If you’re planning an island getaway to French Polynesia, you’ll be landing at Faa’a International Airport. From here, there are three transport options to choose from to cover the 7-kilometer distance to Downtown Papeete.
One of the most convenient ways to get from Faa’a Airport to downtown Papeete is to take a Tahiti Airport taxi or a private transfer. Taxis are readily available and provide a direct and hassle-free transfer to the city center in just 10 minutes.
A more cost-savvy alternative is to use the public bus system. There is a public bus that operates regular routes between the airport and Papeete, taking 40 minutes without wait or transfer times.
3 ways to get from Faa'a Airport to Papeete in Tahiti
PRICE FOR 
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €36 | 10min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| If you're traveling with children or with lots of luggage, you can't beat the convenience of a private transfer. | ||||||
Taxi | €21 | 10min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| If you're arriving after 16:00 and haven't made any onward travel arrangements, a taxi may be your only transfer option. | ||||||
Bus | €3.40 | 40min | 05:12–17:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| If you're traveling light and don't mind walking a to and from the bus stop, this is an ideal transport option for those on a budget. | ||||||
Choosing to take a taxi from Tahiti Airport to your Papeete hotel is the most comfortable way to travel. Tahiti Airport taxis provide safe and reliable door-to-door services, getting you to Papeete in as little as 10 minutes. Since most taxis are run independently, there is usually a selection of vehicles available, with room for up to eight passengers.
Bookings aren’t required so you can simply turn up and go, and the cost of your journey will be determined by a taximeter.
Taxi fare from Faa'a Airport to Papeete, Tahiti
Taxis in Tahiti calculate their fares using a taximeter based on the time and distance traveled. Your 10-minute taxi from Faa’a Airport to Papeete in Tahiti should cost around €18 (XPF 2,150) during the day, and €24 (XPF 2,860) at night.
If you’d rather secure a competitive fixed price with an English-speaking local driver, you can pre-book a personalized airport taxi with Welcome Pickups.
Where do I get a taxi from?
You can easily find the Faa’a International Airport taxi rank as you exit the Arrivals Hall. Once outside the terminal building, cross the road and a line of taxis should be waiting to the right.
Convenience
Catching a taxi from Faa’a Airport to Papeete, Tahiti, is a convenient and stress-free transport option, especially for those traveling with children or carrying heavy luggage. Taxis are accessible around the clock and will drop straight to the curb of your hotel, so you can unwind and enjoy a comfortable start to your holiday. The only downside is finding an available taxi and fending off drivers offering you rides.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreA more economical alternative to a taxi is to take a bus from Tahiti Airport to Papeete, Tahiti. The No.12 bus service operates regularly each day of the week, transporting passengers to Downtown Papeete in around 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Keep in mind, however, that since this is a public bus, large luggage items generally aren’t accepted on board.
*The bus makes numerous stops along the way so be sure to let the driver know where you are staying so they know where to let you off.
How much is the bus from Faa'a Airport to Papeete, Tahiti?
If you are planning on taking the bus from Tahiti Airport to downtown, a one-way ticket costs €1.70 (XPF 200) per person. You can purchase your bus ticket from ticket vending machines and booths in the Arrival Hall.
The bus is available daily from 05:12 to 17:00.
Where do I get the bus from?
You can find the bus stop along Nelson Mandela Road, which is a 5-minute walk from the Tahiti Airport exit; clear signage will indicate the way.
Convenience
Taking the bus is a great way to save money as buses frequently run from the airport to Downtown Papeete. However, if you are arriving after 17:00, you will have no option but to take a taxi or pre-book a private Tahiti Airport transfer. Furthermore, you will have to walk or take a taxi from the bus stop in town to your hotel, which can add time and money to your journey.
Timetables
Bus Timetables
Airport – Downtown Papeete
Useful Tips
For an elevated travel experience that combines comfort and convenience, the best transport option from Tahiti Airport to your hotel in Papeete is a private transfer. When you book with a company like Welcome, you’ll receive a fully personalized Tahiti Airport transfer, including a door-to-door service and a friendly, professional driver, hand-picked for their local knowledge of the island.
Additional perks include a competitive set rate fee, guaranteed on-time pickups, and a meet-and-greet service at the airport. On top of that, as you sit back and relax, your driver will provide information on all the amazing things to see and do in Tahiti and give you a mini tour of the island along the way.
How much is a private transfer from Tahiti Airport to Papeete, Tahiti?
Arranging a private transfer with Welcome Pickups couldn’t be easier. Not only will you receive a fully-inclusive upfront cost, but the whole process takes less than a minute when booked online or through the app. No need to worry about the meter going up or all the extra surcharges that come with a regular cab.
For instance, a journey downtown in a stylish sedan that seats three passengers will set you back €36 (XPF 4,296), or if you need a more spacious vehicle, one of our minivans will do the trick, comfortably seating up to eight passengers and their luggage for €62 (XPF 7,398).
Private transfers are available around the clock from Faa'a International Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
When you arrive at Tahiti Airport, Welcome’s fully-trained driver will be waiting for you at the arrival gate, holding up a sign with your name. After a warm greeting and introduction, they will assist you and your travel companions to your pre-selected vehicle and help you get settled so that your transfer downtown can begin.
Convenience
A private transfer is by far the most convenient option for traveling between Tahiti Airport and Downtown. While a standard taxi is a great choice, a Tahiti Airport transfer comes with so many extra benefits, including a mini tour of the city, a personalized meet-and-greet at the airport, and a guaranteed on-time pickup, allowing you to relax knowing everything has been taken care of.
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 3 passengers
€49Starting from 16.3 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 8 passengers
€70Starting from 8.8 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 12 passengers
€98Starting from 8.2 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Tahiti Airport to Papeete?
There are three options for your transportation from Tahiti Airport to your hotel; you can take a taxi or private transfer, which takes 10 minutes, or you can take the airport bus, which takes 40 minutes.
How far is Papeete from the airport?
The closest airport to Papeete, the capital city of Tahiti, is Faa’a International Airport (PPT), located 5 kilometers southwest of the city center.
Is there a bus from Faa'a Airport to Papeete?
Yes, the public bus route 12 runs along the main road adjacent to the airport (Nelson Mandela Road). The journey to Downtown Papeete takes roughly 40 minutes.
Transfer Options in Tahiti
Tahiti Taxi - Prices & Useful Tips for Taxi in Tahiti | Welcome
Taking a Taxi at Tahiti Airport: Compare All Taxi Options & Prices