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Papeete car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65
Fri 3/5
Fri 10/5

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Papeete car rental information

Pick-up locationPapeete
Car types
Rental locations7
Airport locations5

Cheap car rentals in Papeete

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Mini
Economy
Compact
Intermediate
Standard
Full-size
Luxury
Minivan
Passenger Van
SUV
Commercial
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KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Papeete

  • Papeete car rentals provide a flexible and convenient way to explore the French Polynesian capital and nearby destinations. You can drive to some of Tahiti’s famous museums outside town, such as the Museum of Tahiti and the Gauguin, or stop at Notre Dame Cathedral and learn about the Papeete’s local history. Outside Papeete, you can drive to the Vaipahi Gardens, approximately 19 miles south, and enjoy a stroll through the garden, or take a day trip to Tahiti Iti, about 37 miles from Papeete, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and secluded beaches.
  • If you’re visiting Papeete, you’ll likely fly into Faa'a International Airport (PPT). The airport, which is around 3 miles southwest of Papeete, hosts several car rental companies, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Tahiti Easy Car. These companies have a rental desk inside the Terminal building, next to the Arrivals section. You’ll easily spot the rental desks when you walk out of customs. You can also book your preferred vehicle from any of the car rentals in Papeete online.
  • Driving in Papeete is generally easy because of the good, well-marked roads and patient drivers. You’ll also enjoy the beautiful scenery when driving in this city. Always be careful when approaching highly-populated areas such as school zones, business zones, and residential areas. Papeete has many roundabouts, so you should always slow down when approaching roundabouts and intersections. Always drive cautiously, especially at night, because you may encounter animals, pedestrians, and unlit motorbikes on poorly lit roads.
  • Since Papeete is the largest and busiest city in Tahiti, you will likely experience heavy traffic during peak travel seasons between May and October and at certain times of the day. Morning rush hour in Papeete starts from 7 am to 9 am, while evening rush hour starts from 3 pm to 7 pm.  Traffic in Papeete is common during rush hour because one road is used to access the city. The streets in the town center are generally busy and narrow with a lot of human traffic.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Papeete for C$ 45 or less
  • Book your rental car in Papeete at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Mini rental cars in Papeete are around 14% cheaper than other car types, on average

Papeete car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Papeete 
Verified travelerMar 2024
Be quiet! It is a very good and easy going option to rent a car! Korrekt!
Verified travelerJan 2024
Small cars are best. Roads, parking, everything is tight. Lots of roundabouts on Tahiti particularly near Papeete. There are a lot of people riding motorcycles so it’s kind of mayhem but people are courteous. Take it slow and you won’t have any trouble.
Verified travelerJan 2024
The island takes about three hours to drive around its one and only highway. There is little reason for a car unless one plans to spend a lot of time at a beach.
Verified travelerNov 2023
Stay with a small car. Streets can be narrow and parking spots tight. Also you share the road with numerous motorcycles and scooters.
Verified travelerOct 2023
Don’t miss your turn
Verified travelerJul 2023
Go to one of the local companies like Tahiti Rent, they’re friendly, relaxed, great communication and fantastic value for money. Definitely recommend renting a car in Tahiti to maximise your trip
AndreaJul 2023
Driving in Papeete is easy once you figure out the two lane round abouts.
RobJul 2023
Signage could be better. Where there are signs, sometimes they are small and so plentiful you can’t read them all. Other than that, driving wasn’t too bad. Lots of roundabouts. If you plan on exploring at all, get a 4x4 or something that is at least somewhat rugged.
Verified travelerJul 2023
For international travelers, set out additional times for returning the vehicle.

FAQs about renting a car in Papeete

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Papeete?

    On average a rental car in Papeete costs C$ 57 per day.

  • Can I rent an automatic car in Papeete?

    Yes, automatic cars are available in most car renting companies in Papeete. As cars with manual transmission are more common in many countries, you might have to pay an additional charge for renting an automatic car.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Papeete?

    Mini (Peugeot 108 or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Papeete.

  • Which car rental companies are at Faaa airport (PPT)?

    The only car rental company onsite at Faaa airport is Hertz.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Faaa airport (PPT)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Faaa airport to off-airport locations include Hertz and Avis.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Papeete?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does a Mini car rental cost in Papeete?

    A Mini car rental in Papeete costs C$ 53 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Papeete?

    An Intermediate car rental in Papeete costs C$ 58 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car rental cost in Papeete?

    A Compact car rental in Papeete costs C$ 65 per day, on average.

  • What is the most popular rental car location in Papeete?

    In Papeete, cars are most frequently rented at Hertz Route De Ceinture Tipaerui (2 km from city centre ).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Papeete?

    On average a rental car in Papeete costs C$ 402 per week (C$ 57 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Papeete?

    On average a rental car in Papeete costs C$ 1,721 per month (C$ 57 per day).

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Papeete?

    The type of car you choose from car rentals in Papeete will depend on the number of people you travel with and your luggage. Consider booking an economy rental if you are traveling alone with less luggage. A minivan rental may be ideal if you are traveling as a group and have more luggage. If you are visiting off road destinations outside Papeete, you should book an SUV to maneuver the terrains smoothly. Car rentals in Papeete have a selection of vehicles for different terrains with your preferred seating capacity.

  • What is the speed limit in Papeete?

    The general speed limit in Papeete and other French Polynesian islands is 40 km/h (24 mph) on most city streets and residential areas. On open roads or highways, the maximum speed limit is 80 km/h (48 mph). You’re likely to be stopped if you exceed the set speed limits. Adhere to the posted speed limits specific to each road to avoid hefty overspeeding fines or penalties.

  • Where are the best places to park in Papeete?

