Transport in the Falkland Islands

Encyclopedia : T : TR : TRA : Transport in the Falkland Islands

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Railways: None

Highways:
total: 348 km
paved: 83 km
unpaved: 265 km

Ports and harbours: Stanley

Merchant marine: none (1999 est.)

Airports: 5 (1999 est.)

Airports - with paved runways:
total: 2 - RAF Mount Pleasant and Port Stanley Airport
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (1999 est.)

Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 3
under 914 m: 3 (1999 est.)

See also : Falkland Islands

By plane

Traveling between islands in the Falklands is generally done using the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS). The planes are Britten Norman Islander aircraft, capable of carrying eight passengers plus pilot. Be aware, however, that passenger load may be reduced depending on the condition of the airstrips being visited; outside of Stanley, all airstrips in the Falklands are either dirt strips or grassy fields. Be prepared for slight delays while livestock is cleared from airstrips prior to takeoff/landing!

Flights leave twice daily from the airstrip just outside of Stanley and travel to a variety of locations throughout the country. Baggage is limited to 14 kg per person (strictly enforced), with a charge of £0.60 per additional kilogram, space permitting. Note that unless the plane is flying to an island with a very poor landing strip there are almost never space constraints that would prevent traveling with a few extra kilos of baggage.

Reservations are required for travel and should be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Booking reservations can be done either by calling the airport (Tel: 27219). Flight schedules are announced the night before departure and are also available via a fax service; most lodges will post the schedule as soon as it is announced.

Fares vary by destination, but sample fares from November 2004 were:

• Stanley to Sea Lion Island: £47.67
• Sea Lion Island to Saunders Island: £54.16
• Saunders Island to Pebble Island: £21.12
• Pebble Island to Stanley: £53.57

By boat

While it is theoretically possible to get around the Falklands by boat, as of October 2004 there was no regular service available to tourists traveling in small groups (contrary to reports in guide books, the Golden Fleece does not taxi passengers around the islands). For large groups it may be possible to charter a boat in advance, thus providing a great way to visit some of the less-traveled islands (be aware that per-passenger landing fees are charged on many of the islands; contact the island's owner before visiting).

Large cruise ships are the most common means for people to visit the Falklands, and most will make several landings at various islands. Note that aside from Stanley all landings from cruise ships are done using zodiacs, and in many cases the lack of docking areas will require a quick wade from the zodiac onto shore.

By taxi

Within Stanley there are two taxi services that can be hired for travel throughout the town and surrounding areas, including the Mt. Pleasant airport.

By Landrover

Landrover rental may be possible from Stanley. Contact either the Falkland Islands Company or Stanley Services for information. Roads in Stanley are paved, but elsewhere road conditions range from well-maintained dirt roads to boggy mud streams. Unless your travels specifically require having your own vehicle, renting a Landrover is neither necessary nor a particularly good idea.

 

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