Jacksons International Airport Transfer Guide – Port Moresby

Jacksons International Airport (POM) is located about 8 km from downtown Port Moresby. There is no public transport, no train, and no airport bus. Your options are a hotel shuttle, a pre-booked private transfer, or a taxi arranged through the airport. A ride to the city centre costs PGK 80–200 ($20–$55 USD) depending on the vehicle and destination. Pre-arranging your transfer is not just convenient here — it is strongly recommended for safety and practicality.

The international terminal at Jacksons is modest. Immigration queues can be slow, especially when multiple flights from Australia, the Philippines, or Singapore arrive close together. Baggage claim is a single area with limited belts. Customs checks are thorough — expect your bags to be screened or inspected.

Once through customs, you exit into a covered arrivals area where drivers and hotel representatives wait behind a barrier. The domestic terminal is a separate building connected by a short walkway. If you are connecting to a domestic flight, you may need to collect your bags and re-check them.

Pre-booked private transfer works similarly. A driver is assigned to your flight, waits at arrivals, and takes you directly to your destination. The vehicle and price are confirmed before arrival.

Taxis exist at the airport but the situation is informal. There is no regulated taxi rank with meters. Negotiate the fare before getting in, and only use vehicles that are clearly marked or recommended by airport staff. Do not accept rides from random individuals approaching you in the terminal.

Rental cars are available from a few agencies with counters at the airport, but driving in Port Moresby is challenging and not recommended for first-time visitors.

There is no public transport from the airport. No bus, no shuttle, no shared van service.

Hotel shuttles: often included in the room rate for business-class hotels, or PGK 100–200 ($28–$55 USD) as a separate charge.

Pre-booked private transfer to downtown or hotel district: PGK 120–250 ($33–$70 USD) depending on vehicle type.

Taxi to central Port Moresby: PGK 80–150 ($22–$42 USD), negotiated.

To areas further out (like Ela Beach, Harbour City, or Waigani): PGK 100–200. Prices fluctuate and are always negotiable for taxis. Pre-booked transfers have fixed pricing.

Several international flights arrive in Port Moresby late in the evening. The terminal remains staffed for these flights but empties quickly afterward. Taxi availability drops significantly after dark, and moving around Port Moresby at night without pre-arranged transport is not advisable. A hotel shuttle or pre-booked transfer is essential for evening and night arrivals. Your hotel should be your first call — most will accommodate late pickups if they know your flight details.

The arrivals area is not designed for comfort. There are no play areas, limited seating, and trolleys may or may not be available. If you are traveling with children, the best strategy is to minimize time in the terminal by having transport waiting. Child car seats are not standard in any vehicle service in PNG — bring your own. A pre-booked SUV or minivan can accommodate families with bulky luggage.

After clearing customs, you exit into a covered area where drivers stand behind a low barrier. Hotel names and passenger names are displayed on signs or whiteboards. The space is compact, so finding your driver is usually quick. If you do not see your name, stay in the covered area and call your transfer provider or hotel. Do not leave the immediate terminal area to search for transport.

Choose a pre-booked private transfer if your hotel does not offer pickup, or if you want a specific vehicle type for comfort or luggage space.

Choose a taxi only if you are experienced with Port Moresby, comfortable negotiating, and arriving during daylight hours. Even then, a pre-booked option is safer.

Avoid self-drive rental on your first visit, walking from the airport, or accepting rides from unmarked vehicles.