Port Moresby Jacksons Layover Guide (POM)

What are you looking for in POM?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Port Moresby Airport (POM) is an international airport located in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. It’s situated about 8 km (5 miles) from the city center. The airport officially opened in 1975. Port Moresby is the largest city in the country and serves as its main gateway. The city is known for its cultural diversity, tropical climate, and proximity to natural attractions like coral reefs and hiking trails.

Can you leave Port Moresby Airport (POM) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can remain airside at Port Moresby Airport during a layover without a visa if you stay in the international transit lounge. To exit the terminal you must hold a valid Papua New Guinea visa (eVisa online or visa on arrival for eligible nationalities, applied in advance or on arrival). (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• National Museum and Art Gallery The museum showcases Papua New Guinea’s diverse cultural heritage through artifacts, traditional crafts, paintings, and historical exhibits, offering insight into tribal customs and colonial history within a thoughtfully curated space. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 20 min.)
• Port Moresby Nature Park A lush sanctuary harboring native wildlife including birds of paradise, crocodiles, and butterflies amid rainforest trails. Guided tours illuminate ecological conservation efforts and diverse indigenous flora interpretation in natural settings. (Time required: 3 hours / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 25 min.)
• Ela Beach A serene coastline offering swimming, volleyball courts, and local snack vendors. Sunset strolls reveal stunning harbor views while nearby cafes serve fresh seafood snacks and beverages for a relaxing break. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 15 min.)
• Gordon’s Market A bustling open-air market where locals sell fresh produce, handicrafts, spices, and traditional artifacts. Haggling is common. Vibrant colors and aromatic stalls provide an authentic taste of everyday urban life. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 10 min.)
• National Parliament House Architectural landmark showcasing unique design and tribal motifs, surrounded by manicured gardens. Public tours explain legislative process and cultural symbolism on display along detailed exterior murals and interior historic chambers. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 15 min.)
• Paga Hill Lookout Breathtaking elevated viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Port Moresby’s coastline and harbor. Benches and photo spots ideal for capturing sunrise or sunset over Pacific Ocean with city skyline in foreground. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 20 min.)
• Hanuabada Cultural Village Traditional stilt village offering cultural immersion with local guide demonstrating hands-on canoe carving, traditional dances, and authentic daily island life. Engage respectfully to learn about Motuan heritage and community traditions. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 25 min.)
• National Library and Archives Repository of PNG’s literary, historical, and governmental records. Browse digitized rare manuscripts, comprehensive research materials, and local newspapers in quiet reading rooms curated for scholarly exploration and cultural heritage preservation. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 18 min.)

Things to Do in Port Moresby Airport (POM)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport offers three main lounges: the Air Niugini Paradise Lounge (International Terminal), a First Class Lounge (Domestic Terminal) and a VIP Lounge (International). Open to business-class passengers, frequent flyers or pay-at-door guests (approx. 100–150 PGK), each provides hot buffet, snacks, soft drinks and liquor. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels lie within 2 km of the airport, including the Airways Hotel, Gateway Hotel & Apartments and Lamana Hotel. Rooms range from PGK 350 to 700 per night, with reliable air-conditioning, onsite restaurants, pools and business centers. Many properties offer 24-hour reception and airport shuttle services on request. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There is no official rest area or sleeping pods in either terminal. Overnight stays inside the terminal are discouraged for security and hygiene reasons, and airport hours close before midnight. Travelers seeking rest must use nearby hotels or lounge access; no dedicated sleeping zones or cots are available onsite.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals with a 30-minute session limit; users can reconnect or purchase extended access passes at information desks. Signal strength can be variable in peak times. Lounges offer more reliable, high-speed connections, and several cafés provide paid internet terminals for longer browsing.

SIM/eSIM Card: On arrival, Digicel and Vodafone counters in the International Arrivals hall sell pre-paid SIM cards (from PGK 15), complete with data bundles and voice credit. Telikom outlets at Vision City Mall offer alternative plans. Installation assistance is provided, and coverage spans most urban and many rural areas, including en route to the airport. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A licensed taxi stand outside the Arrivals curb provides metered and fixed-fare rides to Port Moresby city center (10 km, 9 min). Fares range PGK 200–250; drivers accept cash only. Prepaid taxi desks near baggage claim offer receipts, fixed rates and ID-checked drivers for added security on all transfers.

Train: (more info): There is no train or rail service to or from Jacksons International Airport. Papua New Guinea has no urban rail networks, so all public transit relies on roads and air. Travelers should use taxis, shuttle buses or rental vehicles for ground transport.

Bus: (more info): No scheduled city bus routes serve the airport directly. Port Moresby’s public minibuses operate from downtown hubs along Waigani Drive and Erima, not the terminal. Visitors should reach the city by taxi or hotel shuttle, then transfer to local buses if needed for onward travel.

Shuttle: Several hotels—including Gateway Hotel & Apartments, Ela Beach Hotel and Coral Sea Hotels—offer free shuttle buses to and from both airport terminals. Services run on fixed schedules, typically with morning and evening departures. Reservations must be made at booking, and pickup locations are clearly indicated on hotel confirmation vouchers.

Car rentals: Major agencies (Avis, Hertz, Budget and local providers) maintain desks in the Arrivals hall. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs. Requirements include a valid driver’s license, international permit (if applicable) and a security deposit. Desks operate during flight hours; advance booking is recommended to ensure availability. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Since February 24, 2025, pay parking has been in effect at both the Domestic and International car parks. Short-term and long-term bays are located adjacent to each terminal. Payment machines accept cash and cards; rates and terms are posted at entry and exit points. First 15 minutes are free, thereafter hourly tariffs apply.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No official left-luggage lockers are installed in the terminals. A private baggage storage service operates near the Arrivals exit (hours aligned with flight schedules) charging per bag, per day. Airlines occasionally offer short-term hold options; travelers should confirm availability and fees directly with their carrier on arrival. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Port Moresby Airport (POM) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks