Tinian is reached by air from Saipan. Small propeller aircraft fly from the commuter terminal at Saipan International Airport (SPN) to Tinian International Airport (TIQ), usually several times a day; the flight across the channel takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Passengers and bags are weighed, baggage allowances are strict and seats are few, so book ahead and check the current timetable — details are on our getting there page. There has been no scheduled passenger ferry between Saipan and Tinian for some years at the time of writing. Entry rules for the Northern Mariana Islands are in the travel guide.
Routes at a glance
| From | Best route | Time | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saipan airport (SPN) | Commuter flight in a small propeller aircraft to Tinian (TIQ) | About 10–15 min in the air | Around US$50–70 each way — check current fares |
| Garapan (Saipan) | Taxi, shuttle or hire car to the commuter terminal, then the flight | About 1 h 15 min–1 h 30 min including check-in | Flight plus around US$25–35 by taxi |
| Guam (GUM) | Fly to Saipan and connect; direct charters run only occasionally | Half a day with the connection | Varies — often high for the distance |
| Rota (ROP) | Usually via Saipan; occasional charter flights | Varies with the connection | Varies — check directly |
| Tinian airport (TIQ) | Pre-booked hire car or hotel pick-up to San Jose | About 5–10 min | Usually included or by arrangement |
| San Jose | Hire car north along Broadway or 8th Avenue to North Field | About 20–25 min | Fuel only |
Getting around Tinian
Car hire: essential. There is no public transport on Tinian and no taxi service to speak of. A small number of hire cars are available at the airport, so reserve well ahead, particularly around the Hot Pepper Festival and public holidays. You drive on the right under US road rules.
Roads: the main roads are paved and almost empty. In the north you will be driving on wartime coral and asphalt — generally fine for an ordinary car in dry weather, but overgrown and potholed in places, and slippery after rain. Fill up in San Jose before you leave; there are only one or two fuel stations on the island.
Guided visits: some hotels and guesthouses will arrange a driver-guide. On foot you can cover San Jose, the House of Taga and the village beaches, but nothing further.
