roads, bridges, airstrips and wharves and also has responsibilities for transport safety and inspections. Honiara has licensed public buses and taxis. Official evidence identifies services between Central Market and White River, KGVI and Borderline. The last official fare evidence gives SBD 3 for an adult and SBD 2 for a schoolchild or child, but passengers should check the current fare and service before travelling. A public bus should display its destination and licence and serve the displayed destination. Provincial public transport remains fragmented, with no evidenced nationwide timetable or service standard. Honiara City Council received four buses for a school-bus trial in 2026; its operating arrangements, schedules and coverage continue to be structured locally. Sea transport is the main lifeline for many dispersed communities and carries passengers, cargo, market supplies and access to health and education. Domestic vessels use community jetties, boat ramps and rural wharves. Solomon Islands Ports Authority manages port operations at Honiara and Noro, and its Shipping Schedule application provides information about domestic vessel movements. Sailing times and fares vary with the provider, destination, vessel, weather and operational conditions. Domestic aviation offers another connection through Solomon Airlines, Honiara and Munda international airports and numerous domestic aerodromes. Passengers need personal identification for domestic flights, and published schedules and availability can change after booking. Air travel is generally a higher-cost option, especially for remote islands. Driving requires a current licence for the relevant vehicle class, vehicle registration, a roadworthiness inspection, an ownership record and a physical plate. The Road Transport Act (Cap. 131) and related rules cover licensing, public-service vehicles, charges, parking, bus stops, road signals and vehicle loads. Drivers must not drive after drinking, use required seatbelts or operate overloaded or unroadworthy vehicles. Speed should reflect the road surface, weather, darkness and traffic. The Solomon Islands Inland Revenue Division handles road-transport licensing and registration processes, while the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and Honiara City Council enforce traffic rules in their respective areas. Pedestrians are vulnerable road users and walking is an essential last connection to buses, boats, workplaces and services. Use marked crossings where available and slow down before zebra crossings. Construction arrangements in Honiara may require designated walkways or crossings where possible. Pedal cycles are legally covered, and reckless or dangerous cycling is an offence, but Solomon Islands has no evidenced national cycling network, bike-share system or standard cycle-lane programme. There is also no evidenced local rail authority, rail fare system or passenger railway. Transport access is uneven. A bus is available only where a licensed service operates; sea travel depends on a vessel, a usable wharf or jetty, weather and the published sailing information; air travel depends on a booking, an operating aerodrome and personal identification. Bus, sea and air journeys do not automatically connect through one ticket, so travellers may need separate tickets and a final walk or road transfer. Fuel emissions are the main transport environmental burden because nearly all vehicles use internal-combustion engines and many are imported used vehicles. Planned measures include more fuel-efficient vehicles, electric or lower-emission buses, biofuels, efficient or electric outboard motors, renewable marine propulsion and a Green Port programme. Roads, bridges, airports and wharves remain exposed to floods, landslides, earthquakes, cyclones and storm surge, which can interrupt services and damage infrastructure.