Transportation

In order to explore the island of Tahiti, there are different modes of transport available. Each varies in the comfort level offered and the expense incurred.

1. Air

Faaa, the international airport of Tahiti, is served by regular jet connections, linking Tahiti with the west coasts of the United States and South America as well as with the Australasian region. The airport is a 10-minute drive from Papeete, the capital city.

Air France connects Tahiti from LAX 3/4 times a week. Air New Zealand connects Tahiti from Auckland and Los Angeles. Air Tahiti Nui flies from Los Angeles daily. Aircalin, Air France, Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, Hawaiian Airlines, Lan Chile Airlines, and Qantas Airways also have flights to Tahiti.

2. Bus

The average Tahitian gets around by local bus. You can flag buses at official stops (called arrêt le bus in French). Most buses start at about 5am from owners' residences and carry on till the market in Papeete. Subsequently buses run to and fro from the market to the end of the route and back during the course of the day.

You will find the destinations served by each bus, written on the sides and front of the bus. Fares are 90 cents until 6pm and $1.50 after that. A trip to the end of the line in either direction costs about $4.50.

Short-distance buses, which are running towards the western direction, are painted red and white. They are generally lined up on the rue du Maréchal-Foch behind the Municipal Market and go along rue du Général-de-Gaulle.

Buses labeled Faaa, Maeva Beach, and Outuamaru will go along the airport and the Sheraton Hotel Tahiti and Inter-Continental Tahiti Beachcomber Resort.

Short-distance buses going towards the eastern direction are painted green and white. They are lined up in a queue along the block west of the Banque de Polynésie on boulevard Pomare, opposite the cruise ship terminal and near the Municipal Market and rue Paul Gauguin. Long distance buses going in either direction to Tahiti's south coast and Tahiti Iti are painted orange and white.

3. Car

Rented cars are most likely to be the most excellent option available for travelers who want to travel around the entire island according to their own conveniences. Tahiti has so many gorgeous sights that just cannot be missed. Renting a car is likely to be a great and most cost-effective way to see them all.

There are a lot of car rental agencies available to move around the place. Local services may offer cheaper rates but many prefer to rely on the well-known brands.

Some of the reliable services available are:

Avis

Tel. 800/331-1212 or 41.93.93

www.avis.com

Hertz

Tel. 800/654-3131 or 42.04.72

www.hertz.com

Europcar

Tel. 800/227-7368 or 45.24.24

www.europcar.com

4. Ferry

Moving around from one island to another is not a very big problem, as you will find many contemporary airstrips, well-paved highways, boats and ferries, that work. Travelers and tourist will find that transport here is reasonably priced and run on time.

There are several boats that leave to/from Moorea to Papeete a few times a day.

Moorea Express

Fare: $ 10.18

Reservations: Papeete 82 47 47 / Moorea 56 43 43

www.mooreaferry.pf

Moorea Ferry

Fare: $ 8.91

Reservations: Papeete 82 47 47 / Moorea 56 34 34

Aremiti

Fare: $ 11.32

Reservations: Papeete: 50 57 57

5. Ship

The Radisson Paul Gaugin proffers 7 day cruises around the Society Islands.

The Bora Bora Cruises organize a 7-day cruise from Bora Bora and there is another one called the Archipel cruises, which organize cruises for 4 to 7 day, in all French Polynesia.

The Aranui is a luxurious mixed-cargo, which takes tourist and travelers on a thrilling 16-day discovery, cruises of the Marquesas Islands.

6. Taxi

There are taxis available in and around the city. They operate around Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea and Bora Bora. You can look out for the Tiare Tahiti Blossom symbol that is placed on the Taxi light at the top of the cab if you are wondering if the driver speaks English or not. Taxis can be quite costly in Tahiti and hence recently the government has put instructions on tariffs and has also put up meters in some taxis. This has contributed in a considerable decrease in the cab fares.

Prices are displayed within, and if you are uncertain about the cost, it is better if you confirm it with the driver.

You will find that there are a number of taxi stands in the downtown center, and also close to all the major hotels and at the airport.