Hire a car at the airport of Papeete

Hiring a car directly at Tahiti Faa’a Airport saves you time and allows you to make the most of your stay in Tahiti from the moment you arrive. You can easily explore Papeete, the island’s beaches and its magnificent natural sites at your own pace, without relying on public transport or expensive taxis.

Hiring a car in Tahiti Faa’a gives you complete freedom. You can discover Papeete, its markets and idyllic beaches, and explore spectacular landscapes such as Papenoo Valley or Moorea Lagoon, while enjoying the freedom to explore wherever and whenever you like.

To hire a car in Tahiti, you must present a valid driving licence (held for at least 1 to 2 years, depending on the agency), an identity document and a credit card for the deposit. If you are an international visitor, an international driving permit may be required.

Yes, you can add an additional driver to your rental agreement for an extra fee. This can be useful if you plan to share the driving on longer excursions around the island.

Most rental agencies require a credit card to guarantee the rental. However, some agencies may accept debit cards under certain conditions. We therefore recommend checking with the agency before finalising your booking.

Yes, some rental agencies at Tahiti Faa’a offer 24/7 returns, allowing you to return your vehicle at any time, even outside the counter’s opening hours.

It is not essential to hire a 4x4 to explore Tahiti, as the main roads are generally well paved. However, if you plan to venture into more remote areas or onto mountain tracks, a 4x4 is recommended for greater comfort and safety.

Yes, you can take your rental car on the ferry from Tahiti to Moorea. However, it is important to check the specific terms and conditions with your rental agency, as some may have restrictions on ferry crossings.

Yes, in Papeete you will find several public and private car parks where you can safely park your rental vehicle. Some hotels also offer parking spaces reserved for guests who hire a car.

Most rental agencies in Tahiti include basic insurance, but taking out comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended for full coverage, particularly in the event of theft, an accident or damage to the vehicle.

Although Tahiti’s main roads are generally safe, it is best to avoid certain unpaved secondary roads, especially after heavy rain, as they can be slippery or difficult to access. Ask your rental agency for advice on local road conditions.

With the truck-buses and regular buses, the island of Tahiti is relatively well served. A rental car is nevertheless a worthwhile option. It allows you to explore the island independently, especially at the end of the day when public transport services start to become less frequent.

The better question is: what kind of traveller are you? Almost all the roads in Tahiti are paved and in good condition. If you plan to spend your stay relaxing on one beach after another in Tahiti, an inexpensive city car will be more than sufficient. On the other hand, if you are adventurous by nature, you will want to explore Moorea’s interior, climb Mount Aorai or go scuba diving. In that case, you should hire an SUV or a pickup truck, which will take you along the less accessible roads and allow you to transport your equipment.

The island of Moorea is a jewel of French Polynesia. It offers postcard-perfect scenery, where the white sand of the beaches meets the lagoon’s turquoise waters. You can reach it by plane from Papeete. The island is not very large, but it is best explored with your rental car. To do so, you need to take the Aremiti car ferry. You will find it at the port of Papeete, 500 metres east of Tahiti Faaa International Airport. The journey takes 25 minutes and costs around 100 euros for a car and 15 euros per passenger.