First Trip to Guam: Airport to Tumon and Your First Day

Before you fly: entry first

As a US territory, Guam has its own entry requirements (such as electronic travel authorization). Check the documents you need and how to apply on official US and Guam government sites before you go.

Arrivals also need to complete the Guam Electronic Declaration Form (EDF). Check how and when to fill it in with official Guam information.

Recent fares and flight times are on the route page. Prices rise sharply during holiday periods and summer breaks.

• Guam travel guide →
• Incheon → Guam route info →

Airport to Tumon: three ways

You arrive at A.B. Won Pat Guam International Airport (GUM). Tumon's hotel area is about 10-15 minutes away whichever way you go, so choose by your plans and luggage rather than distance.

Hotel pickup is the easiest. Many hotels offer airport pickup, so check the fee and meeting point when you book. Taxis wait at the airport taxi stand; ask for a rough fare before you get in. Tipping is customary in Guam, taxis included.

If you plan to explore the island, picking up a rental car at the airport and driving to your hotel is the most convenient. If you land late at night, you could take a pickup or taxi on day one and rent a car the next day.

• Hotel shuttle or pickup: about 10-15 min, fee varies by hotel (check when booking)
• Taxi: about 10-15 min, fare varies by company (confirm before you ride)
• Rental car: about 10-15 min, price varies by car, season and company (check when booking)

Where to stay

For a first visit, Tumon is the easiest. Resorts, malls and restaurants line calm Tumon Bay, it's walkable, and the tourist shuttle buses center on it.

To save money, Tamuning next door is close to the airport, with mid-range hotels and local restaurants. Hagåtña, the capital, suits history and local flavor, and the south suits quiet stays and drives. You'll want a car in the south.

• Tumon: first visit, beach and shopping, walkable
• Tamuning: value, airport access
• Hagåtña: history and local feel (fewer beach resorts)
• The south: quiet stays, car needed

Can you get by without a car?

If you stay in Tumon, yes. Walk along the beachfront hotel strip and main street, and take the tourist shuttle buses (trolleys) to malls and main sights. A single ride is about $3; check pass types, routes and times locally.

Some hotels and malls run free or low-cost shuttles, so ask at check-in. Taxis are handy for short trips but relatively expensive; ask the front desk to call one.

The midday sun is strong, so bring a hat and water when walking.

If you rent a car

A car is the easiest way to reach far spots like the south coast drive or Ritidian Beach at the northern tip. The south coast loop passes old villages, fort ruins and coastal lookouts; allow half a day to a full day. Ritidian is a protected area with set opening hours and occasional closures, so check official information.

Guam drives on the right. Bring your home licence and passport, and check other requirements, such as an International Driving Permit, with the rental company and official sources. Keep to speed limits and don't leave valuables visible in the car.

Instead of renting for the whole trip, you can rent just for your driving day and walk or take the shuttle around Tumon on the other days.

• Overseas car rental checklist →

How to spend your arrival day

With the airport so close, you can use most of your arrival afternoon. Check in and head straight to Tumon Beach, a shallow, calm lagoon protected by the reef that's great for kids. Water shoes protect your feet from coral and rocks.

Around sunset, look out over Tumon Bay from Two Lovers Point. There is an entry fee; check the amount on site or with official sources. For dinner, start with Chamorro barbecue and red rice.

Before swimming, read beach signs and local advice, and stay out of the water when waves are high.

• Afternoon: airport to your Tumon hotel (about 10-15 min)
• Late afternoon: swim at Tumon Beach (water shoes)
• Sunset: Two Lovers Point (entry fee)
• Dinner: Chamorro barbecue and red rice

Budget and local customs

The guide puts daily costs at about $150-200 for a budget hotel, food courts and the shuttle bus, about $300-400 for a beach resort, restaurants and a rental car, and about $600+ for a luxury resort, activities and shopping.

Tipping is customary at restaurants and for taxis; check whether a service charge is already on the bill. Guam has no sales tax, so the shelf price is often what you pay. American diner portions are generous, so sharing is often enough.

Typhoons can occur from about July to November and sometimes cancel flights. Watch for airline alerts and read your travel insurance terms on delays and cancellations.

• Entry requirements (such as travel authorization) and the EDF: official sources
• Sunscreen, a hat, a rash guard and water
• Water shoes
• Tips ready; check for a service charge
• If renting a car: home licence and passport, other requirements from official sources

FAQ

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