Are you planning a trip to Moorea and not sure how to get from Tahiti to Moorea? There are not many options available, but this post will cover all the details you need to know for a seamless transport to the heart of Polynesia.
Options to go from Tahiti to Moorea
Transportation options, there are only two: take a flight or take a ferry. The views for both options will be beautiful but the cost is going to differ greatly.
Flying to Moorea
If you want to fly, there are no nonstop flights to Moorea. All airlines that fly to French Polynesia will stop in Tahiti first. Per usual, all passengers will complete arrival with security and immigration.
If you are flying with an airline that does not stop in Tahiti and then take you on to Moorea, you can book your ticket online.
The Flight Time and Cost
The flight time ia about 15 minutes and the cost (depending on the time of year) for a round trip flight can range from 200-400 USD.
Take the Ferry
The time to transport to the ferry station from the airport by taxi is about 12 – 15 minutes. It is critical to know that the last ferry from Tahiti to Moorea departs at 5:30 pm except Sundays the last ferry is at 6:10 pm.
That being said, if your flight arrives after 4:00 pm you will most likely need to stay one night in Tahiti and then catch the ferry to Moorea the next morning.
ferry options
There are two ferry companies: Aremiti and Terevau. For the most part, the schedule rarely changes. However, things do happen so it is best to keep an eye on the schedule to ensure there are no last minute changes.
Where to Buy ferry tickets
You can buy tickets in person at the station or you can book online here.
ferry Transfer Time and Cost
The total time for the ferry to go from Papeete (Tahiti) to Moorea is about 45-50 minutes. Taking the ferry is the most affordable option with Vaeara’i for $18 USD.
How to get to the ferry
Day and night at the airport, you will find taxis waiting. Even if your flight arrives after midnight, there will be a couple taxis. There is no Uber or Lyft in Polynesia and it is highly recommended to take out cash from the ATM in the airport located near McDonalds.
ferry schedules
To make things as easy as possible for you, I have linked both schedules here: Aremiti and Vaeara’i
Where to Stay in Moorea
Taking a Rental Vehicle on the ferry
Taking a rental car on the ferry: arrive in person one hour before departure. Park and purchase tickets for both the people and vehicle. You will need to provide paperwork as the price of the car ticket will depend on the size/weight class of the vehicle.
Wait in your vehicle until the ferry staff members instruct you to drive the car inside the ferry. I must admit, it is quite fun. Unfortunately, you do not ride in the car. That being said, you will walk upstairs and find a seat. You can sit inside or outside, there are food and options inside. As the ferry approaches Moorea, you will notice people walking downstairs. This is your cue to also walk back down and get ready to exit. Motorbikes and cars are the first to disembark the ferry.
Transportation on Moorea
Options: Car rental, scooter rental, taxi bicycle, e-bike, walking, bus and hitchhiking.
Driving on the island of Moorea is as easy as it gets. There is one road that goes around the entire island. Driving nonstop around the island takes about 45 minutes. There is no Uber or Lyft in Tahiti or Moorea. To read the full details and know my personal rental recommendations, continue on to read How to get around on Moorea.
When I left corporate health care to travel full time, French Polynesia was my first destination.
The Tahitian way of life restored my faith in humanity. Most importantly, it reset my heart and soul back to what really matters in life.
Every year, I return for a few months to explore new islands and see friends. In total, I have spent one year living on the islands.
With each trip back to Polynesia, I will continue to update and share more information here for you.
Enjoy your trip!
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