Kauai has no public transit system built for tourists and no rideshare coverage outside the Lihue area, making a rental car essential for most visitors — book well ahead, as the island's small fleet sells out fast in peak season. Lihue Airport (LIH) is the sole commercial airport, served by direct flights from several West Coast cities and inter-island flights from Honolulu. The Kauai Bus offers a limited, affordable public route along the main highway between towns, useful mainly for budget travelers with flexible schedules rather than sightseeing. Taxis and a handful of shuttle services exist for airport transfers.