Papeete car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once for car hire deals in Papeete

Here is why travellers choose KAYAK

Save up to 39%Compare multiple travel sites with one search

Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.

Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.

Recommended by KAYAK
Useful Info
Recommended by KAYAK

Cheap car hire in Papeete

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People carrier car
People carrier
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
M
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular car type

Mini

When to book a car hire in Papeete

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Papeete car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Papeete 
Verified travelerNov 2024
Kia was better than the Peugeot 205 as the kia had more ground clearance, and was the nicer drive.
Verified travelerMar 2024
Be quiet! It is a very good and easy going option to rent a car! Korrekt!
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.
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.
  • Book your car hire in Papeete at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Mini hire cars in Papeete are around 36% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car 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.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Papeete?

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

  • 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 Mini car hire cost in Papeete?

    A Mini car hire in Papeete costs €45 per day, on average.

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

    A Compact car hire in Papeete costs €89 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Economy car hire cost in Papeete?

    An Economy car hire in Papeete costs €52 per day, on average.

Papeete car rental reviews and directory

 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Hertz

Cleanliness

8.3

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.9

Value for money

6.7

2 locations in Papeete

Show locations

Locations in Papeete

Faaa Intl Airport

+689 40 43 04 30

Monday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday00:00 - 01:0005:00 - 23:59
Friday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

Route De Ceinture Tipaerui

+689 40 43 04 30

Monday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:0013:30 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:0013:30 - 17:00
Thursday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:0013:30 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

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

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Nov 2024

Compact

KAYAK
2 cars hired. The Kia drove better than the Peugeot, and the Peugeot did not have ground clearance for ramps into driveways to houses and services. The Kia was better to drive. Only problem at check in was they would only allow two drivers per vehicle (Hertz rules allow this), but it was very late to argue. Good experience otherwise - recommended.

2.0 Poor

Steve, Sept 2024

Economy

KAYAK
Car was fine Hertz did not get the reservation so when we went to pick up the car - our reservation did not exist. We had to drop the car off at the airport because the downtown office is not open on Saturday. We then had to get a taxi downtown. All in, this was a screwed up reservation.

10.0 Wonderful

Joyce, Sept 2024

Compact

KAYAK
Only two agents when we arrived and there was a long line, otherwise great.

1 out of 11

Avis

9.3

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

8.6

2 locations in Papeete

Show locations

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 - 17:00

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

6.0 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

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

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

6.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

2.0

Value for money

2.0

One location in Papeete

Show locations

Locations in Papeete

Faaa Intl Airport

+689 40 43 04 30

Monday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday00:00 - 01:0005:00 - 23:59
Friday00:00 - 01:0005:00 - 23:59
Saturday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday05:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

Filters

Reviews

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

keddy by Europcar

6.2

Okay

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

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

Car hire locations in or near Papeete

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 always be aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Papeete.

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 no-deductible option to your Papeete car hire.

Papeete car hire information

Pick-up locationPapeete
Car types
Hire locations8
Airport locations6

Not what you’re looking for? Find thousands of other hotels, flights, car hires and package deals with KAYAK.