The Edit: Getting to Bora Bora requires flying to Tahiti first, then connecting by a 50-minute Air Tahiti flight or a ferry ranging from 7 to 14 hours depending on the operator. This guide covers every step of the journey, including international flights to Tahiti from the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, the two ferry options between Tahiti and Bora Bora, airport versus cargo pier arrivals, and resort boat transfers from four different mainland docks. It is based on six months of firsthand experience in French Polynesia across two trips, four international airlines, and both ferry operators.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Final Destination Airport	Bora Bora Airport (BOB), located on Motu Mute
Connection Required	Yes, all routes connect through Tahiti (PPT)
International Airlines to Tahiti	Delta, Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, French Bee, Hawaiian/Alaska, Air New Zealand
Tahiti to Bora Bora Flight	Air Tahiti or Air Moana, approximately 50 minutes
Ferry Option 1	Apetahi Express, approximately 7 hours (daytime catamaran)
Ferry Option 2	Vaeara’i Ferry, approximately 12 to 14 hours (overnight)
Total Travel Time (US)	Approximately 14 to 20 hours depending on route and connection
Tahiti Layover	Often required depending on flight timing
Currency at Airports	French Pacific Franc (XPF), cards widely accepted, ATM in Papeete airport
Bora Bora Arrival Points	Airport (Motu Mute) or cargo pier (main island, ferry only)

How to Get to Bora Bora (The Short Version)

There is no direct flight from the US, Europe, or anywhere else to Bora Bora. Every traveler has to fly to Tahiti first, specifically to Faa’a International Airport in Papeete. From Tahiti, you either take a 50-minute Air Tahiti flight to Bora Bora Airport on Motu Mute, or you take a ferry.

The ferry has two operators: the Apetahi Express, a daytime catamaran that takes about 7 hours, and the Vaeara’i, an overnight cargo-and-passenger ferry that takes 12 to 14 hours. That two-step journey is the reality for everyone, whether you’re flying in from Los Angeles, Paris, Auckland, or anywhere else.

The rest of this guide breaks down every piece of that journey so you can plan yours with confidence.

Flying to Tahiti (Your First Stop)

Tahiti is the gateway. No matter where you’re coming from, your first task is getting to Faa’a International Airport in Papeete. The good news is that several major airlines fly this route, and the options have actually expanded in recent years.

From the United States

The most common starting point for American travelers is Los Angeles. LAX has the most direct flight options to Papeete, with airlines including Delta, Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, and French Bee all operating nonstop service. The flight is approximately 8 hours, and most departures are evening flights that arrive in Tahiti late at night or early morning.

We flew Delta from LAX to Papeete and can speak to that experience directly. It’s a comfortable overnight flight, and if you’re traveling with kids, the late departure works in your favor since they’ll hopefully sleep through most of it.

We’ve also flown Air France on the return leg with our full family of four, and the experience was noticeably different in terms of meal service, entertainment, and overall crew attention to families. Both airlines get the job done, but they’re not the same product. We’re working on detailed reviews of each airline with a kid-specific angle that we’ll link here once they’re published.

Beyond LAX, San Francisco and Seattle also have connection options, though they may require a stop. Hawaiian Airlines (now operating under Alaska Airlines after their merger) also flies the Papeete route with a stop in Honolulu, which is actually a smart option for families who want to break up the long journey. We’re flying this route home and will be sharing that review as well.

Private Jet and Corporate Jet

If you’re traveling by private or corporate jet, the routing works differently than a commercial flight, and it’s worth understanding what actually happens behind the scenes. Before working on this blog, Alex spent years as an aircraft dispatcher in Houston, and moving corporate jets to Bora Bora was part of the job.

The typical route from the LA area, including Burbank and Van Nuys, tracks outbound through the FICKY waypoint and picks up the G575 IFR airway across the Pacific to Papeete. The aircraft lands at Faa’a International Airport to clear customs, go through immigration, and take on fuel. From there, it’s a short hop back on airways to Bora Bora Airport on Motu Mute to drop passengers. Total flight time in the air runs roughly 8 to 9 hours from LA to Bora Bora, not counting ground time at Papeete.

After drop-off, the crew typically repositions back to Tahiti rather than staying in Bora Bora, partly because Tahiti has significantly more ramp storage space. Most of the time, the flight crew stages in Tahiti the day before a client’s departure rather than basing out of Bora Bora. From the passenger’s side, it looks seamless because it is. You call the crew, tell them where you want to go, and the dispatch and flight planning side handles everything else. That’s the part most people never see.

From Australia, New Zealand, and Asia

Auckland is the primary Southern Hemisphere gateway to French Polynesia, and it’s closer than most people realize. We flew Air New Zealand from Auckland to Papeete as part of a longer journey that started in Australia. We had taken Jetstar from Australia to Christchurch, spent time on New Zealand’s South Island, drove to Auckland, and then flew out to Tahiti. It was always the plan to end up in French Polynesia, but we explored New Zealand on the way through.

The Auckland to Papeete flight is shorter than the US routes, and Air New Zealand runs a solid operation on this leg. If you’re already in the region, or if you’re the type of traveler who likes combining destinations into one big trip, the New Zealand gateway is worth considering seriously. We have a full multi-country itinerary post in the works that covers exactly how to combine New Zealand and French Polynesia into one trip.

Air Tahiti Nui also operates service from Auckland, and there are Qantas codeshare options that connect through from Sydney and other Australian cities.

From Europe

Paris is the direct European gateway to Papeete. Air France and Air Tahiti Nui both operate nonstop flights from Charles de Gaulle, and the flight is approximately 22 hours with a refueling stop. We haven’t flown this route personally, but French Polynesia is a French overseas territory, so the Paris connection is well-established and frequent. If you’re coming from elsewhere in Europe, Paris is your best connecting point.

Do I Need to Stay Overnight in Tahiti?

This depends entirely on your flight timing and how you plan to get from Tahiti to Bora Bora. Many international flights arrive in Papeete late at night, and the earliest Air Tahiti flights to Bora Bora don’t depart until the next morning. If that’s your situation, you’ll need somewhere to sleep.

Even if your connection works on paper, we’d encourage you to consider staying at least one night in Papeete anyway. After 8 or more hours on a plane, the last thing most travelers want is to rush through a connection with luggage. An overnight gives you a buffer for delays, a chance to rest, and a much smoother start to the Bora Bora leg of your trip.

Where to Stay in Papeete

There are three options we’d recommend depending on your budget and what you’re looking for.

Boutique Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti is directly across the street from the Papeete ferry terminal. If you’re planning to take the ferry to Bora Bora, this is the most convenient location on the island. We stayed here on the night before our ferry departure and literally walked across the street to board. The rooms are compact but stylish, the rooftop bar has great views, and the ground floor cafe is solid for a quick meal. It’s not a luxury resort, but for a one-night layover it’s excellent. You can read our full Kon Tiki Tahiti review for the complete breakdown.

Hilton Papeete is a modern property that’s convenient for travelers who want a familiar brand and a comfortable one-night stay. It’s well-located for both airport access and getting to the ferry terminal or domestic flights the next morning.

InterContinental Resort Tahiti (IHG) is the most resort-like option and the closest to the airport. We’ve been to this property twice now, and if you’re traveling with kids, it’s worth knowing that they have a turtle rehabilitation center and a lagoonarium on the grounds. It’s not at the level of the lagoonariums in Bora Bora, but for families arriving after a long flight, it’s a genuinely fun way to get the vacation started.

The kids can snorkel, see turtles, and start adjusting to island time before the main event in Bora Bora. If you have IHG points, this is also a solid redemption. We share a lot of the day-to-day logistics of traveling French Polynesia with kids over on our Instagram and TikTok @saltyvagabonds, including the stuff that doesn’t always make it into the blog posts.

Tahiti to Bora Bora: Your Two Options

Once you’re in Tahiti, the second leg of the journey begins. You have two fundamentally different ways to reach Bora Bora, and the right choice depends on your travel style, timeline, and budget.

Air Tahiti (The Flight)

The most common and fastest option is a 50-minute flight on Air Tahiti from Papeete (PPT) to Bora Bora Airport (BOB). Air Tahiti operates multiple flights per day on ATR turboprop aircraft, and for most travelers, especially honeymooners and those on shorter trips, this is the obvious choice.

Alex and Addison flew Air Tahiti from Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas to Papeete in 2023 after their Pacific crossing from Mexico. That’s a longer, more remote inter-island route than the standard Papeete to Bora Bora hop, but it’s the same airline, the same type of aircraft, and the same operational style.

The planes are smaller than what you’re used to on a domestic US flight, the baggage allowances are stricter, and the views out the window as you fly over the lagoon on approach to Bora Bora are supposed to be spectacular. Book as early as you can, because flights during peak season do sell out, and fares can climb significantly closer to the departure date.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to visit more than just Bora Bora, Air Tahiti offers a few different multi-island air passes that covers flights between several islands in French Polynesia at a bundled rate. Depending on how many islands are on your itinerary, this can save you a significant amount compared to booking individual flights. We saw this option during our trip and it looked compelling for travelers hitting Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, or the Tuamotus in addition to Bora Bora. Check the current pass options and pricing at AirTahiti.

One important note: Bora Bora Airport is not on the main island. It sits on Motu Mute, a small islet across the lagoon. When you land, you’ll take a short shuttle boat to Vaitape on the main island, or your resort’s private boat transfer will collect you directly from the airport dock. More on that in the arrival section below.

Air Moana

Air Moana is a newer French Polynesian airline that operates inter-island service within the territory. If you’re already in French Polynesia and looking to connect to Bora Bora, it’s worth checking their current routes alongside Air Tahiti, as competition between the two carriers has been good for pricing and availability. Air Moana does not operate international routes from the US, so it won’t be your first flight, but it may be an option for the Papeete to Bora Bora leg depending on scheduling and fares when you book.

The Ferry (The Budget and Adventure Option)

The ferry is how locals travel between the Society Islands, and it’s how we got to Bora Bora. There are two operators running this route, and they offer very different experiences.

Apetahi Express is a daytime catamaran that takes approximately 7 hours. It departs from Papeete and runs on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This is the faster, more comfortable ferry option, and it arrives at the main Vaitape town pier, which makes getting to your accommodation much simpler. We have a full Apetahi Express review with pricing, schedules, and what to expect if you’re considering this option.

Vaeara’i Ferry is an overnight cargo-and-passenger ferry that takes 12 to 14 hours. It typically departs on Friday night and arrives Saturday morning, stopping at Huahine, Raiatea, and Taha’a along the way. This is the cheaper option, and frankly, it was one of our favorite travel days in all of French Polynesia. There was an impromptu music jam session in the main seating area, the sunrise hitting the islands along the route was beautiful, and it felt like a real glimpse into how people actually move between these islands. That said, it’s an overnight ride with lounge style seating, it gets cold inside, and one of our suitcases got badly cracked during the loading process. It’s an adventure, not a luxury experience. Read our full Vaeara’i ferry review for everything you need to know, or check out our Apetahi Express vs. Vaeara’i comparison if you’re trying to decide between the two.

The biggest practical difference beyond travel time: the Apetahi Express arrives at the Vaitape town pier, while the Vaeara’i arrives at a cargo pier about 1.8 miles north of Vaitape. That matters for your ground transportation planning, which we cover below.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to island hop beyond Bora Bora, Tuatea Ferries (the company behind Apetahi Express) offers a Travel Pass that gives you unlimited ferry travel for 30 days. It’s approximately 20,000 XPF, which is about $200 USD. Considering individual ferry tickets run around $60 each way, the pass pays for itself after just two round trips. If you want to see Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Bora Bora by sea, this is one of the best deals in French Polynesia. Check current pricing and availability at Tuatea Ferries.

Which Option Is Right for You

If you’re on a honeymoon, a short trip, or you just want to get to Bora Bora as smoothly as possible, fly. The 50-minute Air Tahiti flight is simple, fast, and gets you to paradise with minimal friction.

If you’re traveling as a family, you’re on a longer trip, or you genuinely enjoy the journey as much as the destination, the ferry is worth considering seriously. It’s significantly cheaper, you can bring more luggage (including things like car seats and oversized gear), and the experience of watching the Society Islands reveal themselves at sunrise is something a flight simply cannot give you. We chose the ferry deliberately and would do it again.

If this is your first time in French Polynesia and you’re feeling overwhelmed, fly. You can always take the ferry on your next trip once you know the lay of the land. There’s no wrong choice here, just different priorities.

Arriving in Bora Bora: Airport vs. Cargo Pier

This is the part most “how to get to Bora Bora” guides skip entirely, and it’s the part where not knowing the details can cause real stress. Where you arrive in Bora Bora depends entirely on how you got there, and the two arrival points could not be more different.

Arriving by Air (Bora Bora Airport on Motu Mute)

If you flew Air Tahiti, you land at Bora Bora Airport on Motu Mute, a small islet across the lagoon from the main island. The airport itself is tiny and open-air. From here, you’ll either take a free shuttle boat to the Vaitape town pier, or your resort will have a private boat transfer waiting for you at the airport dock. The airport arrival feels polished and organized because every resort on the island has a system for collecting flight arrivals. This is the smoother of the two arrival experiences.

Arriving by Ferry (Cargo Pier or Vaitape Pier)

If you took the Apetahi Express, you arrive at the main Vaitape town pier, which is in the center of town and easy to navigate from. Taxis, rental car offices, and shops are all within walking distance.

If you took the Vaeara’i, you arrive at a cargo pier about 1.8 miles north of Vaitape. This is an industrial loading zone with storage buildings and no tourist infrastructure. Your luggage comes off a rolling cart via forklift, you grab your bags and move to the shade, and you’re on your own for transportation.

We called a taxi from the cargo pier and nobody showed up for 15 minutes, almost certainly because we didn’t specify “cargo pier” versus the main Vaitape pier when we called. Alex eventually walked to the Avis office in Vaitape and rented a car. Lesson learned: if you’re arriving by Vaeara’i, arrange your transportation in advance and make sure whoever is picking you up knows you’re at the cargo pier, not the main pier.

Some Airbnb hosts and guesthouses do offer ferry pickup at the cargo pier, so ask when you book your accommodation.

Cargo Pier Logistics: If arriving via the Vaeara’i, you are 1.8 miles from the main town. There is no shade, no water, and no fixed taxi stand. Pre-book your transport and ensure they know to meet you at the Fare Piti cargo zone, not the Vaitape ferry terminal.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Salty Vagabonds | Adventure Travel Family (@saltyvagabonds)

Who Should Choose What

Feature	Air Tahiti	Apetahi Express	Vaeara’i Ferry
Travel Time	50 Minutes	7 Hours	12-14 Hours
Vibe	Efficient/Luxury	Scenic/Active	Adventure/Local
Best For	Honeymooners	Families/Slow Travel	Budget/Adventure
Arrival Point	Motu Mute (Airport)	Vaitape (Main Pier)	Cargo Pier (North)

Getting from Your Arrival Point to Your Resort

Once you’re on Bora Bora, you still need to get to your resort. Most of the luxury resorts sit on motus (small islands) across the lagoon, which means a boat transfer is required. This is where the experience varies a lot depending on the property.

Resort Boat Transfers

We’ve done mainland dock transfers at four different resorts, and each one was a noticeably different experience.

St. Regis Bora Bora operates from a mainland dock in Anau. There’s a small air-conditioned waiting lounge, water is available, and the staff are attentive. It’s the most polished mainland dock experience we had. Addison took a taxi from our Airbnb in Vaitape to this dock when she came over for the day pass, and the process was straightforward. Our full St. Regis transportation guide covers the dock, shuttle schedule, pricing, and the difference between airport and mainland transfers in detail.

InterContinental Thalasso operates from the Le Moana dock on the main island. The staff at Le Moana were less helpful than we expected on arrival, and finding parking required a staff escort. The boat ride over to the Thalasso was beautiful, but allow extra time. We’d recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Westin Bora Bora operates from a mainland dock that was easy to find via Google Maps. The transfer boat is more of a working vessel than a luxury experience, but the crew was friendly and the ride was about 20 to 25 minutes. The boat ran about 20 minutes late on our arrival day, which is worth factoring into your planning.

Le Moana is on the main island itself, so if you’re staying there, you won’t need a boat transfer at all.

If you’re arriving by air, your resort will typically have a dedicated transfer boat at the airport, and these tend to be nicer and more polished than the mainland dock boats. The airport arrival is part of the luxury experience at most properties. If you’re arriving by ferry or from an Airbnb on the main island, the mainland dock is your path to the resort, and the experience is more functional than glamorous.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Salty Vagabonds | Adventure Travel Family (@saltyvagabonds)

Taxi, Rental Car, and Other Options

If you’re not going directly to a motu resort, or if you need to get between points on the main island, here are your options.

Taxis exist but operate differently than what you’re used to. There’s no Uber, no rideshare apps, and taxis don’t cruise for fares. You call one and arrange a pickup. Be specific about your exact location, especially if you’re at the cargo pier. Expect to pay around $40 USD for a ride from Vaitape to the St. Regis dock in Anau.

Rental cars are available through Avis in Vaitape, and we’d highly recommend renting one if you’re staying on the main island or planning to explore beyond your resort. The island is only about 20 miles around, and having a car gives you the freedom to eat at local restaurants, hit trailheads, and visit different parts of the island on your own schedule.

Airbnb and guesthouse pickups are offered by some hosts. Ask when you book whether they offer airport or ferry pickup, especially if you’re arriving at the cargo pier.

How Long Does the Total Journey Take

This is one of the most common questions, and the honest answer is that it depends on your route and connection timing. Here are real examples based on our experience.

