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| If you are in Fiji, it is a great idea to check out Suva before you head off to Taveuni or when you return. Suva is the largest city and the cosmopolitan hub of the South Pacific. It lies about 198 kilometres south-east of Nadi. The easiest way to get to Suva is to drive, catch a taxi or bus or fly (it takes about 45 minutes from Nadi International Airport). |
By Car It takes about three hours to drive by car from Nadi airport to Suva. You can catch a taxi, which costs about FJ$120, or you can hire a car. Car hire prices start from about FJ$120 per day. The taxi ride from Nadi Airport to Nadi town should cost around FJ$8. When hailing a taxi be sure to get into a metered one, otherwise negotiate the price before you take-off. The maximum speed limit in Fiji is 80 km/h and most of the road between Nadi and Suva (Queen's Road) is 60 km/h with villages being 50 km/h. The road is also patrolled by police and speed radars, who are often eager to catch you. Be very aware of livestock on the roads as they wander freely during the night. It may be best to avoid driving at night altogether. When driving past villages, you must slow down as locals and children use the roads as footpaths. |
By Bus Local open-windowed buses operate across Viti Levu and the other main islands between all towns and on suburban routes. Express air-conditioned buses operate between Suva and Nadi and between Suva and Lautoka. If you are on a budget, you can catch the public bus from Nadi to Suva for about FJ$11, and takes about four hours. The Express bus from Lautoka via Nadi to Suva is modern, comfortable (air conditioned) and convenient. It can be hailed from outside Nadi Airport, (on the main road). Alternatively, you can catch a taxi ride to Nadi town, check out Nadi and catch the Express bus from the bus station (near the market). A taxi ride from the airport to Nadi bus station, (near the market) will cost about $FJ10. If you are adventurous or short on time, then you can catch one of the many licensed private mini-buses for about FJ$15 per person from Nadi bus station, which drops you off in the centre of Suva, (at the market). It normally takes about three hours from Nadi, however, be careful as some operators don't have official taxi licences and you could be putting yourself and family at risk through their speeding and sometimes dangerous driving. Before you get in make sure they are licensed operators. |
Accommodation Accommodation in Suva is relatively easy to get and depending on your budget, can be cheap. The two best places recommended for back packer style are: South Seas Hotel in Albert Park. Prices start from FJ$25 for singles and FJ$35 for double rooms. Dorms about FJ$16 per person. The taxi ride from Suva market to South Seas is about FJ$3.50. Colonial Lodge in Anand St. Suva. Prices for dorms start at $22 per person including breakfast. The taxi ride from Suva market to Colonial Lodge is about FJ$3.00. Once you are in Suva you can either book the ferry to Taveuni or catch the airplane from Nausori airport, which is about 14 kilometres from the city (or about a FJ$25 taxi ride from the city). |
Dining Suva has many fine places to dine, however, if you like Indian food you will find it in abundance in Suva. There are also some Chinese restaurants and take aways on Victoria Pde and plenty of fast food BUT genuine Fijian food is much harder to find. A local favourite is the Indian restaurant, Singh's Curry House in central Suva, located at the corner of Gordon St and Victoria Pde. The food there is very good value, fresh and tastes great. With vegetarian meals starting as low as FJ$4.00 and meat dishes around FJ$5.50. A great place to check out!
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