Transportation in Tarawa

Tarawa's transport is simple and island-scaled. The two-lane causeway that links Betio to Bonriki is the only real "route," so every shared minibus, school truck, and private car follows the same strip. Minibuses are the everyday spine, cheap, flag-them-down transport that runs whenever they're full. Taxis are the comfort option, costing several times a minibus fare but still moderate by island standards. Agree the price before you set off because meters aren't used. Rental cars exist but are a splurge and, with only one main road, rarely worth it unless you're hauling dive gear. First-timers should know there's no formal bus stop map, just stand on the ocean-side shoulder and wave. Locals will point you to the right vehicle. Destinations are shouted out the window. Avoid the temptation to wait for an "airport shuttle" that doesn't exist. Once you land at Bonriki, the quickest move is to walk to the main road (three minutes) and catch any south-bound minibus; it's a fraction of a taxi and gets you to the hotel strip in about twenty minutes. If you're loaded with bags or it's after dark, the taxi rank outside arrivals is the honest fallback, just settle the fare before the bags go in.