Getting Around Christmas Island

One note of caution for those looking to renting cars on the island: You will need to know that there are only 2 car rental companies on the island and both apparently do not offer any possibility of writing off any excess for the Collision Damage Waiver (or equivalent in Australia). That means that you are liable for the first 2500 AUD for any damage done to the vehicle, and you may even be paying for this without the assurance of having an accident report given to you by the car rental company. (Keep in mind that Christmas Island is rather isolated to even if the damage to the vehicle does not look like it will cost you 2500 AUD, the shipping / freight cost might do you in.)

If you do get into an accident on the island, make sure that you obtain an accident report from the affected parties (car rental company, local police, and also one from the person you got 'tangled' up with etc.) and if you are not given the report, attempt not to make payment for what you were supposed to pay for, because the money may not even go towards repairing the car you damaged!

We had a nasty run in with a particular Soong Car Rental Car company. After an accident, the other party simply refused to admit any wrongdoing or responsibility. Instead, we were presented with a cost estimate of (you guessed it...) 2500 AUD for repairs for the rental car. Even worse, after we footed the 2500 AUD bill, the company refused to file the accident claim with their insurance, or give us a copy of that claim. As a result, we were unable to get any of that money back through the insurance, or file with our own insurance at home. Buyer beware!

Located just off the Northeast corner of the island, close to where all the islanders are staying, this is a very small "airport", thus the "Aerodrome" bit. It's literally a building that comes with a fenced-in airstrip and a carpark. 2 airlines fly there I think: Silkair & National Jets.

Passengers disembark (and embark) via the tarmac and walk right up to the Arrival Hall. Customs clearance is simpler compared to main island Australia (though the laws aren't different). Once you enter Christmas Island proper, you'll have to wait in line to collect your luggage which are towed in. A possible last quarantine check and you are free. Whoever that is picking you up will be right there waiting for you at the carpark and if you do not have the luxury of that, there are a couple of make-shift stands outside for vehicle loans.

The Departure Hall is slightly bigger (and only just). Checking-in is done manually. There is a simple cafe and a small gift shop here.

The Visitor Centre may have personnel at the airport running surveys collecting opinions and comments with regard to your stay.

None of the big airport fusses and bureaucracies. The islanders know each other. It's kinda like a family reunion of sort. Folks were waving to departing friends and family members from the fence.