# Koror Airport Transfer Guide (ROR) 本文件提供中文说明与当前英文指南原文。详细机场内容为英文，并非经过核实的完整中文翻译；请以实时预订流程确认价格、可用性及服务条款。 Getting from Roman Tmetuchl International Airport to Koror, Palau. Transport options, realistic pricing, and practical advice for this remote Pacific island. **Airport:** ROR **City:** Koror **Country:** Palau **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/ror **Last updated:** 2026-07-17 Prices and transport schedules in this editorial guide are indicative. Confirm current public transport fares with the operator. Current transfer prices, availability and terms are shown in the live booking flow. ## Main Guide ### Quick Answer 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 airport says the drive into Koror takes 20–30 minutes. The single most important thing to know is the airport's own advice: **"There are no cabs waiting at the airport. Please arrange transportation in advance."** Most hotels run airport pickups, and that is how the majority of visitors get to their accommodation. There is no public bus system and no ride-hailing app. ### What Actually Happens After Landing 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 hotel shuttles and pre-arranged drivers wait. Do not expect to find a taxi rank — the airport explicitly advises that no cabs wait at the airport and that you should arrange transport in advance. 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. ### Transport Options Explained Honestly **Hotel shuttle:** Many hotels and resorts in Koror offer complimentary or low-cost airport transfers. Check with your accommodation before arrival — this is the most common way visitors get from ROR to their hotel. Shuttles are usually shared vans that wait for all passengers from your flight. **Taxi:** Do not plan around one. The airport states plainly that there are no cabs waiting at the airport and asks arriving passengers to arrange transport in advance. Taxis do exist in Palau, but they are called rather than hailed, they are not metered — you agree the fare before you set off — and no official rate card is published for the airport run. There are no ride-hailing apps. **Pre-booked private transfer:** A guaranteed car with a driver holding your name, priced and fixed when you book. Given that no cabs wait at the terminal, this or a hotel pickup is the realistic plan rather than a luxury. Useful if your resort is not in central Koror or if you are arriving very late. **Rental car:** Several agencies serve the airport — the airport itself lists National/Alamo/Enterprise, Island Car Rental, West Car Rental, IA Rent-A-Car and AVIS. 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. ### Realistic Pricing Expectations There is no published fare table for ground transport at ROR — the airport does not post one, taxis are not metered, and hotel pickups are priced by each property. That means the only reliable way to know what you will pay is to ask before you land: your hotel for its transfer charge, or a transfer operator for a quote you can hold them to. Anyone quoting you a precise figure sight unseen is guessing. What is worth knowing: 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 drivers and smaller businesses. ATMs at the airport dispense US Dollars — draw some before you leave the terminal. ### Late Night Arrivals 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. This is where the airport's standing advice matters most: no cabs wait at the terminal, so if you have not arranged anything, there is nothing to fall back on. Hotel shuttles typically track flight times and adjust, but confirm this with your hotel. For any arrival, and especially a late one, arranging transport in advance is not just the safest approach — it is what the airport tells you to do. ### Families and Luggage Most visitors to Palau arrive with dive gear, snorkel equipment, or extra luggage for island activities. A sedan will handle 2–3 bags in the trunk. If you are a family with children and significant luggage, ask for a van rather than a sedan when you arrange your pickup — which, given that nothing waits at the kerb here, you will be doing in advance anyway. Child car seats are not standard in local vehicles — bring your own travel seat if you need one. The road from the airport to Koror is mostly smooth and the drive is 20–30 minutes, but seat belt use varies in local vehicles. ### Where You Meet the Driver 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 hotel shuttles and pre-arranged drivers wait. Hotel shuttles usually have a sign with the hotel name; private transfer drivers hold a sign with your name. What you will not find is a taxi rank — the airport is explicit that no cabs wait there. If you do not see your ride, wait near the exit and call the number on your confirmation; the parking area is small and your driver will find you. ### Decision Helper **Choose the hotel shuttle if:** Your hotel offers one. This is the default option for most Palau visitors and it works well. **Arrange a car in advance if:** Your hotel does not offer a shuttle. Since no cabs wait at the terminal, "I will grab a taxi" is not a plan at this airport — book a transfer or ask your hotel to call a driver for your flight. **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. ## Summary Getting from Palau Airport to Koror is not complicated — the distance is short and the options are limited enough that the decision is simple. But it does require one thing in advance: because no cabs wait at the terminal, you need a ride arranged before you land. Check with your hotel first; most handle airport pickups. If not, book a transfer, and you will be at your resort 20–30 minutes after walking out. The real adventure in Palau starts in the water, not at the airport. