Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, located on Babeldaob Island, is Palau's only international airport and the main gateway to this Pacific archipelago.
It is located approximately 6 km from Koror, the former capital and main inhabited centre, the departure point for the famous Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake.
How to get to Roman Tmetuchl International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to ROR
Parking near Roman Tmetuchl International Airport
Right outside the terminal is a parking area of limited size.
The rates reflect typical prices for the area.
How to get to Koror from ROR
By Train
By Bus
There is no public bus service.
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport
A limited number of car rental companies are present in the arrivals area.
The agency typically requires a license, passport, credit card, and an International Driving Permit.
Hotels near Roman Tmetuchl International Airport
Airai, near the airport
About 1.7 miles (6 minutes by car) from the terminal, with a free hotel shuttle to and from the airport; the centre of Koror is then another 15 minutes by car.
Best for: Short layovers or early-morning flights, when it's worth staying a few minutes from the terminal instead of crossing the bridge to Koror.
- Free shuttle to the airport, handy for those with an early flight or a layover of a few hours
- Lower prices than the beach resorts in Koror
- In Airai there are no independent restaurants or shops outside the hotel
- For the centre of Koror or diving in the Rock Islands you still need a 15-minute transfer
Centre of Koror
About 6 km and 15 minutes by car from the airport, crossing the Koror-Babeldaob bridge.
Best for: Those who want restaurants, shops and dive offices within walking distance in Koror's commercial district.
- Restaurants, the WCTC Shopping Center and dive agency offices within walking distance
- Generally lower prices than the beach resorts
- No private beach: for the sea you need a boat trip to the Rock Islands
- An urban area, so less quiet than the resorts outside town
Recommended hotels
- Palasia Hotel The tallest building in Palau, in the heart of Koror's commercial district, a 5-minute walk from the shops; 165 rooms with balconies overlooking the Rock Islands. View availability
- West Plaza Hotel at Lebuu Street On Lebuu Street, right behind the Palasia Hotel and a 2-minute walk from the WCTC Shopping Center; a recently opened property with an in-house gym. View availability
Malakal and Meyungs beaches
The Palau Royal Resort is about 10 minutes by car from the airport and 3 minutes from the centre of Koror, on Malakal Island; the Palau Pacific Resort, more isolated in Meyungs, is about 28-30 minutes from the airport.
Best for: Those who want a private beach and snorkelling right from the resort, accepting a car ride to the centre of Koror.
- Private beach with a coral reef reachable by swimming from the shore
- Away from the traffic of the centre, ideal for those seeking relaxation rather than city life
- No independent restaurant nearby: you depend on the property
- The Palau Pacific Resort is the farthest from the airport among the hotels in this guide
Recommended hotels
- Palau Royal Resort Right on the beach of Malakal Island, just 3 minutes by car from the centre of Koror; run by Nikko Hotels, with a private beach and coral reef for snorkelling. View availability
- Palau Pacific Resort & The Pristine Villas and Bungalows On a private white-sand beach in Meyungs, with villas in traditional Palauan style and an in-house PADI dive centre; among the most isolated in Koror, about 30 minutes from the airport. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, compact in size, is the country's only international gateway.
For international flights, it's best to plan 2.5–3 hours before departure.
Map of Roman Tmetuchl International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the Palau Pledge?
A written commitment that all visitors must sign on arrival, stamped into their passport, pledging to behave in an ecologically responsible way during their stay in the country.
Q. Are there taxis waiting at Palau's airport?
No: always arrange your transfer in advance through your hotel, resort or dive operator, or book a private transfer before arrival.
Q. How much does the transfer from the airport to Koror cost?
Roughly 15-35 USD for the journey of about 6 km, to be booked in advance.
Q. Do you need a visa for Palau?
Citizens of the EU, UK, United States, Canada and Australia can enter without a visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days, with a passport valid for at least 6 months.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights