The Complete Guide to Taxis in Tonga

© TongaPocketGuide.com

What are the Taxis Like in Tonga?

Taxis in Tonga are usually pretty old cars, people-movers and minivans. While some taxis will have the taxi sign on the roof of the vehicle, others will not. But all “official” taxis can be identified by the letter “T” at the beginning of the vehicle’s number plate.

Although some taxis in Tonga have meters, many don’t use them, so it’s always best to agree on an approximate fare before getting in the cab. You will need to pay the taxi driver with cash.

Most taxis offer a 24-hour service, but will only operate on a Sunday if the service has been booked before Sunday.

Some taxis offer tours or driver hire for half-day or full-day sightseeing. See our guide to Hiring a Driver in Tonga for more information.

Note that when you ask to book a taxi at guesthouses, you’ll sometimes find that you’re provided with one of the owner’s family members with a car. You’ll just pay the rate offered.

(c) tongapocketguide.com

Where to Get a Taxi in Tonga

Taxis are available on the main islands of Tongatapu and Vava’u. There are no taxi services in Ha’apai, ‘Eua or The Niuas.

Taxis on Tongatapu

Taxis on Tongatapu meet incoming flights at Fua’amotu International Airport. Taxi ranks can also be found outside of the Talamahu Market in Nuku’alofa. There are also taxi depots in the centre of Nuku’alofa, including Wellington Road Taxi on Wellington Road, Oneway Road Taxi Service on the oneway road between Unga Road and Taufa’ahau Road, Holiday Taxi on Fatafehi Road, Halapuopua Taxi on Vuna Road (east of the palace). Other taxi companies in Nuku’alofa include Airport Taxi, Mate Ma’a Taxi and Fungafaite Taxi. You can ask your accommodation to book taxis for you.

Learn more about transport on Tonga’s main island in our Tongatapu Transport: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Tongatapu.

Taxis in Vava’u

Taxis can be found on the main island of Vava’u in the town of Neiafu, sometimes parked up on Kovana Road. There are also taxi depots at Grace City Taxi on Tu’i Road (opposite the Tapueluelu Road turn-off), ‘Epenisa Taxi Service on Fatafehi Road and ‘Ana Tevunga Services in the town centre. Hansen Tours also offers a taxi service. All of these taxi companies can be booked through the Visitor Information Centre or your accommodation.

Note that taxis are not always available at Vava’u Airport, so it’s best to book in advance for taxi airport transfers. Some accommodations in Tonga arrange a taxi for airport transfers.

Learn more about transport in Vava’u in our Vava’u Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Vava’u.

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How to Get a Taxi in Tonga

Getting a taxi in Tonga is pretty simple: give a taxi company a phone call, get your accommodation to call on your behalf, or show up at a taxi stand.

Call a Taxi!

The easiest way to get a taxi in Tonga is to simply give a taxi company a call. Accommodation providers and the Visitor Information Centre in Neiafu are usually happy to call a taxi on your behalf. Otherwise, a few examples include:

• Wellington Road Taxi (Tongatapu) – 24744 / 8624744
• Airport Taxi (Tongatapu) – 888532
• Mate Ma’a Tonga Taxi (Tongatapu) – 26660 / 8626660 / 7750617
• Halapuopua Taxi (Tongatapu) – 25088 / 8625088
• Fungafaite Taxi (Tongatapu) – 22519 / 7722519 / 8622519
• Grace City Taxi/Vava’u Taxi Council (Vava’u) – 886486 / 70153 / 7701766 / 8616430
• ‘Epenisa Taxi (Vava’u) – 8771826
• ‘Ana Tevunga Services (Vava’u) – 70009 / 88725525 / 7519622.

Note that the Tonga international dialling code is “+676” if you are roaming. Otherwise, learn about picking up a local SIM card (recommended) in The Best SIM Card in Tonga For Travellers.

Taxi Stands

Simply showing up at a taxi stand is another way to get a taxi in Tonga. However, they are only located in the city centre of Nuku’alofa and Neiafu – see the “Where to Get a Taxi in Tonga” section above to see which roads to find taxi stands. Otherwise, ask a local where the nearest taxi stand is if you’re struggling to find one.

Can You Hail Down a Taxi in Tonga?

Tonga is not like the streets of New York. Hailing down a taxi isn’t all too common, but is most likely possible in Nuku’alofa where taxis and traffic are at their most “lively”.

Taxis on the move in Tonga tend to be in service; either carrying a passenger or on the way to pick one up. Therefore, you are unlikely to have much luck at hailing down a taxi under these circumstances. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to try and the driver may be able to call you another cab.

(c) tongapocketguide.com

The Cost of Taxis in Tonga

Some taxis on Tongatapu have meters, but most don’t, especially in Vava’u. Either way, it’s always best to agree on an approximate fare before getting in the cab. You will need to pay the taxi driver with cash.

For a full taxi cost breakdown with fare examples between popular destinations in Tongatapu and Vava’u, see Taxi Prices in Tonga: The Costs You Need to Know.