Faleolo International Airport is located approximately 35 km from Apia, capital of Samoa, on the island of Upolu.
It is the country's sole international air gateway, the departure point for exploring natural freshwater pools such as To Sua Ocean Trench and the white sand beaches of Upolu's southern coast.
How to get to Faleolo International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to APW
Parking near Faleolo International Airport
Parking is available adjacent to the terminal.
How to get to Apia from APW
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Faleolo International Airport
Major car rental companies operate at the airport, ideal for exploring Upolu island independently.
Hotels near Faleolo International Airport
Apia and the harbour waterfront
40-60 minutes by taxi (60-80 tala) or hotel-organised shuttle covering the 35 km that separate Faleolo from Apia; no public bus designed for tourists with luggage.
Best for: Those who want downtown Apia, the fish market and the port within walking distance, with a 35-60 minute transfer from the airport common to any hotel in the area.
- Fish market, cathedral and centre shops reachable on foot from the hotels on the waterfront
- Greater choice of independent restaurants than the resorts outside the city
- Upolu's best beaches are still an hour's drive away, on the south coast
- Traffic toward the airport at rush hour can stretch the transfer beyond 60 minutes
Recommended hotels
- Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows Historic 1930 hotel on Apia Harbour, 5 minutes on foot from downtown; Samoan-style bungalows in the garden and an airport shuttle running 24 hours a day. View availability
- Tanoa Tusitala Hotel 95 rooms across 6 hectares of tropical garden, 800 metres from downtown Apia on the Mulinu'u peninsula; Samoan family management with over 65 years of history in Pacific hospitality. View availability
- Taumeasina Island Resort A private island connected to the mainland by a 90-metre walkway, 5 minutes from Apia; two pools, three restaurants and a private beach, among the country's few 4.5-star resorts. View availability
Siumu and the south coast
About 45 minutes by car from Faleolo following the south coast of Upolu; Apia is another 20 km further east, so even an evening in the city means a long return trip.
Best for: Those looking for isolated beaches and over-water fale, accepting to stay far from both Apia and the airport.
- Some of Upolu's finest beaches, with over-water fale rare in the rest of the country
- Isolated atmosphere, far from the traffic of Apia
- Few services outside the resort: for dinner or shopping you stay within the property
- Both the airport and Apia still require 45 minutes or more by car
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The single terminal handles connections to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and other Pacific islands, plus short inter-island flights to Savai'i.
Those flying on international services should allow 2.5–3 hours ahead of departure.
Map of Faleolo International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. When is cyclone season in Samoa?
It runs from November to April, with the highest risk between January and March: if you travel during this period, always check updated local forecasts, since the country also lies in a seismically active area.
Q. Do you need a visa for Samoa?
No, for tourist stays of up to 60 days no entry permit is required; a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return ticket are enough.
Q. Can you reach Savai'i island from Upolu?
Yes, with a short inter-island flight from Faleolo airport, as well as a ferry connection from Upolu.
Q. What is To Sua Ocean Trench?
A spectacular natural pool of fresh and sea water set in a giant sinkhole on the south coast of Upolu, one of Samoa's most famous attractions.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights