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Papeete car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

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Cheap car hire in Papeete

Small car
Small
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Medium car
Medium
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Large car
Large
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Luxury car
Luxury
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Van car
Van
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SUV car
SUV
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Commercial car
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Pickup truck car
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Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Papeete car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Papeete with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in Papeete?

You should book your car hire in Papeete around 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Papeete?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Papeete is February at an average cost of £49/day. June is the most expensive month to hire a car in Papeete when prices are £72/day on average, which tends to be 22% above the yearly average hire price for Papeete.

Which car hire company in Papeete has the most locations?

Avis, Hertz and Shouqi each operate 2 locations in Papeete, more than any other car hire company.

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Papeete car hire price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right car hire in Papeete by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small cars

£44 - £61

All Car Types

£73 - £96

How much does it cost to hire a small car in Papeete?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Papeete?

How much does it cost to hire a large car in Papeete?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Papeete?

How much does it cost to hire a van in Papeete?

How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Papeete?

Small car hire in Papeete typically costs around £55 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average £44 per day, which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 37% cheaper than the average car hire in Papeete, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in Papeete typically costs around £91 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average £51 per day, which is about 44% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 5% more expensive than the average car hire in Papeete, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car hire in Papeete typically costs around £109 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average £95 per day, which is about 13% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 21% more expensive than the average car hire in Papeete but offer more comfort for longer trips.

SUV hire in Papeete typically costs around £97 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average £75 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 11% more expensive than the average car hire in Papeete but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van hire in Papeete typically costs around £136 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average £116 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 37% more expensive than the average car hire in Papeete but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Luxury car hire in Papeete typically costs around £52 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average £43 per day, which is about 18% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are currently 41% cheaper than the average car hire in Papeete, which defies expectations.

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

Europcar
Small
£86/day
£77/day

Papeete car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Papeete 
Verified travelerJun 2026
Make sure to carefully check whether your rental includes unlimited mileage or how many kilometers are included, as some rentals in Papeete charge per kilometer driven. Also, if extra insurance is the very first thing they ask about before going through the rental details, take your time and review everything carefully before answering.
DaneJun 2025
Make the process for picking up a car much quicker. Many companies in the US offer express pick where you can walk out and drive out with the car and not even have to stop by the counter
Verified travelerMay 2024
No unlimited mileage - if you plan to drive around the island. Upgrade your plan. Don’t worry if you miss an exit because there are so many round about roundabouts. The locals are very nice - especially when they see the big rental sticker on your car and give you right of way.
WilliamApr 2024
Be aware that mileage is not included in the rental fee. Most cars are very small with limited inventory available. Be sure to reserve ahead online.
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.

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Papeete

  • Papeete car hire is the easiest way to get around the area, as public transport options are slim and taking taxis constantly can add up and take valuable time out of your travels. There is plenty to see and do in Papeete that having car hire will enable you to get to. The coastlines contain a lot of hidden gems, and the mountains and waterfalls are definitely worth the drive to see.
  • Sorting out your car hire in Papeete is easy at Faa'a International Airport (PPT), also known as Tahiti International Airport. As soon as you reach the arrivals area, you will see signs directing you to the hire car offices in Terminal 1. Be sure to bring your driver’s licence, credit card in your name and confirmation of your booking. A second driver can be nominated for your car hire in Papeete, and they will need to provide their driver’s licence as well.
  • Driving your car hire in Papeete is fairly straightforward. While you’re in the main area, there can be a bit of traffic, but there’s not much to watch out for. Once out of Papeete and driving in quieter areas, take it slow; pedestrians in more remote areas are not used to a lot of traffic, and stray dogs and wildlife tend to wander on the road. Locals can also do the opposite here, and they can overtake in some scary circumstances at times.
  • While the majority of French Polynesia has quiet roads, Papeete is the capital and has all the congestion as the arrival and exit point for tourism and travel. Vehicles, motorbikes and scooters are all trying to navigate a relatively small area, and it can get quite pushy and backed up, so allow a little time for traffic while still in the city.
  • 25% of our users found a car hire in Papeete for £77 or less

FAQs about car hire in Papeete

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

    Assuming you’re travelling to French Polynesia to explore the wild wilderness it has to offer, you would be best to go with an SUV or 4WD for your car hire in Papeete. The interior mountains of Tahiti can only be accessed by 4WD or private tour, so selecting a compact or economy vehicle is really going to limit some of the options for your adventures. You will definitely want to ensure your car hire in Papeete has air conditioning, to keep you comfortable on your adventures, and a navigation system will be a bonus to ease your travels.

  • What’s the speed limit in Papeete?

    The speed limit in Papeete is generally 40 km/h until you reach the open road. Most towns and villages, or simply the built-up areas, have the same limit of 40 km/h. Usually you will find the speed limit is 80 km/h on the open roads, but there is some random variation between these speeds in some areas, so be sure to pay close attention to signs.

  • Where are the best places to park in Papeete?

    Parking in Papeete can be tricky, as the city was never really designed for traffic but now has plenty. There are a few paid public car parks in the city, with a rate for the day between F 750 and 850 (A$ 9.90 and 11.20) or around F 100 (A$ 1.32) for the first hour. It is ideal to find accommodation in Papeete that includes free secure parking and explore the city by bike or on foot. Once you head out of the city and into the wilderness of French Polynesia, you will have no problems with parking.

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

    On average a car hire in Papeete costs £86 per day.

  • Which car hire agencies are at Faaa airport (PPT)?

    The only car hire company onsite at Faaa airport is keddy by Europcar.

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

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

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

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

  • How much does a Small car hire cost in Papeete?

    A Small car hire in Papeete costs £38 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Large car hire cost in Papeete?

    A Large car hire in Papeete costs £143 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Luxury car hire cost in Papeete?

    A Luxury car hire in Papeete costs £47 per day, on average.

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

    In Papeete, cars are most frequently hired at Europcar Faa A Centre (3 miles from city centre).

  • Should I get insurance when hiring a car in Papeete?

    Most car hire providers in Papeete offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car hire in Papeete, check out KAYAK's car hire insurance guide.

Papeete car hire reviews and directory

 

Hertz

7.1

Good

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

7.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.1

Value for money

6.8

2 locations in Papeete

Locations in Papeete

Faaa Intl Airport

+689 40 43 04 30

Monday00:00 - 01:0005:00 - 23:59
Tuesday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 03:00
Wednesday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 03:00
Friday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday00:00 - 01:0005:00 - 23:59
Sunday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 03:00

Route De Ceinture Tipaerui

+689 40 43 04 30

Monday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:00
Tuesday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:00
Wednesday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:00
Thursday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:00
Friday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jun 2026

Economy

KAYAK
Until this experience, everyone we met in Tahiti reflected the warm island spirit. The first thing the agent asked us about was adding extra insurance, and after we declined it, his attitude noticeably changed. Also, it was the first time we rented a car with zero kilometers included and had to pay per kilometer driven. The car itself was fine, but the customer experience did not match the hospitality we experienced everywhere else in Tahiti.

2.0 Poor

Onnalisa, May 2026

Passenger van

KAYAK
They did not have the cars I reserved

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Dec 2025

Compact

KAYAK
The hertz representative was helpful, but I was asked to check that the condition of the vehicle matched what was annotate on the rental agreement. It was raining and dark a very poor situation to check the condition of the vehicle.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Mar 2025

Economy

KAYAK
That car had damage all over it. It was very scary being in another country and all they did was say take pictures.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2025

Economy

KAYAK
Everything was excellent. Your employee Christopher was excellent at explaining everything and very patient His customer service was excellent

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Dec 2024

Compact

KAYAK
Very long wait for car

1 out of 10

Avis

8.8

Very Good

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

8.0

2 locations in Papeete

Locations in Papeete

56 Rue Des Remparts

+689 40 54 10 10

Monday07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday07:30 - 17:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:00
Friday07:30 - 17:00
Saturday07:30 - 16:00

Terminal Building

+689 40 85 02 84

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

Filters

Reviews

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Jan 2025

Compact

KAYAK
Like the gas mileage Not like the condition of car

10.0 Wonderful

Lorin, Sept 2024

Compact

KAYAK
No English speaking in Bora Bora pick up point Would have been much better if they could speak a bit more English

1 out of 1

Europcar

8.0

Very Good

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

7.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

7.5

One location in Papeete

Locations in Papeete

Faa A Centre

+689 89 40 06 58

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

5.3

Fair

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

6.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.6

Value for money

6.0

2 locations in Papeete

Locations in Papeete

Faaa Intl Airport

+689 40 43 04 30

Monday00:00 - 01:0005:00 - 23:59
Tuesday00:00 - 03:0005:00 - 23:59
Wednesday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 03:00
Friday00:00 - 01:0005:00 - 23:59
Saturday00:00 - 01:0005:00 - 23:59
Sunday00:00 - 03:0005:00 - 23:59

Route De Ceinture Tipaerui

+689 40 43 04 30

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Dane, Jun 2025

Economy

KAYAK
The pick up line was absolutely horrible, we waited over 2 hours in line to get our car. Their process seems to be very inefficient compared to other rental agencies in the US and Europe. After a long flight the last thing you want to do is stand in line for 2 hours waiting for a rental car.

2.0 Poor

Gonzalo, Jul 2024

Economy

KAYAK
The service at the office is disastrous. We had to wait 1:30 hours for check-in when our flight arrived at 11pm. So we left the office at 12:30 am. The drop-off was as well awful. The attending people were the most unpleasant people that we found in the whole island, very cocky and not helpful. Awful experience. They are a franchise of Hertz. Avis was more expensive but the service seemed much more professional. The counter is one in front of the other. Stay away from Hertz or Thrifty in Papeete!

1 out of 1

Fox

No score available yet

One location in Papeete

Locations in Papeete

Europcar, Tahiti Faa'a Airport, Faa'a Centre

+1 800 225 4369

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

keddy by Europcar

No score available yet

One location in Papeete

Locations in Papeete

Papeete Faa'A Intl Airport (Tahiti)

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Shouqi

No score available yet

One location in Papeete

Locations in Papeete

Papeete Faa'a Intl Airport (tahiti)

+86 10 6064 1387

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

94 travellers who hired a car in Papeete gave the car agency they used an average rating of 7.2

Car hire locations in or near Papeete

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Travelling to a place near Papeete?

Hire a car at Papeete if you plan to visit one of these locations
Faaa
Punaauia

Car hire insurance in Papeete

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver

Some Papeete car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend being aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Papeete.

See Collision Damage Waiver offersSee Theft Protection Waiver offers

Deductible

Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a non-deductible option to your Papeete car hire.

See deductible offers

More options for your car hire in Papeete

Papeete car hire information

Pick-up locationPapeete
Car types
Hire locations8
Airport locations5