Los Angeles to Bora Bora (via Air Tahiti flight)

Approximately 14 to 16 hours total, including the 8-hour flight to Papeete, a connection window, and the 50-minute Air Tahiti flight. If your connection is tight and everything runs on time, you can be in Bora Bora the same day. If your international flight arrives late at night, add an overnight in Papeete.

Los Angeles to Bora Bora (via ferry)

Approximately 24 to 36 hours depending on which ferry you take and whether you stay overnight in Papeete first. We stayed at the Kon Tiki, walked across the street, boarded the Vaeara’i at 8 PM, and arrived in Bora Bora the next morning.

Auckland to Bora Bora

Approximately 8 to 12 hours total. The Air New Zealand flight is shorter than the US routes, and the connection in Papeete may be tighter. This is one of the fastest paths to Bora Bora if you’re coming from the Southern Hemisphere.

Paris to Bora Bora

Approximately 24 to 28 hours. The Air France flight from Paris includes a refueling stop, and the total journey is the longest of any major route. An overnight in Papeete is strongly recommended.

Bora Bora from Honolulu (Hawaiian/Alaska stopover)

Variable depending on how long you spend in Hawaii. This route adds time but breaks up the journey, which can be a significant advantage for families traveling with young kids. We’re flying this route and will update this section with exact timing once we’ve done it.

What to Know Before You Go

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. French Polynesia is a French overseas territory, so entry requirements follow French rules. US citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days.

Currency: French Polynesia uses the French Pacific Franc (XPF). Credit and debit cards are accepted at airports, resorts, and most tourist-facing businesses. There is an ATM inside the Papeete airport where you can withdraw XPF as soon as you arrive, which is the easiest way to get local cash. Having some XPF on hand is helpful for taxis, market vendors, and smaller restaurants on the main island.

SIM cards and WiFi: WiFi is available at most hotels and resorts, though speeds vary widely. For mobile data, we recommend picking up an eSIM before you leave home so you’re connected the moment you land. We’ve been using Popcorn, a US-based eSIM provider that offers unlimited data and hotspot in French Polynesia.

It’s been reliable across Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea, and it means you don’t have to hunt down a physical SIM card at the airport. Having data on arrival makes coordinating taxis, checking ferry schedules, and navigating to your hotel significantly easier.

Tight connections: If you’re trying to connect from an international flight directly to an Air Tahiti flight on the same day, leave plenty of buffer time. Baggage claim can be slow, the domestic terminal is separate from the international terminal, and missing your Air Tahiti flight means waiting for the next one. When in doubt, stay overnight in Papeete and connect the next morning.

Onward Travel: Your return ticket home or proof of onward travel must be booked before you can board your flight to French Polynesia, if you’re entering via a Visitor Visa.

How to Get to Bora Bora FAQ

Our Honest Take

We’ve spent six months in French Polynesia across two separate trips, and we’ve done this journey more ways than most people will ever need to. We’ve flown in from Los Angeles on Delta, from Auckland on Air New Zealand, and we’re flying home via Hawaiian (now Alaska) through Honolulu.

We’ve flown out on Air France with our full family of four. Alex and Addison flew Air Tahiti between the Marquesas and Tahiti. We’ve taken the overnight Vaeara’i ferry, the daytime Apetahi Express catamaran, and we’ve done mainland dock boat transfers at the St. Regis, the InterContinental Thalasso, and the Westin.

If we had to give one recommendation, it would be this:

Don’t overthink the getting there part. Yes, it takes planning. Yes, it’s a long journey. But every single route we took got us to Bora Bora, and Bora Bora delivered on every expectation we had and then some.

For honeymooners and short trip travelers, fly to Tahiti, connect on Air Tahiti, and let your resort handle the boat transfer. Simple, smooth, fast.

For families and longer stay travelers, consider the ferry for at least one leg. It saves money, it’s a genuine experience, and your kids will remember the musicians playing on the Vaeara’i long after they’ve forgotten what the airplane seats looked like.

For travelers coming from Australia or New Zealand, the Auckland route is underrated. It’s shorter, it’s beautiful, and you can combine French Polynesia with a New Zealand trip if you have the time.

However you get there, Bora Bora is worth the journey. That part, we can promise you.

Follow Along With Our French Polynesia Adventures

We’ve spent six months across two trips living in Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Moorea with our family, and we’re still publishing everything we learned. New resort reviews, snorkeling guides, hiking routes, restaurant breakdowns, and honest travel tips are going live regularly. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok to see the behind-the-scenes of island life, or bookmark the blog to catch the full guides as they publish.