PPTUpdated April 25, 2026

Getting to and from Tahiti Faa'a international airport

Papeete · French Polynesia

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PPT · Transportation

Ground transportation options

Public transportation, licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps, private transfers and car rental at Tahiti Faa'a airport (PPT), 5 km from Papeete. See also the airport guide for general information.

Buses

The public transport system has evolved significantly. The traditional trucks, known as Le Truck, have largely been replaced by the modern fleet of white buses operated by the Tere Tahiti network. These vehicles connect the airport with Papeete and other key points on the island.

Stops are located along the main road (RT1), which can be reached by crossing the car park in front of the terminal and going up the steps to the public road. Services run approximately every 15–20 minutes during the day. It is important to note that frequencies are significantly reduced on Saturdays, and services are limited or non-existent on Sundays and public holidays.

In addition, there are several companies offering minibus transfers and private transport services that must be booked in advance to ensure availability upon arrival:

  • Tere Tahiti
  • Marama Transports Touristiques
  • Tahiti Nui Travel
  • Fare Suisse
  • Tahiti Best Transport
  • Tahiti Private Services

Taxis

The taxi rank is located in front of Terminal 1 (Domestic). The journey to central Papeete usually takes around 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Vehicles are available 24 hours a day to cover both domestic and international flights.

Although there are reference fares set by the government (with surcharges at night, on weekends and for bulky luggage), vehicles do not always use a meter, so it is advisable to confirm the estimated fare with the driver before starting the journey or visit the official website of taxitahiti.com.

More information on public transport

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Tips for getting to and from PPT

Going to the airport

  1. Leave earlier than you think you need to: Tahiti Faa'a airport is 5 km from Papeete. Allow for rush-hour traffic, strikes or events, and check the local news before you go.
  2. On public transportation, check the schedule (weekends and holidays usually have fewer services), whether you need to change lines and how to pay: transit card, contactless or cash.
  3. If you booked a shared shuttle, keep the company's phone number at hand in case the pickup is late.
  4. Returning a rental car? Follow the signs to the rental car return area. If you drive your own car, check parking at PPT.

Leaving the airport

  1. After baggage claim and customs, follow the ground transportation signs. The arrivals page has a step-by-step guide.
  2. Arriving late at night? Not every bus or train runs 24 hours: check the last departure in advance. Ride-hailing apps usually pick up at a designated zone, not at the curb.
  3. With a private transfer, the driver usually waits in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name.
  4. Looking for the taxi rank, the train station or the rental desks, or meeting someone? See the PPT airport map and share a meeting point.
  5. Renting a car? Booking ahead gives you better rates; see car rental at PPT.
  6. Staying near the airport? See hotels and overnight stay or hotels near PPT.
German Giudici

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Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.