Faa'a Airport serves Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, on the island of Tahiti, approximately 5 km from the city center.
It is the main aviation hub of the archipelago, departure point for domestic flights to Bora Bora, Moorea, and the other islands of the Society, Tuamotu, and Marquesas.
How to get to Faa'a International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to PPT
Parking near Faa'a International Airport
In front of the terminal is the official parking area.
It is video-monitored; rates are high, consistent with the local cost of living, among the highest in the world.
How to get to Papeete from PPT
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Faa'a International Airport
Major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area.
Driver's license, passport, and a credit card in the driver's name are the documents required for the security deposit.
Hotels near Faa'a International Airport
Faa'a, steps from the terminal
The terminal is less than 5 minutes by car from the InterContinental and the Hilton Hotel Tahiti, both with their own shuttle; the Tahiti Airport Motel can be reached on foot in about 200 metres from the arrivals exit.
Best for: Technical stopovers toward the islands and Air Tahiti domestic flights the next morning, when it pays to stay minutes from check-in.
- Chain hotels' own shuttle, handy for an early-morning domestic flight
- Pools and in-house restaurants cover the evening without having to head into town
- Papeete's seafront with the roulottes and the market stays 10-15 minutes away by taxi
- An airport-oriented area, little to see on foot besides the hotel's beach
Recommended hotels
- InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa Less than 5 minutes from the terminal, with overwater bungalows and a view of Moorea across the channel; an infinity pool and a rebuilt marae in the garden, among the few cultural attractions within walking distance of the airport. View availability
- Hilton Hotel Tahiti Tahiti's newest beachfront hotel, minutes from the terminal, the cruise port and downtown Papeete; outdoor pool with a view of Moorea and six private cabanas on the lagoon. View availability
- Tahiti Airport Motel About 200 metres from the arrivals exit, reachable on foot: the cheapest option for those with only a few hours between a stopover and the next flight. View availability
Papeete, downtown and the seafront
About 6 km from the airport, 10-15 minutes by taxi or public bus; the ferry to Moorea leaves from the downtown pier, not from the airport, handy for those combining the two islands.
Best for: Those with more than one full day in Tahiti who want the municipal market, the goélette pier for Moorea and the evening roulottes within walking distance.
- Papeete's market, port and evening roulottes reachable on foot from the seafront hotels
- Boarding for the Moorea ferries right downtown, convenient for continuing the trip by sea
- Heavy traffic around the port roundabout at rush hour
- This is the urban seafront, not a beach: for real swimming you need to head out of town
Recommended hotels
- Boutique Hôtel Kon Tiki Tahiti On the seafront, across from the Moorea ferry pier and 7 minutes on foot from the municipal market; a panoramic terrace over the port with a view of Moorea. View availability
- Ali'i Tahiti A studio in a residential building facing Paofai Park, 2 minutes on foot from the Pearl Museum and about 8 from the market: a budget option that still keeps you downtown. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is appropriately sized for its role as the archipelago's primary hub. From check-in to gate, the walk is typically 10–15 minutes.
For international flights, arriving 3 hours early is recommended; for domestic flights to the islands, 1–1.5 hours is generally sufficient.
Map of Faa'a International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do you need a visa for French Polynesia?
No for most Western nationalities, including Italian, for tourist stays of up to 90 days; however, a passport is required, an ID card is not enough, since the territory is not part of the EU.
Q. How do you get to Bora Bora from Papeete?
With a domestic flight (about 50 minutes) or, alternatively, a ferry: most visitors choose the flight given its competitive cost and convenience.
Q. Why is French Polynesia so expensive?
The cost of living, especially in the resorts of Bora Bora and Moorea, is among the highest in the world, due to geographic isolation and high import costs.
Q. What are Tahitian black pearls?
Pearls cultivated in the lagoons of French Polynesia, renowned worldwide for their dark, iridescent colour, among the archipelago's most famous and sought-after souvenirs.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
