Getting Your Bearings
Port Moresby is the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea, and for most visitors it is the main point of entry into the country by air. The city sits on the shores of the Coral Sea, and its attractions are spread out rather than clustered together. That single fact shapes almost every transport decision you will make: there is little to see in the central business district itself, and walking will not get you very far. Plan on using motorised transport for most of your sightseeing.
Rail, Metro and Trams
Port Moresby has no rail, metro or tram network. There is no train service of any kind for getting around the city, so you can rule these out entirely when planning your trip. All movement around the city is by road, on foot, or by boat along the coast.
Public Transport: PMVs
Local residents rely on minibuses known as Public Motor Vehicles, or PMVs, which service all parts of the city. They are the cheapest way to get around, though some drivers do not mind overloading their vans, so expect them to be crowded at times.
- Every PMV has its route number and destination printed on it, so you can identify where a vehicle is heading before you board.
- It is easy and acceptable to ask locals where the buses go — people are generally happy to help and to warn you about routes or areas to avoid.
- PMVs are a practical option if you are comfortable with basic, busy public transport, but they are not the most comfortable choice for a visitor with luggage or a tight schedule.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are numerous around Moresby, and calling one from your hotel will bring one promptly. You can try hailing one on the street, but for peace of mind it is better to have a friend or your hotel call a reliable driver — there is a genuine risk of robbery that can be avoided when the hotel knows exactly who you went with.
- When you find a good driver, take down their phone number for future trips.
- Taxis often have meters, but they are rarely used, so agree on a price as you get in rather than expecting the meter to be switched on.
- Taxis may be willing to wait for you at shops, and you can agree on an hourly rate for that arrangement.
The source material does not describe ride-hailing apps operating in Port Moresby, so treat taxis and hotel-arranged drivers as your main door-to-door options.
Getting Around Through Your Hotel
The easiest and safest way to get around is by organising transport through your hotel. Most hotels will offer transport to the main attractions in town, such as the Port Moresby Nature Park or the Papua New Guinea National Museum & Art Gallery. The routine is simple: get the phone number of the driver, then call them once you have finished your visit to be picked up. This approach removes the guesswork of finding a trustworthy driver on the spot.
Driving Yourself
Car rental agencies are available close to Jacksons International Airport, but driving in Port Moresby may not be what most visitors are used to.
- In some areas of the city, locals throw stones at cars — usually just for amusement, but sometimes managing to crack a windshield.
- There are cases of people standing in the middle of a stretch of road they have mended and demanding compensation from drivers passing by.
- Once you get outside the city, roads deteriorate into muddy trails that only a 4x4 with an experienced driver should attempt.
- If you want to see sights near Moresby such as Crystal Rapids near Sogeri or the start of the Kokoda Track, a 4x4 is highly recommended.
Walking
Walking has limited value as a way to see Port Moresby. The attractions are spread out, there is little of interest in the CBD, and walking around will not get you very far. It is pleasant to walk along Ela Beach and around the market areas, but beyond that you will be reliant on motorised transport. You may spot the odd push-bike around the place, though finding one for hire may be a challenge.
From Jacksons International Airport into the City
Jacksons International Airport (IATA code POM, also known as Port Moresby Airport) is PNG's main international airport, and virtually all visitors to the country will pass through it. It has two terminals — one domestic and one international — and for an international airport it is quite small. The international terminal is the nicer of the two, with air conditioning, shops selling PNG items and trinkets, a small cafe, a restaurant, the Air Niugini and Qantas lounge, the World War II history hall, a duty free shop and other services. The domestic terminal has only a few services and can get hot, as there is no air conditioning.
On arrival, you will find an ATM next to the baggage carousel and another in the main hall, along with a money changer, phone shops and a cafe. Immigration and customs are relatively smooth as long as you have the correct visa, and staff are extremely friendly, though delays are common when multiple flights arrive at once. If you are transferring to a domestic flight, you may have to rush: you must exit the international terminal, turn right and walk to the domestic terminal. If you are flying Air Niugini domestically, you can check in at their transfer desk next to the other check-in desks in the international terminal, then walk over to the domestic terminal.
Your options for reaching the city from the airport are as follows:
- Hotel transfers: All major hotels provide airport transfers. Make sure they know your arrival time and whether you will be at the international or domestic terminal.
- Bus: A bus connects the airport with downtown Port Moresby, taking about 30 minutes.
- Taxi: Taxis are outside the terminals and can take you to downtown Port Moresby in around 20 minutes. Agree the fare before you get in, as meters are rarely used.
Practical Summary
For a visitor, the realistic transport toolkit in Port Moresby is: hotel-arranged transport for safety and convenience, taxis with a pre-agreed price for point-to-point trips, PMVs if you want the cheapest option and are comfortable with local minibuses, and a rental 4x4 only if you are an experienced driver planning to venture outside the city. There is no rail or metro to fall back on, and walking will only cover you along Ela Beach and the market areas. From the airport, a hotel transfer, the downtown bus, or a taxi will all get you into the city.