Overview
Apia, the relaxed capital of Samoa, sits on the north coast of Upolu island in the South Pacific. It pairs a working harbour town — colonial churches, a busy market, waterfront bars — with quick access to rainforest waterfalls, turquoise swimming holes and welcoming villages. For UK travellers it is a proper long-haul trip with no nonstop service; see the price charts on this page for how fares to Apia move through the year.
Best time to fly to Apia
Samoa is warm all year, usually in the high 20s Celsius. The drier, cooler season from May to October is the most comfortable time to visit, with lower humidity and better conditions for snorkelling and hiking. November to April is the wet season, bringing heavier rain, sticky heat and a small tropical cyclone risk. UK school holidays and Christmas push demand up, so check the When to book chart above.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from London to Apia, or from anywhere else in the UK — every routing needs at least one, and usually two, connections. Common options are via Los Angeles and Nadi with Fiji Airways, or via Auckland with Air New Zealand; Samoa Airways and Fiji Airways fly the short hops from New Zealand and Australia. You would usually connect through the USA or Asia, for example with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates or Singapore Airlines. Expect a total journey of roughly 30 to 38 hours from London, and a little longer from Manchester.
Things to do in Apia
Compact and walkable, Apia is an ideal base for exploring Upolu:
- Robert Louis Stevenson Museum: the restored Vailima home of the Treasure Island author, below his grave on Mount Vaea.
- Palolo Deep Marine Reserve: a coral-fringed lagoon on the edge of town, ideal for an easy snorkel.
- To Sua Ocean Trench: a striking deep swimming hole reached by ladder, about an hour south of the city.
- Maketi Fou: the bustling main market for tropical fruit, kava, crafts and a real feel for local life.
At Faleolo International Airport (APW)
Faleolo International Airport lies about 40 km west of Apia, a drive of roughly 45 to 60 minutes. Most visitors use a pre-booked hotel or resort transfer, which is the simplest option after a long journey. Taxis wait outside the terminal — agree the fare before you set off — and a local bus runs along the coast road into the centre, though it is slow with luggage. Car hire is available at the airport.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Apia
- Book early: around four to seven months ahead usually gives the best choice on the long-haul legs; last-minute fares rarely help.
- Travel in the shoulder months: May, or late October into early November, often beats the peak dry season and Christmas on price.
- Stay flexible with dates: shifting your departure by a day or two and avoiding weekend flights can cut the fare — use the flexible-date and price charts on this page.
- Compare hubs and airlines: a routing via Los Angeles and Nadi can differ sharply in price from one via Auckland.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa: Samoa grants a free entry permit on arrival for stays of up to 90 days, provided your passport is valid for at least six months and you hold onward or return tickets. The currency is the Samoan tālā (WST), and cash is useful outside Apia, where cards are mainly accepted at larger hotels and restaurants. No vaccinations are officially required unless you arrive from a yellow fever area, but check current NHS Fit for Travel and GOV.UK advice and protect against mosquito bites.
