Family Transfers from Palau Airport — Traveling with Kids and Gear

Palau is an increasingly popular destination for family diving and snorkeling trips. The airport is small and manageable, but getting a family with children and equipment to Koror requires a bit of planning.

The Car Seat Situation

Palau does not have strict car seat enforcement, but that does not mean you should skip one for your child. Local taxis do not carry child seats. If your child needs one, you have two options: bring a portable travel car seat with you, or book a private transfer and request a car seat in advance. Availability of child seats through local operators is limited — confirm well ahead of your arrival. For very young children, bringing your own seat is the most reliable approach.

Luggage and Equipment

Families visiting Palau often travel with snorkel gear, dive equipment, underwater cameras, and the usual suitcases. A standard sedan can handle 2–3 bags in the trunk, but a family of four with dive gear will need a van. Hotel shuttles are usually vans and handle larger groups and luggage better. If booking a private transfer, specify your luggage situation — the operator can send an appropriately sized vehicle.

The Airport Experience with Kids

ROR is a single-terminal airport with no jet bridges on most flights — you walk across the tarmac. In Palau's tropical heat and humidity, this is the first adjustment for the family. Immigration takes 30–60 minutes, and there is no priority lane for families. Bring water, snacks, and something to keep children occupied during the wait. Baggage claim is a small room with one carousel. Restrooms are basic but functional.

Getting to Your Hotel

The ride from the airport to Koror takes 20–30 minutes on a smooth, two-lane highway. It crosses the Koror-Babeldaob Bridge, which offers nice views that might interest older children. The drive is short enough that even restless kids will manage.

For most families, the hotel pickup is the best option if available. It is often free or low-cost, the driver expects families, and the vehicle is sized for luggage. If your hotel does not offer one, book a private transfer with a van and request any child seats you need. What you cannot do is improvise at the kerb — the airport advises there are no cabs waiting, which with tired children and a pile of dive bags is not a discovery you want to make at 11pm.

Practical Tips

Have your hotel transfer arranged before you land — the airport asks every passenger to do exactly this, and with children it is not optional. Bring snacks and water for the immigration wait. Sunscreen and hats for the tarmac walk. If you are arriving from a long connection (common routings through Guam or Taipei mean 15+ hours of travel), assume everyone will be tired and keep the airport-to-hotel transition as simple as possible.

Bottom Line

The airport-to-Koror transfer is short and uncomplicated. The main family consideration is vehicle size (enough room for gear) and child seats (bring your own or pre-arrange). A hotel shuttle or pre-booked van transfer handles both. Save your energy for the jellyfish lake — that is what the kids will remember.