Jacksons International Airport is about 8 km from central Port Moresby. Transport costs are higher than you might expect for the distance, reflecting the limited options and the city's security considerations.
Hotel shuttle costs
Most international-standard hotels in Port Moresby offer airport transfers. Some include it in the room rate (common at business hotels like the Hilton, Holiday Inn, or Grand Papua), while others charge a separate fee per trip. This is often the best value because you get a known vehicle, a reliable driver, and the hotel takes responsibility for the logistics — ask your hotel for its current transfer fee when you book, as it varies by property.
Fixed-price private transfer
POM Port Moresby City Center
From€65for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €90 per vehicle, about €23 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Always ask about transfer pricing when booking your room. Some hotels offer round-trip packages at a discount.
Taxi fares
Taxis at Jacksons Airport do not use meters, there is no regulated tariff, and no standard fare card exists. You agree a price with the driver before getting in, and what you pay depends on the time of day, the driver and demand on the day.
Because of that, this guide does not publish taxi fares for Port Moresby. Any range printed here would be a guess dressed up as information, and it would be out of date the moment fuel or demand moved. Agree the fare before you get in, ask your hotel what a reasonable price to your destination is (they deal with this daily and will tell you honestly), and be aware that the closer-in districts — Town/downtown and Boroko — are shorter runs than Waigani, Ela Beach or Harbour City.
The practical answer at POM is not to haggle well. It is to have your transport arranged before you land.
Pre-booked private transfer
A private transfer booked in advance provides a fixed, confirmed price, quoted when you book, with larger vehicles costing more than a sedan. The premium over a negotiated taxi fare reflects the flight tracking, confirmed wait time, vehicle quality, and the security of knowing exactly who is picking you up.
Why prices are higher than distance suggests
Port Moresby is not a cheap city for transport. Fuel costs, vehicle maintenance on PNG roads, insurance, and the security infrastructure that reputable transfer companies maintain all push prices up. The 8 km distance is deceptive — the drive involves congested roads, security checkpoints at some locations, and variable conditions.
Payment methods
Taxis operate on cash (Kina preferred; USD or AUD sometimes accepted, but at rates that will not favour you). Hotel shuttles are typically charged to your room. Pre-booked transfers can usually be paid online in advance or in cash on arrival.
Saving money
The cheapest legitimate option is a hotel shuttle included in your room rate. If you are on a budget, confirm this is available before booking. Sharing a pre-booked transfer with a fellow traveler, if arranged in advance, can also reduce per-person costs. Do not accept below-market fares from unknown drivers — in Port Moresby, reliability and safety are worth paying for.
When a private transfer from POM is the right choice
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Port Moresby City Center is from €90, about €23 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
- Going to a specific address rather than the main station: the car goes to the door, so the public-transport fare is not the whole cost of the trip.
- Arriving tired or late: the driver waits at arrivals with your name, included for 60 minutes after landing.
POM → Port Moresby City Center from €65Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.