Getting from the aircraft door to your room works differently on every island. On Tahiti it is a short drive; on Moorea it can mean a taxi, a ferry and another car; on Bora Bora the airport is on its own islet and the last leg is always by boat. This guide explains the options on Tahiti and the main islands, how to choose between them and what to arrange before you land, especially after a late-night arrival.
From Faa'a to a hotel on Tahiti
Tahiti Tourisme sets out the three usual ways out of the airport: a taxi from the rank, a pick-up arranged through your travel agent or accommodation, or a rental car. Hotels along the west coast at Faa'a and Punaauia and in Papeete are a short drive away. Places on Tahiti Iti, the peninsula in the south-east, are a much longer drive, so a pre-arranged transfer or rental car makes more sense there.
- Pre-booked transfer. Best for night arrivals, families and anyone with a lot of luggage. The driver waits in the arrivals hall with your name, and you know the price in advance. Many packages include a meet-and-greet with a flower lei.
- Taxi. Available at the rank outside arrivals. Night rates and luggage supplements may apply, so ask for an estimate before you set off.
- Rental car. The main agencies have desks at the airport. A car is useful if you plan to explore Tahiti, but driving to an unfamiliar hotel at midnight after a long flight is rarely the best start. Collecting the car the next morning is often easier.
- Public bus. Tahiti Tourisme describes the bus network linking Papeete with the island's districts as efficient and a good way to meet locals, but it still recommends a taxi or rental car for most visitors. Buses suit light travellers in daylight, not late arrivals with suitcases.
Onward connections from Tahiti
Moorea: ferry or plane
For Moorea you can fly from Faa'a or take a taxi to the Papeete ferry terminal and cross by boat to Vaiare on Moorea's east coast. Aremiti and Terevau run the main passenger ferries, and Aremiti publishes its timetable, fares and vehicle prices online. Passengers rarely need to book far ahead, but vehicles should be reserved. On arrival at Vaiare, your hotel transfer, a taxi or a rental car completes the trip. Our Tahiti–Moorea ferry guide covers the crossing in detail.
Bora Bora: the boat leg
Bora Bora's airport sits on Motu Mute, an islet on the northern reef, so every arrival ends with a boat ride. Air Moana runs a free shuttle boat for its passengers between the airport dock and Vaitape, the main village, taking about 15 minutes; for departures it leaves Vaitape 1 hour 15 minutes before each flight. Air Tahiti passengers should check the equivalent arrangement with their airline. Most resorts, especially those on the motu, send their own boats to meet guests at the airport. These transfers are booked through the resort and usually charged separately, so confirm them with your flight details. Our Bora Bora guide explains how the motu and main island differ for getting around.
Other islands
On Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Maupiti and the atolls, the transfer is usually arranged by your accommodation. Guesthouse hosts often meet each flight by car or boat. Taha'a has no airport of its own: visitors fly to Raiatea and continue by boat. On atolls such as Rangiroa, Fakarava or Tikehau, places on distant motu are reached by boat, which can depend on the weather. Always send your host your flight number, and update them if anything changes.
Make the visit respectful
Transfer drivers and boat crews often handle several flights in a row. Be ready with your booking name, keep your luggage together and wait where they asked you to. On small boats, follow the crew's instructions on where to sit and how to step aboard, and hand bags across rather than throwing them. Tipping isn't customary in French Polynesia, though a warm thank you always is.
Common planning mistakes
- Arriving late with nothing booked. Long-haul flights often land at night. A pre-arranged pick-up removes the guesswork.
- Assuming a resort boat is included. Many motu resorts charge separately for airport transfers. Check the rate when you book, and whether luggage travels on the same boat.
- Booking the last ferry to Moorea after a long-haul arrival. If the flight is delayed you may miss it. A night on Tahiti is often the calmer option.
- Expecting services outside flight times. On small islands, rental desks, taxis and pension hosts work around the flight schedule. If you arrive by boat or on a changed flight, call ahead so someone is there.
Accessibility and individual needs
If anyone in your group uses a wheelchair or walks with difficulty, tell each transfer provider in advance. Ask specifically about vehicle steps, boat boarding from the dock and whether crew can help with transfers. Resort boats are often more stable and better equipped than small taxi boats. Families travelling with infants should request child seats when booking road transfers; they may not be available on the spot.
After booking
Put every transfer in one list: date, time, operator, phone number and booking reference. Share your flight numbers with each provider, and keep the list somewhere you can reach without data. Our Faa'a airport guide covers the arrival formalities and the connection times to allow before a domestic flight.
On the day
If your international flight is delayed, message the transfer company and your first hotel as soon as you can. On the outer islands, a quick call to your host is often the only way to make sure someone is waiting at the airstrip or dock.