Getting from Palau Airport to Koror — What You Actually Need to Know

Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) is located on Babeldaob island, about 8 km north of Koror — the main town and tourist hub of Palau. The two islands are connected by the Koror-Babeldaob Bridge. The drive from the airport to central Koror takes about 15–20 minutes. Most hotels offer airport shuttle services, and taxis are available outside the terminal. A taxi to Koror costs approximately USD 20–30. There is no public bus system.

ROR is a small tropical airport — one terminal, one runway, a handful of gates. After landing, you walk across the tarmac or through a short jet bridge into the arrivals area. Immigration can take 30–60 minutes depending on how full your flight was, as Palau processes each arrival manually. Baggage claim is a single carousel in a small room. Once you have your bags and clear customs, you step outside into humid Pacific air and a small parking area where taxis and hotel shuttles wait.

The airport has limited amenities. There is a small duty-free shop, a couple of ATMs, and a currency exchange counter. Wi-Fi is available but slow. If you need a local SIM card, it is easier to get one in Koror town than at the airport.

Taxi: Taxis wait outside the terminal after flights arrive. These are not metered — you agree on a fare before getting in. To central Koror, expect to pay USD 20–30. Taxis in Palau are mostly older sedans or vans. There are no ride-hailing apps.

Pre-booked private transfer: A guaranteed car waiting for you with a driver who has your name. The price is higher than a taxi (USD 35–60) but you skip any negotiation and get door-to-door service. Useful if your resort is not in central Koror or if you are arriving very late.

Rental car: A few agencies operate at or near the airport. Driving in Palau is on the right side and traffic is minimal. Roads between the airport and Koror are paved and straightforward. If you plan to explore Babeldaob island, renting a car makes sense — otherwise, for just getting to Koror, it is unnecessary.

There is no public bus. Palau does not have a public transit system. Walking from the airport to Koror is not practical — it is 8 km along a highway with no sidewalks.

Taxi to central Koror: USD 20–30. Taxi to Malakal area (south Koror): USD 25–35. Private transfer to Koror: USD 35–60. Hotel shuttle: Free to USD 15 depending on the hotel. Rental car: USD 50–80 per day. Palau uses the US Dollar as its currency, so there is no exchange rate confusion for American visitors. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and dive shops but cash is still king for taxis and smaller businesses. ATMs at the airport dispense US Dollars.

Palau receives a limited number of flights, and some arrive late in the evening. The airport is quiet after the last flight clears — there are no 24-hour services. Taxis will be waiting for arriving flights, but the number of cars is small. If your flight is delayed and arrives after the taxi drivers have given up waiting, you could be in a difficult spot. Hotel shuttles typically track flight times and adjust, but confirm this with your hotel. For any late arrival, arranging transport in advance is the safest approach.

Most visitors to Palau arrive with dive gear, snorkel equipment, or extra luggage for island activities. Taxis can handle 2–3 bags in the trunk. If you are a family with children and significant luggage, request a van rather than a sedan. Child car seats are not available in Palauan taxis — bring your own travel seat if you need one. The road from the airport to Koror is mostly smooth and the drive is short, but seat belt use varies in local vehicles. A private transfer allows you to request a specific vehicle size.

The airport is small enough that there is essentially one exit. Walk out of the arrivals area and you are in a parking lot where taxis, hotel shuttles, and private transfer drivers all wait. Hotel shuttles usually have a sign with the hotel name. Private transfer drivers hold a sign with your name. Taxis are parked along the curb. If you do not see your ride, wait near the exit — the parking area is small and your driver will find you.

Choose a taxi if: Your hotel does not offer a shuttle, you are arriving during normal hours, and you are comfortable negotiating a fare.

Choose a pre-booked transfer if: You want a guaranteed ride regardless of arrival time, your destination is outside central Koror, or you prefer not to negotiate with taxi drivers after a long Pacific flight.

Rent a car if: You plan to explore Babeldaob island during your stay. For just getting from the airport to Koror, a rental is overkill unless you want wheels for your whole trip.