Getting around the Falkland Islands requires combining the right transport with the geography. FIGAS flights are the normal way to reach many outer islands; rugged vehicles handle road and off-road travel on East and West Falkland; and the Concordia Bay ferry links New Haven and Port Howard across Falkland Sound. There is no single transport network that works like a mainland bus or rail system.
Choose transport by destination
- Stanley and nearby sights: walking, taxi, tour vehicle or car hire
- Outer islands: usually FIGAS
- East Falkland to West Falkland by vehicle: ferry between New Haven and Port Howard
- Remote wildlife sites: often a local guide with a 4×4
- Multi-island itinerary: usually pre-arranged FIGAS plus accommodation transfers
FIGAS: the backbone of island hopping
FIGAS operates domestic flights between Stanley and settlements and islands across the archipelago. It is especially important for places that cannot be reached by road. Flights use small Islander aircraft and the daily routing is planned around demand rather than a fixed timetable.
See our full FIGAS flights guide for booking, baggage and schedule details.
Road travel: distances are only part of the story
Stanley has conventional roads, but countryside travel can involve gravel roads, tracks and off-road sections. Rugged 4×4 vehicles are common for good reason. Do not estimate journey time from distance alone, especially for wildlife excursions. A local guide may be the better choice where the route crosses private land or requires off-road knowledge.
The East-West ferry
The Concordia Bay ferry provides the key sea connection for vehicles between New Haven on East Falkland and Port Howard on West Falkland. Official tourism information describes the crossing as roughly one to three hours depending on the sailing. Timetables and booking arrangements can change, so confirm the current schedule before building a road itinerary around it.
Car hire versus local guide
Car hire works well when your route uses public roads and you are comfortable driving in remote conditions. A guide is often better for specialist wildlife sites, battlefield interpretation and off-road access. For a first visit, it is common to mix both rather than choosing one transport style for the whole trip.
Transfers between airports and accommodation
International arrivals use Mount Pleasant Airport, while FIGAS domestic flying is centered on Stanley Airport. Treat these as separate transport points and confirm transfers rather than assuming a seamless airline connection. Accommodation providers and tour operators often help coordinate local transfers.
If you are still planning the international leg, our how to get to the Falkland Islands guide explains the difference between reaching the Islands and moving around after arrival.
Build buffers into connections
Weather can affect flying, ferry operations and road conditions. Avoid a chain where one delayed domestic sector causes you to miss an international departure with no recovery day. This is particularly important for outer-island stays.
Official information to recheck
Use the Falkland Islands Tourist Board getting-around hub for current transport links and operator information. For a broader independent itinerary, our first-time independent traveler planner explains how to put the pieces together.
