Taking a Taxi in Tahiti
Given you can drive across the island of Tahti in one day, a local taxi is a great way to see the sights and beaches so that you don’t have to stand around in the heat waiting for a bus. Taxis can be taken from a taxi stand on the street, booked over the phone or via a Tahiti taxi app, or flagged down when you see one passing.
The Department of Transport highly regulates drivers and taxis across the entire archipelago, ensuring that regular checks and maintenance are undertaken. Each official taxi in Tahiti must have a “TAXI” rooftop sign and they are allowed to transport up to eight passengers. This is also the case for the nearby island of Moorea. A taximeter should also be installed to calculate the fare.
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How much is a taxi?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CITY | 18 € | 24 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM PAPEETE TO PUNA'AUIA | 22 € | 30 € | 30 MIN |
| FROM PAPEETE TO HITIAA O TE RA | 46 € | 69 € | 38 MIN |
| FROM PAPEETE TO POINTE VENUS BEACH | 25 € | 34.50 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM PAPEETE TO FA'ARUMA'I WATERFALLS | 40 € | 60 € | 32 MIN |
Tahiti Taxi Prices
Tahiti taxi rates are set by the French Polynesia government and were last updated in 2023. Taxis calauclate their fares using a taximeter based on the time and distance traveled, with different tariffs in place during the day (06:00–20:00), and at night (20:00–06:00). A “waiting charge” will also be applied when the vehicle either comes to a stop or moves slowly, such as in traffic.
Day Tariff/Tariff 1
Initial fee: €8.38 (XPF 1,000)
Price per km: €1.34 (XPF 160)
Waiting time per hour: €20.95 (XPF 2,500)
Night Tariff/Tariff 2
Initial fee: €8.38 (XPF 1,000)
Price per km: €2.18 (XPF 260)
Waiting time per hour: €20.95 (XPF 2,500)
An additional surcharge of €0.81 (XPF 100) will be added for any luggage items over 5 kilograms, and for riding with more than four passengers or booking a Tahiti taxi service with five or more seats, there is an extra charge of €4.19 (XPF 500).
Perhaps the most interesting surcharge, however, is the one that’s applied to routes which include excessive hills. In this instance, you’ll be charged €4.19 (XPF 500) on top of your final fare.
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How to get a taxi in Tahiti
Taxi drivers in Tahiti may operate independently or as part of a company. As such, you will notice that vehicles may be different makes, models, and colors. Nevertheless, a Tahiti taxi shouldn’t be more than 10 years old, and the “TAXI” sign on the roof should be lit up when the driver is available.
Grabbing a taxi on the island is easy as you can simply wave one down when you see one. Alternatively, you can walk to one of the few permanent taxi stands found on both Tahiti and Moorea. The easiest place to find a taxi on Tahiti is in Papeete, in particular outside hotels and shopping centers. Look for a blue sign with black and white “TAXI” lettering.
How to get a taxi from Fa’a’ā International Airport
To take a taxi from Tahiti Airport to Downtown Papeete, exit the Arrivals Hall and cross the road; the taxi stand should be on your right. There is no need to book but you may have to wait in line for an available driver, especially at night.
How to get a taxi in Papeete
There are four permanent taxi stands in the center of Papeete. The main ones can be found outside Vaima Shopping Center and along Pomare Boulevard near Place Vai’ete, the most popular place for gathering downtown.
You will also find one adjacent to the ferry terminal and alongside the Papeete market.
How to get a taxi in Moorea
If you’re planning a day trip to this nearby island or staying a little longer to fully relax and unwind, you’ll be glad to know there is a taxi stand located at both entrance points — outside the airport and ferry terminal.
Most popular taxi apps in Tahiti
Using a Tahiti taxi app can be a useful and reliable way to arrange your transport across the island, especially at night or during busier holiday periods. While this is a great way to have a driver come to you, as services are limited across the island, wait times can still be lengthy.
Tāpe’a Taxi is the current taxi app in use; we recommend downloading it and registering before leaving home.
When it comes to rides to and from Tahiti Airport, it’s best not to leave anything to chance, which is why we suggest pre-booking your transfer with Welcome Pickups. We guarantee on time pick-ups with an English-speaking driver, ensuring your journey is stress-free.
How to call a taxi in Tahiti?
Another popular and easy way to arrange a taxi in Tahiti is by number. Most taxi services are individually operated with just one vehicle on offer. A few Tahiti taxi providers you can call for an on-demand service are:
- Taxi Bob (Van/5 seats): +689 (87) 78 08 82
- Taxi Françoise (4 seats): +689 (87) 77 01 60
- Taxi Arianne (6 seats): +689 (87) 34 23 67
- Taxi Johnny (Van/8 seats): +689 (89) 26 32 68
Benefits of booking your Tahiti taxi transfer with Welcome
Exploring new destinations can be overwhelming, especially when traveling with children or in a larger group. Navigating unfamiliar public transportation systems and communicating in a foreign language can also amplify the stress of traveling. That is why opting for a pre-booked private transfer with a local English-speaking driver is the best way to travel.
Welcome Pickups guarantees stellar customer service, 24/7 personalized door-to-door transfers, a wide selection of vehicles and on-time pickups. Additionally, our drivers undergo meticulous selection and training, ensuring a reliable, enjoyable and memorable ride every time. So start your holiday with peace of mind and book your Tahiti taxi in under 60 seconds with Welcome.
Tahiti taxi tips
- Tipping your taxi driver in Tahiti is not mandatory or expected. However, feel free to leave a 5–10% tip if you enjoyed your ride.
- Some taxis in Tahiti accept card payments; however, cash is typically preferred. To avoid any inconvenience, it’s best to ask your driver before starting your ride.
- Moorea follows the same rules and standards as Tahiti taxis.
- A current price list must be on display and in view of the passenger inside the taxi.
- During bad weather or morning and afternoon rush hours, it can be difficult to find a taxi on the street. If you need to be somewhere at a certain time, it is best to pre-book your ride with Welcome Pickups.
- Tahiti taxis can’t be hailed on the street within 200 meters of a taxi stand.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Tahiti
Regrettably, regular Tahiti taxis cannot accommodate wheelchair users that require ramps, straps, or other specialized equipment. However, some larger taxis can store a foldable wheelchair in the trunk.
A van can be booked through either Taxi Bob or Taxi Johnny; it’s best to confirm your trip details and requirements with the driver at least 48 hours in advance.
Tahiti taxi safety and complaints
Tahiti taxis are known for being safe and reliable since vehicles are required to undergo a maintenance check every 6 months. Still, if you encounter a bad experience, you can file a complaint with the Taxi Syndicats Coordination of Tahiti by calling +689 89 40 10 30 or filling in their online form. Please notify them of your experience and ensure you keep your receipt, as it contains valuable information you may be asked for.