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How far is Palau Airport from Koror?** About 8 km, connected by the Koror-Babeldaob Bridge. The airport says the drive takes 20–30 minutes. **Q: Is there Uber or Lyft in Palau?** No. Palau does not have ride-hailing apps. Transport options are taxis, hotel shuttles, private transfers, and rental cars. **Q: What currency is used in Palau?** The US Dollar is the official currency. ATMs at the airport dispense USD. No currency conversion is needed for American visitors. **Q: Do taxis at Palau Airport use meters?** No — taxis in Palau are not metered, and fares are agreed before you get in. There is no official rate card for the airport run, so agree the price clearly before starting the ride and ask your hotel what the going rate is, since they arrange this every day. Note too that the airport advises no cabs wait at the terminal, so you will generally need to have a driver called for you rather than find one outside. **Q: Do most Palau hotels offer airport shuttles?** Many do, especially the larger resorts and dive-oriented hotels. Contact your accommodation before arrival to confirm availability and whether there is a charge. **Q: Is it safe to take a taxi from Palau Airport?** Yes. Palau is a safe country with very low crime, and drivers are generally friendly. Two practical caveats: taxis are not metered, so agree the price before the ride; and the airport advises that no cabs wait at the terminal, so arrange your ride before you land rather than expecting to find one outside. **Q: Can I get a SIM card at Palau Airport?** There may be a small kiosk, but selection is limited. You are better off purchasing a SIM card from the PNCC or Palau Mobile office in Koror town. **Q: How long does immigration take at Palau Airport?** Allow 30–60 minutes depending on how full your flight was. Palau processes arrivals individually, and there are limited immigration counters. **Q: Is there a bus from Palau Airport to Koror?** No. Palau does not have a public bus system. Your options are taxi, hotel shuttle, private transfer, or rental car. **Q: Should I book an airport transfer in advance for Palau?** Yes. The airport itself asks arriving passengers to arrange transportation in advance, because no cabs wait at the terminal. If your hotel offers a shuttle, arrange that; if not, pre-book a transfer. This matters most for late arrivals, but it applies to every flight. ## Arriving at Palau Airport Late at Night — What to Expect **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/ror/late-night 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 The airport is unambiguous on this point: "There are no cabs waiting at the airport. Please arrange transportation in advance." Some drivers do come out for known flights when someone has called them, but there is no rank to queue at and no guarantee of a car for a passenger who simply walks out. If your flight is delayed beyond its scheduled time, anyone waiting speculatively may well have gone home. Do not plan on calling a taxi to the airport from inside 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 no cabs at the kerb, this guaranteed ride removes genuine uncertainty — and the cost, quoted and fixed when you book, 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. ## Taxi vs. Private Transfer at Palau Airport — A Practical Comparison **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/ror/taxi-vs-transfer Transport from Palau Airport is simpler than most destinations — your realistic options are a hotel shuttle, a taxi, or a pre-booked transfer. Here is how the last two compare. ## The Taxi Experience at ROR Start with the airport's own words: "There are no cabs waiting at the airport. Please arrange transportation in advance." That single line reframes this comparison. A taxi at ROR is not something you walk out and find — it is something someone calls for you. Taxis in Palau are not metered; you agree a fare before getting in, and no official rate card covers the airport run. The cars range from older sedans to minivans. Drivers are generally friendly and speak enough English for basic communication. The ride to Koror is 20–30 minutes and the road is simple — one main highway across the bridge. Negotiation is expected but usually mild, and there is rarely aggressive haggling; Palau is a mellow place and that extends to its drivers. The real downside is availability. This is an island of around 18,000 people with no taxis cruising past the airport, so if you have not arranged anything and your flight lands at an odd hour, there is no backup to fall back on. ## The Private Transfer Experience A pre-booked transfer means a driver is assigned to your arrival. They monitor your flight status, wait at the terminal with your name on a sign, help with luggage, and drive you directly to your accommodation. The vehicle is typically newer and in better condition than the average taxi. The price is quoted and fixed when you book, and it tracks your destination — central Koror is cheaper than a resort out on Babeldaob. The main advantages are certainty and comfort. You know someone will be there no matter when your flight actually lands. You do not negotiate a fare at the curb after a long trans-Pacific flight. If your resort is in a less common location on Babeldaob rather than central Koror, the driver knows exactly where to go. ## When