Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (POM)

Jacksons International Airport serves Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, the country's main aviation access point.

Located approximately 8 km from the city center, it is the departure point for exploring rainforests, coral reefs, and the hundreds of traditional cultures of the country.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

Official source: nac.com.pg

How to get to Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport

Port Moresby city center is approximately 8 km from the airport: transfer takes approximately 20-30 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.

By Car

Visitors arriving by car reach Port Moresby city centre in approximately 20-30 minutes.

By Train

It is not possible to reach the airport by train.

By Bus

Public transport is not recommended for visitors: prefer organized taxis or transfers booked through your hotel.

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Tips Always agree on the fare with the driver before departing, as the meter is not standard, and use only clearly marked taxis or vehicles organized by the airport or your hotel: avoid accepting rides from strangers inside the terminal.

Average travel time to POM

TrainNot available

Shuttle busNot recommended for visitors

Taxi / Private hire20-30 minutes (50-150 kina, to be arranged)

Parking near Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport

The parking is compact and occupies the space in front of the terminal.

Parking rates are in line with those in the area.

How to get to Port Moresby from POM

By Train

There is no railway connection to this airport.

By Bus

Public transport is not recommended for visitors.

By Taxi

Taxi fares to the city center vary roughly between 50-200 kina (approximately 22-55 USD) depending on the vehicle and destination, always to be agreed before departure; an advance-booked transfer costs approximately 100-180 kina.

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Car rental at Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport

Only some car rental brands have a desk at arrival.

Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required. Carefully assess security conditions before driving independently.

Hotels near Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport

Jacksons International is just 5-6 km from downtown Port Moresby, but what matters here is neighbourhood safety more than straight-line distance: Waigani and Hohola, 5-10 minutes by car from the terminal, concentrate the international hotels, the shopping malls and the embassies, and remain the most convenient base both for those working in the city and for those with only a layover. Those who want the bare minimum, with a dawn flight or a connection of just a few hours, will find two properties literally right against the runway, facing Fairfax Harbour. Walking outside the hotels is almost never advisable: here the taxi or the hotel shuttle is the norm, not an option for the lazy.

At the airport

Right by the terminal

The Airways Hotel sits on the hill right above the airport, 2 minutes by car or a few minutes on foot from the terminal; the Gateway Hotel is about 900 metres away, with a free shuttle.

Best for: Layovers of a few hours and departures before dawn, when you'd rather not move away from the terminal.

Pros

No risk of getting stuck in Port Moresby traffic and missing a flight
The Airways Hotel has pools, squash courts and three restaurants for those with a long layover

Cons

Around it only the runway, the hill and the Royal Port Moresby golf course: for an evening out you still need a taxi
The Gateway is designed for practical stays, not for the resort-style relaxation of the Airways

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Waigani and Hohola

5-10 minutes by car from Jacksons International along the four-lane Waigani Drive; almost all the hotels in the area offer their own shuttle, free or on request.

Best for: Those working in the city or who want the district with the most international hotels, shopping malls and embassies, 5-10 minutes from the airport.

Pros

The city's administrative and commercial district, with the Vision City Mega Mall directly connected to some hotels
More choice of hotel categories, from 5-star to budget business, all a few minutes from the terminal

Cons

An area designed for cars and shuttles: here too you don't walk in the evening outside the hotel grounds
Little evening life independent of the hotels themselves, unlike the Ela Beach waterfront

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport is Papua New Guinea's primary hub, with connections to Australia, Asia-Pacific, and domestic flights to remote regions of the country.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area is compact in scale.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport has several lounges, primarily designed for business travelers.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

A Wi-Fi service is available in the terminal's common areas.

Families & Children

Family support is limited to essential services available in the waiting areas.

Terminal guide

The terminal, expanded in recent years, is the country's main air entry point.

Before boarding, plan for 3 hours buffer for international flights.

Map of Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Do Port Moresby taxis have a meter?

No, always agree the fare with the driver before setting off; roughly 40-150 kina with unofficial taxis, up to 200-250 kina at prepaid desks with a receipt near baggage claim (the safer option).

Q. Is it safe to get around in Port Moresby?

Caution is advised: avoid walking around at night, use only clearly marked taxis or transfers arranged through your hotel, and always check your country's latest travel advisories.

Q. Do you need a visa for Papua New Guinea?

Yes, almost all visitors need a Visitor Entry Permit, generally to be applied for online in advance: check the updated requirements on the official website before departure.