Car rental in Papeete, French Polynesia

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There are 7 car rental providers in Papeete. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pickup spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Papeete

Renting a car in Papeete: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car rental companyFox - Rent A Car
Most popular carFullsize, Crossover
Average daily priceAED 738
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Papeete

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car rental rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Papeete car rental search.

How to find a cheap car rental deal in Papeete

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Papeete for around AED 738 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, making booking quick and easy.

  • AED 424 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Papeete.

  • Thinking of staying longer? Grab a weekly rental from AED 2,542 and explore more than just the top attractions.

  • If you want to time it just right, book about four weeks ahead to score yourself the best price on a Papeete car hire.

  • Check out the offers available with Avis, Hertz and Thrifty. They're some of the top providers in the city.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Papeete car rental policy, whether you go with Avis or a different supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Explore without limits by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you like with no extra cost.

Best value car rental options right now

  • The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at AED 645 a day.

  • Next in line is this provider, offering daily rates of around AED 785.

  • The third option also stays competitive on price. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly AED 942 a day.

  • Want a car that handles just about any journey? The Full-size rental category is the go-to choice for travelers visiting Papeete.

Flying to Papeete? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Make arrival day easier by booking a car rental at Tahiti Faa'a Airport. If you're flying to Papeete through this airport, simply pick up your ride after landing and roll out. The drive to the city center is about 5 kilometers and takes around 15 minutes.

Compare car rental types in Papeete

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Papeete is all about getting you on the road for less. These nimble, fuel-efficient rides are great for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for small families and couples.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Papeete car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent option for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Papeete that fits a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group outings, business use or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different Papeete car rental providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.

  • Take your ride to the next level with extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These features can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Papeete.

Good to know

  • Age requirements often vary by company (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.

  • Kids coming with you? Car seat regulations differ from place to place, and the right setup may depend on their age, height and weight. Find out if you need to add one to your Papeete car rental booking.

  • You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's license, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.

Best hotels in Papeete for drivers

  • Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time making the most of Hilton Hotel Tahiti. About 2 kilometers from central Papeete, it comes with accessible parking, a garden and internet access.

  • Boutique Hôtel Kon Tiki Tahiti gets things right with parking and features such as a bar and luggage storage. It's roughly 0.16 kilometers from the city center.

  • Need more ideas for your trip? Browse the lineup of hotels in Papeete. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.

  • After you've found a car rental deal in Papeete and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Tetiaroa, POE CHARTER TAHITI and Papeete Tahiti Temple are classics for any first-time visitor.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Papeete

  • Paea has to be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Grotte Vaipoiri and Artof Tahiti. This city is about 18 kilometers south of central Papeete.

  • Alternatively, set off for Papao after collecting your cheap car rental in Papeete. It's about 24 kilometers south and is known for attractions like Grotte Teanateatea.

  • Up for a bonus adventure? Faanui is a popular road trip destination that's about 257 kilometers northwest of Papeete. Plan to make a few pit stops at Bora Bora Cultural Lagoon Tours and Te Faie Aro Ocean Park.

Frequently asked questions

On average, renting a car in Papeete will set you back around AED 740 per day or AED 3,860 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Papeete is an intermediate crossover (similar to an SUV). The most popular is Fullsize, Crossover.
The cheapest car rental companies in Papeete are currently Avis and Keddy By Europcar.
Scoring the best car rental deal depends on when you book – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. However, according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Papeete is currently June.
On average, around AED 3,860. But the best price we found for a car rental for a week in Papeete is AED 2,534.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to rent a car in Papeete for a whole month is AED 16,323. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Papeete, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car rental deals with a "full to full" fuel policy as opposed to a "half-full to full" one.

We also clearly highlight car and van rental options in Papeete that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car rental companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select "Return car to a different location" when you search with us.
Public transportation can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and for as long as you want. You'll also be able to discover more outside of Papeete.
Most places – Papeete included – allow people under the age of 25 to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance deductible for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is AED 502 per day. The average price per day is around AED 795.
Of course. Most major car rental companies like Fox - Rent A Car, Avis and Europcar offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travelers rated Keddy By Europcar as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the Internet for all kinds of vehicle rental deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van rental in Papeete.