✈ Getting from Faa'a Airport to Downtown Papeete

Papeete, Tahiti’s captivating capital city, is an enchanting destination that beckons travellers with its natural beauty and vibrant Polynesian culture. The island is the gateway to French Polynesia and offers many experiences. From exploring the bustling markets filled with exotic fruits and local handicrafts to enjoying the turquoise waters and pristine beaches, Papeete is sure to leave visitors awe-inspired.

So when visiting this incredible city, you will be landing at Faa’a International Airport, and you have 2 options to get downtown; you can take a taxi or a bus. One of the most convenient ways to get from Faa’a Airport to downtown Papeete is to take a cab or a private transfer. Taxis are readily available and provide a direct and hassle-free transfer to the city centre in just 10 minutes. A more cost-savvy alternative is to use the public bus system. The “Navette Aéroport” bus operates regular routes between the airport and Papeete, taking 20 minutes.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Tahiti at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€21	10min	24/7
Bus	€3	20min	05:00–18:00

How to get from Faa'a Airport to downtown Papeete by taxi

Choosing to take a taxi or a private transfer for your transportation from Tahiti Airport to your hotel downtown is the most comfortable way to travel. Taxis provide safe and reliable door-to-door services, getting you to Papeete in only 10 minutes.

Taxi fare from Faa'a Airport to Papeete, Tahiti

Taxis in Tahiti calculate their fares using a taximeter based on the time and distance travelled. Your 10-minute trip from Faa’a Airport to downtown Papeete should cost around €21 (XPF 2,500) and €35 (XPF 4,170) at night or on weekends.

Nevertheless, if you prefer travelling at a competitive fixed price with an English-speaking local driver, you can pre-book a personalised airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

€21 (XPF 2,500)

Trip Duration

10 Min.

*Prices vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Tahiti International Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

You can easily find Faa’a International Airport taxi ranks as you exit the airport terminal.

Convenience

Opting for a taxi from Faa’a International Airport to Papeete, Tahiti, provides convenient and stress-free transportation, especially when travelling with children or carrying heavy luggage. Taxis are accessible round the clock and offer door-to-door services, allowing passengers to unwind and enjoy a comfortable journey to the city centre.

Editor’s Note

It is important to know that there is a price surcharge between 20:00 and 06:00 and on weekends and holidays.

Useful Tips

It is not mandatory to tip your taxi driver in Tahiti. However, you can always leave a 5 to 10% tip if you appreciated your ride.

A baggage supplement of €0.83 (XPF 1,000) is charged for each baggage item weighing 5 kgs or more.

Please note that some taxis in Tahiti accept card payments; however, most prefer to be paid in cash. For that reason, it is best to ask your driver beforehand.

How to get from Faa'a Airport to downtown Papeete by bus

A cost-savvy travel option would be to consider bus transportation from Tahiti Airport to your hotel, also known as the “Navette Aéroport”. Taking the bus from PPT to downtown is easy as the bus operates regularly, with a travel time of 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

How much is a bus ticket 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 €1.50 (XPF 180) per person. You can purchase your bus ticket at the airport’s ticket vending machines and booths.

Cost

€1.50 (XPF 180)

Trip Duration

20 Min.

The bus runs from Faa'a Airport to downtown Papeete every 20 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The bus is available Monday to Saturday from 05:00 to 18:00.

Where do I get the bus from?

You can find the bus stop near the Tahiti Airport exit; clear signage will indicate the way.

Convenience

Taking the bus from PPT to downtown is a great cost-savvy alternative; buses frequently run from the airport to Papeete, Tahiti. However, if you are travelling after 18:00, on a Sunday or early in the morning, you will need to take a taxi to the city centre.

Editor’s Note

It is recommended to check the bus route and schedule at the airport to ensure you are on the right bus platform.

Useful Tips

Please note that you must ring the bus bell for the bus driver to stop at your station.

The main bus stop in Papeete city centre is "Gare Routière de Papeete," which translates to "Papeete Bus Station".

It is important to know that the airport bus does not run on Sundays.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

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20 minute gap between transfers
Regular Car Sanitisation
Contactless ride
Sanitiser in every car

How much is a taxi from PPT Airport to Downtown?

Taxis in Tahiti use a taximeter to determine their fares. You can expect to pay around €21 (XPF 2,500) for your 10-minute trip from Faa’a Airport to downtown Papeete in the daytime, and around €35 (XPF 4,170) during nighttime and weekends.

Nonetheless, if you prefer a more convenient option with a fixed competitive rate and a local English-speaking driver, it is recommended to pre-book your airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.

How to get from PPT Airport to my hotel Downtown?

There are two options for your transportation from Tahiti Airport to your hotel; you can take a taxi or a private transfer, which takes 10 minutes, or, you can take the airport bus, also known as la Navette Aéroport, which takes 20 minutes.

What’s the closest airport to Tahiti’s Papeete?

The closest airport to Papeete, the capital city of Tahiti, is Faa’a International Airport (PPT), located 5 kilometres southwest of the city centre.

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How to get from Faa'a Airport to downtown Papeete by taxi