Overview
Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, sits on the Gulf of Papua and is the main gateway to one of the world's most culturally diverse countries. For UK travellers it is a genuine long-haul trip, usually combined with the Highlands, the Sepik River or a diving holiday. This guide explains when to fly, which airlines link the UK with Port Moresby and how to keep fares down — for live prices, see the charts on this page.
Best time to fly to Port Moresby
Port Moresby is noticeably drier than the rest of Papua New Guinea. The dry season, roughly May to October, brings warm days, lower humidity and the best conditions for sightseeing and onward travel. The wet season from December to March is hotter and stickier with heavier rain. Temperatures stay in the high 20s to low 30s Celsius year-round. July to September is the busiest period for flights, so check the When to book chart above for quieter, cheaper dates.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Port Moresby, so every journey involves at least one connection. The most popular routing is London to Singapore with Singapore Airlines or British Airways, then Air Niugini, Papua New Guinea's national carrier, from Singapore to Port Moresby. Alternatives connect via Hong Kong or Manila with Air Niugini, or through a Gulf hub such as Doha (Qatar Airways) or Dubai (Emirates) to Brisbane, then Qantas or Air Niugini onward. From London allow around 19 to 22 hours flying; from Manchester you would normally route via Doha, Dubai or Amsterdam first. With layovers, expect 24 to 30 hours door to door.
Things to do in Port Moresby
Most visitors spend a day or two in the capital before travelling on:
- Port Moresby Nature Park: well-kept gardens with tree kangaroos, cassowaries and birds of paradise.
- National Museum and Art Gallery: a strong introduction to PNG's masks, canoes and regional cultures.
- Bomana War Cemetery: the resting place of thousands of Commonwealth servicemen from the 1942 to 1945 campaigns.
- Varirata National Park: cool hilltop rainforest with walking trails and views over the city and coast.
- Owers' Corner: the road-accessible start of the Kokoda Track, a moving half-day trip.
At Jacksons International Airport (POM)
Jacksons International Airport is about 8 km north-east of central Port Moresby, a 20 to 30 minute drive depending on traffic. The simplest and safest option is a hotel transfer arranged in advance; most city hotels offer them and meet guests in arrivals. Reputable taxis and car hire are available at the terminal. Local PMV minibuses are cheap but not recommended for visitors unfamiliar with the city.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Port Moresby
- Book three to six months ahead for peak dry-season travel to get the best choice of fares.
- Fly midweek and avoid UK school holidays — Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often cheaper than weekends.
- Use flexible dates and compare the price charts on this page to find the cheapest week to travel.
- Compare hubs, as a Singapore routing and a Gulf-plus-Brisbane routing can differ in both price and total journey time.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa for Papua New Guinea. A tourist visa on arrival is generally available at Jacksons International Airport for short stays, with an online visa also available; confirm the current rules with our team or the PNG High Commission before you fly, and carry a passport valid for at least six months. The currency is the Papua New Guinea kina (PGK) — bring some cash, as card acceptance is limited outside larger hotels. Speak to a travel clinic six to eight weeks ahead about malaria precautions and vaccinations, and note that a yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from a country where the disease is present.
