Palau receives a limited number of flights, and some arrive in the late evening. If you are landing at ROR after dark, here is the reality of your situation.
Flight Patterns
ROR does not have continuous traffic throughout the day. Flights arrive in clusters — a few from Guam, Taipei, Manila, or Seoul, often within a similar time window. Some of these flights are scheduled for the evening, and delays on Pacific routes are common, which can push arrivals later still. The airport handles each arrival fully before going quiet again.
What Is Available Late at Night
After the last flight clears immigration, the airport essentially closes. There is no 24-hour lounge, no all-night cafe, and no airport hotel. The terminal building will be locked once the last passengers have departed. This is a small Pacific island airport — it operates around flight schedules, not around the clock.
Taxi Availability
Taxi drivers do come to the airport for late flights — they know the schedule and will wait. However, the number of taxis is small. If your flight carries 150 passengers and there are 8 taxis waiting, the math is not great, especially since many passengers will be picked up by hotel shuttles. If your flight is delayed beyond its scheduled time, some taxi drivers may leave, assuming the flight is not coming. There is no way to call a taxi to the airport from within the terminal after hours.
Hotel Shuttles at Night
Most hotels that offer airport transfers will adjust for late-arriving flights. However, confirm this specifically — some smaller guesthouses may not provide late-night pickup. A hotel that advertises a shuttle for a 6 PM arrival may not extend that to a midnight arrival. Send an email or message before your trip to confirm they will be there regardless of when your flight actually lands.
Pre-Booked Transfer: The Safe Option
A pre-booked private transfer is the most reliable way to handle a late arrival at ROR. The driver tracks your flight, adjusts for delays, and waits at the terminal regardless of when you actually emerge from customs. On a remote Pacific island with no rideshare apps and limited taxis, this guaranteed ride removes genuine uncertainty. The cost (USD 35–60) is modest insurance against being stranded at a closed airport at midnight.
If Things Go Wrong
If you arrive late and have no transport arranged, ask the last airport staff on duty for help — they may be able to call a driver. Your hotel might send someone if you can reach them by phone. In the worst case, the closest accommodation to the airport is in the small communities on southern Babeldaob, but reaching them without a car is impractical.
The Simple Advice
Arrange your airport transfer before you fly to Palau. This is not a place with abundant backup options. A hotel shuttle or pre-booked transfer eliminates what could otherwise be a genuinely stressful situation on a remote island after dark.