Rarotonga International Airport is the Cook Islands' only airport, located on the main island of the archipelago, approximately 3 km from Avarua, the capital.
It is the departure point for exploring Rarotonga and, through internal flights, the other islands of the archipelago such as Aitutaki.
How to get to Rarotonga International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to RAR
Parking near Rarotonga International Airport
A short walk from the terminal is a modest parking area.
The parking is unsupervised, but rates remain affordable.
How to get to Avarua from RAR
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Rarotonga International Airport
Some local car rental operators (cars and scooters) have desks in the arrivals area, convenient for exploring the entire island in one day given the unique perimeter road.
Bring driving licence, passport and a credit card registered to the driver for the security deposit; a temporary local driving permit is required, obtainable on-site at the Avarua police station. Drive on the left.
Hotels near Rarotonga International Airport
Avarua
About 5.8 km from the terminal, 10 minutes by car; 2 km (5 minutes) from the centre of Avarua.
Best for: Travellers arriving or departing on an international flight who want the shortest transfer, with the capital's shops and market just minutes away.
- The shortest transfer from the airport among the island's areas
- Shops, banks and Avarua's market just minutes away by car
- No sandy beach right in front: the coast here is mostly reef and surf break
- More limited evening life than Muri
Arorangi, west coast
About 7 km from the terminal, 6-7 minutes by car.
Best for: Travellers looking for white-sand beaches and sunsets over the sea, on the island's sheltered side.
- White-sand beach with good conditions for swimming and snorkelling at every tide
- A sheltered leeward side, with sunsets straight over the sea every evening
- Far from the Muri lagoon, the island's most touristy and photographed area (about 15 km away, on the opposite side)
- Few restaurants outside the resorts themselves
Recommended hotels
- Castaway Resort Small adults-only resort in Arorangi, on the sheltered west coast; white beach, pool and the Wilsons Sundowner beach bar for sunset drinks. 6 minutes from the airport. View availability
- Aroa Beachside Resort Beachfront bungalows in Aroa, 4.4 km from the centre and 7 minutes from the airport; tropical breakfast included and the Shipwreck Hut beach bar for lunches and cocktails. View availability
Muri Lagoon
About 13 km from the terminal, 15-20 minutes by car.
Best for: Travellers who want the most famous turquoise lagoon in the Cook Islands, with a wider choice of restaurants and boat tours.
- A shallow, calm lagoon, ideal for kayaking and snorkelling towards the motu (islets)
- The island's highest concentration of restaurants and tours, reachable on foot from the beach hotels
- A longer transfer from the airport than Avarua or Arorangi
- It's the island's most touristy and busy area, less authentic than the west coast
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is small and easily navigable, featuring a characteristic reception with local music and dances for international flights. From check-in to gate is generally a 5–10 minute walk.
International air connections are limited in frequency: always verify updated schedules well in advance. For international flights, it is advisable to arrive with at least 2–3 hours in advance.
Map of Rarotonga International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do I need a visa for the Cook Islands?
No, for any nationality: a free entry permit is granted on arrival, for up to 31 days, extendable to 180.
Q. What currency is used in the Cook Islands?
The Cook Islands dollar and the New Zealand dollar, interchangeable on the island; the former can't be spent outside the country, so it's worth exchanging or spending it before leaving.
Q. How big is Rarotonga?
Small: a single road circles its entire perimeter in about 45 minutes by car, making it easy to explore in a day with a rental car or scooter.
Q. How do you reach the other islands of the archipelago?
With a domestic flight from Rarotonga airport: Aitutaki, with its famous lagoon, is the most popular destination among the outer islands.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights