Getting around Kiribati takes time and flexibility. The islands are spread across a vast ocean, and schedules are loose.
Within South Tarawa, minibuses run the length of the atoll road from Betio to Bonriki — hail them anywhere on the road. Taxis are available but scarce outside the main centres. Hiring a motorbike or bicycle is a practical option for short distances.
Between the Gilbert Islands, Air Kiribati operates flights to around 20 of the atolls. Schedules change often and cancellations happen; build extra days into your plans if you need to make an onward connection. Tickets are bought in person from the Air Kiribati office in Tarawa.
Inter-island vessels are the slow option — government supply ships and ferries serve the outer islands, often departing only once every few weeks. Journeys can last several days. Schedules are rarely published in advance; ask at the shipping agent's office in Betio when you arrive. Bring food and water, and expect basic or no facilities on board.
On many outer islands, there are no wharves — you may be wading ashore through the shallows. Landing craft do the heavy lifting for cargo and vehicles.
Between the Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line Islands, the only practical transport is Air Kiribati or Fiji Airways. There is no regular inter-group vessel service for passengers.