the Taxi Is Fine If your hotel is in central Koror and you are comfortable with informal fare negotiation, a taxi called ahead on your behalf works perfectly well and costs less than a private transfer. The ride is short and the drivers are honest. For solo travelers or couples traveling light, this is a practical choice — as long as you remember it still needs arranging before you land, because nothing waits at the kerb. ## When a Transfer Makes More Sense Late or oddly timed arrivals — with no cabs at the terminal, an unarranged late landing can leave you genuinely stuck. If your accommodation is outside central Koror — drivers may not know the location. If you are arriving exhausted from a long Pacific routing (many Palau flights involve connections through Guam, Taipei, or Manila) — eliminating one more thing to figure out has real value. Families with children and dive gear — you can request a larger vehicle. ## The Honest Assessment The price difference between a called taxi and a private transfer at ROR is modest — small enough that on a trip where you are spending hundreds a day on diving, snorkeling tours, and resort accommodation, it should not drive the decision. Choose based on your energy level and arrival time, not the cost. Just choose *something* before you fly: the one option that does not exist here is walking out and hailing a cab. ## Family Transfers from Palau Airport — Traveling with Kids and Gear **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/ror/family-and-kids 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. ## How Much It Costs to Get from Palau Airport to Koror **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/ror/cost-to-city Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR) sits on Babeldaob island, about 8 km from Koror, a 20–30 minute drive by the airport's own reckoning. The honest headline on cost is that nobody publishes one. There are no meters, no ride-hailing apps, no posted rate card at the airport, and — as the airport states plainly — no cabs waiting outside. So the price is whatever you agree in advance, and arranging it in advance is exactly what the airport asks you to do. ## Taxi Fares Taxis in Palau are not metered; you agree a fare before setting off. No official rate card exists for the airport run, and because no cabs wait at the terminal, a taxi here generally means one your hotel or a company calls for you rather than one you walk up to. Ask your hotel what the going rate is — they arrange this daily and will tell you straight. If a driver's quote sounds out of line with what your hotel told you, it probably is. ## Hotel Shuttle Costs Many Koror hotels run airport pickups. Some are complimentary, especially at mid-range and higher-end resorts; others charge. Budget guesthouses may not offer transfers at all. Always confirm with your accommodation before arrival — both whether a pickup exists and what it costs. This is the single most useful email you can send before a Palau trip. ## Private Transfer Pricing A pre-booked private transfer is quoted and fixed when you book, so you know the number before you fly. It includes a driver waiting with your name, help with luggage, and a guaranteed ride regardless of when your flight actually lands. For destinations outside central Koror — such as resorts on Babeldaob island itself — a pre-booked car is often the only realistic option, and the price tracks the distance. ## Rental Car Costs Several agencies serve the airport; it lists National/Alamo/Enterprise, Island Car Rental, West Car Rental, IA Rent-A-Car and AVIS. Rates come from the agency at the time you book. This only makes financial sense if you plan to use the car during your stay — renting just for the airport-to-Koror drive is not economical. ## What There Is Not There is no public bus, no rideshare app, and no airport express service. The island is small and the infrastructure is simple. This is part of Palau's charm, but it means your transport options are limited to the four listed above. ## Bottom Line Most visitors get to their hotel on a pickup the hotel arranged, and for many that is bundled into the stay. If you want certainty and comfort, a pre-booked transfer costs a modest premium and removes the guesswork. What you should not do is land without a plan: with no cabs at the kerb, the cheap option is not a taxi, it is an email to your hotel a week before you fly. Palau is not a place where airport transport costs will strain your budget — the dive trips and tour boats are where the real spending happens. ## Published Guide Pages - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/ror - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/ror/late-night - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/ror/taxi-vs-transfer - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/ror/family-and-kids - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/ror/cost-to-city ## Booking and Support Search: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/search?airport=ROR Airport Transfer Portal is a marketplace; local operators fulfil the transfer. Availability depends on the route, travel date and eligible operator. Phone: +44 20 4538 9927 — UK office hours (London local time). WhatsApp: +44 7828 732663 — 24/7 (https://wa.me/447828732663). Terms: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/terms Complaints: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/complaints Published by Airport Transfer Portal (airporttransferportal.com), operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.