Are you dreaming of crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, and stunning underwater life? Then Palau might be just the destination for you. This beautiful island state in the Western Pacific Ocean, located between Guam and the Philippines, is a true paradise. However, figuring out how to get to Palau can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll provide you with all the information you need to make your journey to Palau as smooth and stress-free as possible.

First things first, let's start with the basics. Palau is a remote island state in the Western Pacific Ocean that consists of over 250 islands. Before the pandemic, Palau was accessible through a few different airlines, including Asiana Airlines, United Airlines, and China Airlines, and flights would usually stop in either the US, Seoul, or Taiwan. However, at the time of writing this article (March 2023), the ways to enter Palau are with United Airlines from the USA, Guam and Manila, with China Airlines from the USA and Taiwan and Air Niugini from Australia.

Now, let's dive deeper into the specifics. There are four international airports that offer flights into Palau: Guam, Brisbane, Taipei, and Manila. Keep in mind that Palau is a remote island, so not many people plan a trip there. In 2019, before the pandemic only about 94,000 tourists traveled to Palau, which is not enough to create a large market in the airline industry. Therefore, there are no daily flights coming into Palau, and flight schedules are subject to change.

Flights to Palau from the Philippines Manila take approximately 3.5 hours, and flights are scheduled on Friday and Tuesday nights. Manila is a busy international airport with multiple nonstop daily flights to major destinations in Asia and Australia. However, scheduling a same-day flight to Palau can be difficult due to a conflict in the arrival and departure times, so it's best to make reservations for an overnight stay.

Infographic showing Palau's International Airport, the locations of several hotels and Fish 'n Fins Palau's premium dive shop.

If you're flying from Taiwan, the flight to Palau takes about four hours, and services are provided by China Airlines four times a week. China Airlines also offers direct flights from Europe to Taipei with pretty good connections to flights to Korror.

For those traveling from Seoul, the flight to Palau takes about four and a half hours, and services are provided four days a week with Asiana Airlines and Korean Airlines each flying two days a week. The Incheon Airport that serves Seoul is becoming a more attractive long-haul destination from the Middle East and Europe. Divers flying from Australia may find the longer flight to Seoul and then onto Palau as an alternative to Manila.

Lastly, if you're flying from Guam, the flight to Palau is only about 2 hours or so, and under normal circumstances, there are almost daily flights from Guam to Palau. Guam also offers connections to multiple destinations such as Japan, Korea, Manila, as well as Micronesian destinations such as Chuuk (Truk), Yap, and Kosrae.

Your Palau vacation officially starts when you arrive at Palau International Airport, also known as The Roman Tmetuchl International, which is Palau's only (international) airport. The airport code is ROR, and you can use it when searching for your flights to Palau online.

Now that you know the basics of getting to Palau, here are some tips to help make your journey as stress-free as possible:

  • Double-check departure times and dates of “connecting” flights.
  • Have a positive mindset. You are traveling to paradise.
  • Get to the airport early. Three hours before flight departure is a perfect time to arrive at the airport.
  • Wear comfortable clothes.
  • Join Global Entry and TSA PreCheck in case of you are from the USA
  • Buy travel insurance.
  • Buy DAN Insurance for your Palau Vacation.

Routes and Airlines to Palau

If you're traveling from Europe, the best flight connections to Palau are through Vienna, Austria or Frankfurt, Germany with China Airlines via Taipei, Taiwan. Alternatively, you can also fly with any other airline that offers flights to Taipei, Tokyo, Seoul, or Manila, and then connect to Palau from there.

Travelers from Asia and Australia have several options to choose from. If you're in Tokyo, Japan, you can fly to Guam with United Airlines and then connect to Palau from there. Manila in the Philippines also offers a direct flight to Palau with United Airlines. Asiana Airlines offers flights from Seoul, South Korea to Palau, while China Airlines flies directly from Taipei to Palau. And if you're in Sydney, Australia, you can fly with China Airlines via Taipei to Palau - if you are in Brisbane you'll have the opportunity to fly with Air Niugini via PNG to Koror Palau.

For those coming from the USA, you have a few options to consider. If you're in Los Angeles, you can fly with China Airlines via Taipei to Palau. United Airlines also offers flights from Los Angeles either via Hawaii and Guam, or Tokyo and Guam. If you're in San Francisco, you can also fly with United Airlines either via Hawaii and Guam, or Tokyo and Guam to reach Palau.

Photo of the entrance of the Internatinal Airport in Palau

Remember, if you have any questions or need help finding the right airport and flight to paradise, our friendly reservations staff at Fish 'n Fins is always here to help. So, what are you waiting for? Book your flight to Palau today and get ready for the ultimate tropical vacation experience!

In conclusion, getting to the stunning islands of Palau is easier than you might think! Whether you're traveling from Europe, Asia, Australia, or the USA, there are several flight options available to get you to your tropical paradise. At Fish 'n Fins, we understand that planning a trip can be overwhelming, which is why we're here to help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our friendly reservations staff is always available to help you find the right airport and flight to Palau, so you can focus on enjoying the ultimate vacation experience. So, start packing your bags and get ready to experience the crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and rich culture of Palau!

World map with infographic on how to get from Europe to the Republic of Palau

FROM EUROPE

  • Vienna/Austria with China Airlines via Taipei/Taiwan - best flight connection to Palau
  • Frankfurt/Germany with China Airlines via Taipei/Taiwan - best flight connection to Palau
  • With any other Airline via Taipei/Taiwan • Tokyo/Japan • Seoul/South Korea • Manila/Philippines to Palau
  • Taipei/Taiwan • Tokyo/Japan • Seoul/South Korea • Manila/Philippinen offer direct flights to Palau
Infographic on how to get from Australia and Asia to the Republic of Palau

FROM ASIA AND AUSTRALIA

World map with Infographic on how to get from the USA to palau

FROM THE USA

  • Los Angeles/USA with China Airlines via Taipei/Taiwan to Palau
  • Los Angeles/USA with United Airlines either via Hawaii and Guam, or Tokyo/Japan and Guam to Palau
  • San Francisco/USA with United Airlines either via Hawaii and Guam, or Tokyo/Japan and Guam to Palau

For more information on airlines and flight schedules visit the Palau's International Airport website.