Local bus from airport to Apia?

I'm struggling with that LP brochure called Samoan Islands and Tonga. Can't find any info there, googled and I understand that there is a local bus that goes from the international airport to Apia. I'll be arriving sometime during the day from Pago Pago. Any info?

I guess I should have googled some more (found this on the Virgin Blue site):

Taxi: A taxi from the airport to Apia should cost about WST $ 40, but remember to confirm the price with the driver before you depart.

Bus: An airport bus service is provided for airline passengers, between the major hotels in Apia and Faleolo International Airport. The fare is WST $ 12 one way. Phone +685 23 014 for reservations and information, or check at the Samoa Tourism Authority booth at the airport when you arrive. If you do want to catch a regular bus, just make your way up to the main road to wait for a bus. It should cost you around WST $ 4-5.

That's right. There is a shuttle bus that picks up right from the airport and takes you to various Apia accommodations. It is known as the "Schuster" bus. The problem being (in my several trips to Samoa) is sometimes the service is running and sometimes it's not.
The last time I used the service it was $14Tala.
If it's not running, you have the luxury of arriving during the day, so you can easily catch a regular bus just across the road.

When are you leaving for your trip, cat?

I arrived in the middle of the night at the airport and that shuttle bus was waiting just outside the terminal, just tell the driver which hotel/fale in Apia you're staying at.
check out this link for airport information: Samoa airport information

I've been at Faleolo Airport at least once a week during the last few months and I have never seen that "Schuster" bus or any other (public) transfer bus anymore. It was a quite reliable service before but I would not trust that it exists anymore.

Anyway, arriving from Pago during daytime your only choices are taxi (50 Tala by now for going to town) or the real local bus, leaving from the road uphill. Make sure that you cross the road to be on the right side for the bus to Apia ... Fare is around 5 Tala. There is no schedule though and there is no more bus to Apia after about 4.00 pm!

wkSamoa: That is sad news that it seems to have vanished altogether. I know in 2006 it was running sporadically (I used it when I arrived in Samoa but several weeks later when I went to leave, it wasn't running). In 2007, it (or a version of it) was at the airport when I arrived... When I left Samoa, I caught a ride with a friend so I have no idea if it was running then.

So all night-time arrivals to Samoa will have to rely on taxis for their transport now?

Hey islandboi, I'm leaving the the middle of next month. 3 weeks in the Samoas and 3 in Tonga (when I read your trip report about Ha'api I was sold).

So, to get back to the airport for an early am flight out one has to either stay at the Airport Lodge with free transfers or arrange for a taxi to pick you up? Other budgetish places don't do transfers?

That's what it sounds like.

Another option you could think about. One of the times the "Shuster" bus was not running, I got a ride with the Aggie Grey's transport bus.... He had no other passengers. I offered him 10Tala to drop me off at Princess Tui Inn and he did!

The taxi drivers will be all over you when you arrive at Faleolo airport. Since you're arriving from Pago during the day, you will be able to use local buses. If you want to use a cab, bargain ruthlessly... They will want ridiculous amounts like 100 Tala to go into town.

Looking forward to YOUR trip reports from your perspective on these 2 amazing island groups!!

Silvanocat... I sent you a "PM". LOL

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<hr>So all night-time arrivals to Samoa will have to rely on taxis for their transport now? <hr></blockquote>

The bus might still run sporadically or resume service after repair or so (it is/was a pretty old vehicle). One might be lucky to catch it but I would certainly not rely on it.