Palau has approximately 85 km of highways and approximately 36 km of unsealed roads. Driving is on the right and the speed limit is 40 km/h (25 mph).  

In 2017, resurfacing and repair began for the main loop road on Babeldoab under the Compact Agreement and was completed in 2018. The main loop road is therefore in excellent condition. Peripheral road, surfaced with gravel are also in good condition and regular maintenance continues to be undertaken on them. The specifications of the compact road construction, undertaken through the US Army Engineering contingent, follow the American Association and State Highways Transportation official policy of geometric design for highway and streets.

A small road network also exists on Peleliu and Angaur islands. Peleliu has approximately 4 km of sealed road from the port to the main town – the rest is unsealed.

The Babeldoab loop road is mainly inland and significantly above sea level, with the exception of the eastern side near Karaeru, where the road crosses a low lagoon area by causeway. Causeways between Koror Meyungs and Malakal are also the only road-access connections between the southern Babeldoab islands.

Koror Bridge

Access from the main island of Babeldoab to Koror is by way of a suspension bridge. This bridge collapsed in 1996 but was rebuilt and now acts as a critical link between the islands. Causeways also connect Koror to Malakal Island and to Meyungs west of Koror Island.

Suspension bridge connecting Airai to Koror.                                                                                 Causeway connecting Koror to Meyungs Island.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List 

Distance Matrix

Road Security

The speed limit is 25mph/40kmph. Vehicles must slow down through villages and drive through at a respectful pace without loud music.  There are no issues with road security. Tourists pose the greatest road safety issues, due to the use of RHD cars driving on the right side of the road.

Weighbridges and Axle Load Limits

There are no weighbridges in the road network, nor are there mandatory or regulated mass limits for vehicles apart from the Koror bridge - vehicle configuration allows for the transport of 40ft containers, indicating that road surface loads are easily able to carry 50 mt without affecting the road surface.

The most common configuration for a heavy vehicle is a 3-axle prime mover, with a dual-axle trailer transporting a net load of 20-25 mt.

Road Class and Surface Conditions

Babledoab Island

Main Loop Road 

Main loop road is in excellent condition with a sealed surface. It is well-maintained and well-drained.

Peripheral Roads (to villages and communities)

Peripheral road off main loop road. Gravel surface is well-drained and regularly maintained.