Scattered over 7700sq km of ocean, Tonga, officially named the Kingdom of Tonga, is located 775km (481mi) south-east of Fiji, 1190km (739mi) north-east of Auckland and 3220km (2000mi) north-east of Sydney.
Tonga comprises 169 islands of which only 36 are inhabited, the Kingdom is divided into three main island groups – Vava'u, Ha'apai and Tongatapu.
The most convenient route to Tonga is by air to Fuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU), located on the southern coast of Tongatapu, around 22km (13mi) from the capital, Nukuʻalofa.
Fuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU) receives direct flights from Australia, Fiji and New Zealand. But from elsewhere, this typically requires a connecting flight from either Sydney or Auckland.
Regular domestic services are operated by Real Tonga Airlines to the islands of Vava'u, Ha'apai and 'Eua; less frequent services are operated to Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou islands.
The following are the most convenient and quickest routes to Fuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU), Nukuʻalofa, Tonga.
From New Zealand: Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia operate regular flights to Nuku‘alofa, Tonga.
Auckland to Tonga is 2 hrs 45 min, direct flight
From Australia: Qantas, Fiji Airways and Virgin Australia offer the most convenient flights to Nuku‘alofa, Tonga.
Sydney to Tonga is 4 hrs 30 min, direct flight
Adelaide to Tonga is 7 hrs 30 min, connecting flightˆ
Brisbane to Tonga is 7 hrs 15 min, connecting flightˆ
Melbourne to Tonga is 6 hrs 50 min, connecting flightˆ
Perth to Tonga is 9 hrs, 45 min, connecting flightˆ
From United States: American Airlines, United Airlines, Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways operate the most convenient two and three stop flights to Nuku‘alofa, Tonga.
Atlanta to Tonga is 21 hrs 22 min, connecting flightˆ
Boston to Tonga is 22 hrs 35 min, connecting flightˆ
Chicago to Tonga is 20 hrs 35 min, connecting flightˆ
Dallas-Fort Worth to Tonga is 19 hrs 40 min, connecting flightˆ
New York to Tonga is 22 hrs 50 min, connecting flightˆ
Los Angeles to Tonga is 15 hrs 5 min, connecting flightˆ
San Francisco to Tonga is 15 hrs 5 min, connecting flightˆ
From Canada: Air Canada, WestJet, Fiji Airways and United Airlines offer the most convenient flights to Nuku‘alofa, Tonga.
Toronto to Tonga is 21 hrs 44 min, connecting flightˆ
Montreal to Tonga is 24 hrs 27 min, connecting flightˆ
Vancouver to Tonga is 18 hrs 50 min, connecting flightˆ
From Singapore: Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia operate regular flights to Nuku‘alofa, Tonga.
Singapore to Tonga is 13 hrs 10 min, connecting flightˆ
From United Kingdom: British Airways and Fiji Airways offer the most convenient flights to Nuku‘alofa, Tonga.
London to Tonga is 27 hrs 50 min, connecting flightˆ
From France: Air France, Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia offer the most convenient flights to Nuku‘alofa, Tonga.
Paris to Tonga is 28 hrs 50 min, connecting flightˆ
(ˆincludes layover time.)
Fua'Amotu International Airport (TBU) is located about 22km (13mi) southeast of Nuku'alofa on the main island of Tongatapu.
Hotels and resorts provide courtesy transport for arriving guests by prior arrangement. Taxi's meet incoming international and domestic flights. The standard fare for up to four passengers between the airport and Nuku'alofa is T$40.
A passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay, a return/onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds. A visa is required; obtainable on arrival in Tonga, and valid for 31 days.
Flying is the easiest, quickest and most comfortable way to get around the islands of Tonga.
Ferries also operate between the three main island groups – Vava'u, Ha'apai and Tongatapu – as well as ‘Eua.
Taxis and hire cars are available only on Tongatapau.
Information on how to get around Tonga…
Latest update: How to get to Tonga: 13 January, 2023
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