    Finding a parking spot in Downtown Papeete can be challenging. There are limited options, and you’ll likely find a lot that is small and difficult to navigate, especially for bigger cars like minivans and SUVs. The Ferry Terminal Parking in Papeete is a great place to park, offering 24-hour availability and added convenience for those planning to utilize the ferry service to another island. You may also consider parking garages like the municipal parking garage under Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) or the Centre Vaima basement garage. On-street parking is available from Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm, at a fee. Parking rates start from ₣100 ($0.90) per hour.

Papeete car rental reviews and directory

Hertz

7.0

Best rated
Cheapest deal
Most popular

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

7.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.8

Value for money

6.3

2 locations in Papeete

Show locations

Locations in Papeete

Faaa Intl Airport

+689 40 43 04 30

Monday00:00 - 03:0005:00 - 23:59
Tuesday06:00 - 22:00
Wednesday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 03:00
Thursday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 03:00
Friday05:00 - 23:59
Saturday00:00 - 03:0005:00 - 23:59
Sunday00:00 - 03:0005:00 - 23:59

Route De Ceinture Tipaerui

+689 40 43 04 30

Monday13:30 - 17:0007:30 - 12:00
Tuesday07:30 - 12:0013:30 - 17:00
Wednesday13:30 - 17:0007:30 - 12:00
Thursday13:30 - 17:0007:30 - 12:00
Friday13:30 - 17:0007:30 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Apr 2024

KAYAK
The car was small, but adequate, and ran without any problems. The problems were that the rental counter was understaffed and incredibly slow. There were 5 people in line when I arrived at the counter, and it took 2 hours to get a car which I had reserved online. Despite having an online reservation, I had to fill out all of my information on paper when I arrived. The staff had to go out to each car multiple times to check things on the car instead of having parking lot staff inspect the cars and communicate with the office staff electronically. The staff were friendly and appoligetic for the long waits to pick up and drop off the car, but the system which management has implemented is outdated and insufficient for the number of visitors who arrive on a large plane. The mileage fee of about $1 per mile, on top of a high weekly rate seemed exorbident.

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2022

KAYAK
Easy to pick up at the airport. Staff were very helpful. Spoke English. Had a problem getting into the gate when returning. My guy came out and talked w the responder in French and fixed it

6.0 Okay

Dec 2021

KAYAK
I was charged 59xpf per kilometer. My booking said 52xpf. Will follow up.

4.0 Mediocre

Dec 2021

KAYAK
I was charged 59 Xpf per kilometer instead of 52Xpf as the original booking said. I will follow up with Hertz.

8.0 Very good

May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Somehow I didn’t realize I ordered a car that changed for every kilometer until I was very tired, out of time and just trying to get to my destination before dark. It ended up being about 60 USD daily on average so not too horrible. I was fortunate in that the car I’d ordered wasn’t ready (I’d gotten an earlier flight) so she graciously offered me an upgrade. On another note, the car is clearly a rental so, not sure if it was the typical island drivers or what, but I got pushed around a lot. Tailgated, almost run off the road, but I was doing the speed limit so who knows.

10.0 Wonderful

Feb 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Reserved at one rate, agent found a lower rate that saved me about $20 for a one day rental.

1 out of 15

Avis

8.6

Very good

5 reviews

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.5

Value for money

8.0

2 locations in Papeete

Show locations

Locations in Papeete

56 Rue Des Remparts

+689 40 54 10 10

Monday07:30 - 12:00
Tuesday07:30 - 12:00
Wednesday07:30 - 12:00
Thursday07:30 - 12:00
Friday07:30 - 12:00
Saturday07:30 - 12:00

Terminal Building

+689 40 85 02 84

Monday05:00 - 23:59
Tuesday05:00 - 23:59
Wednesday05:00 - 23:59
Thursday05:00 - 23:59
Friday05:00 - 23:59
Saturday05:00 - 23:59
Sunday05:00 - 23:59

Filters

Reviews

6.4 Okay

Jan 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Convenient location.

Cons:

Expensive, poorly lit pickup lot. Unfriendly staff. Charges for damage not caused by me.

1 out of 1

Europcar

8.0

Very good

2 reviews

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

7.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

7.5

One location in Papeete

Show locations

Locations in Papeete

Papeete Faa'a Intl Airport (tahiti)

+689 40 86 61 96

Monday05:00 - 23:59
Tuesday05:00 - 23:59
Wednesday05:00 - 23:59
Thursday05:00 - 23:59
Friday05:00 - 23:59
Saturday05:00 - 23:59
Sunday05:00 - 23:59

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

3.0

Poor

No reviews available

One location in Papeete

Show locations

Locations in Papeete

Faaa Intl Airport

+689 40 43 04 30

Monday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 03:00
Tuesday06:00 - 22:00
Wednesday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 03:00
Thursday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 03:00
Friday05:00 - 23:59
Saturday00:00 - 03:0005:00 - 23:59
Sunday00:00 - 03:0005:00 - 23:59

Filters

No reviews available

keddy by Europcar

6.2

Okay

No reviews available

2 locations in Papeete

Show locations

Locations in Papeete

Meet And Greet- Customers Are Met At Arrival Hall

Opening times not available

Papeete Faa'A Intl Airport (Tahiti)

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Shouqi

No score available yet

One location in Papeete

Show locations

Locations in Papeete

Papeete Faa'a Intl Airport (tahiti)

+86 10 6064 1387

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

64 travellers who rented a car in Papeete gave the car agency they used an average rating of 6.5

Car rental locations in or near Papeete

Good to know

Most popular agency

Hertz

Most popular car type

Mini

Average price

C$ 57/day

Good deal

C$ 45/day

When to book a rental car in Papeete

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches