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Car Rental in Tahiti —
Airport, Prices &
Honest Comparison 2026
Renting a car is essential in Tahiti — the island has over 100 km of circular road and public transport is very limited outside Papeete. Four agencies share the market at Faa'a airport and in town: Hertz, Avis, Ab Cars and Eco Car. This comparison covers prices, reviews and the key advantages of each, and answers the question most travellers ask: can you take a rental car from Tahiti to Moorea on the ferry?
Car rental Tahiti airport — Hertz, Avis, Ab Cars, Eco Car comparison
All four agencies are at Papeete Faa'a airport. The criteria that really make a difference beyond price: the right to cross to Moorea, insurance quality, and presence on both islands.
| Agency | Faa'a Airport | Price | Moorea crossing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz ★ | ✅ | Mid-high | ✅ Yes (surcharge) | Multi-island Tahiti + Moorea |
| Avis | ✅ | Mid-high | ✅ Yes (surcharge) | Multi-island Tahiti + Moorea |
| Ab Cars | ✅ | Budget | ⚠️ Check first | Tahiti only, small budget |
| Eco Car | ✅ | Budget | ⚠️ Check first | Tahiti only, small budget |
Hertz and Avis are the only agencies that officially authorise the inter-island crossing. You can pick up your car at Faa'a airport, board the ferry with the vehicle, and return it directly in Moorea — without going back to Tahiti. A repositioning surcharge applies. This is the most practical option for a Tahiti + Moorea itinerary in a single rental.
Hertz Tahiti — our recommendation for multi-island travel
Hertz Tahiti
Faa'a Airport · Papeete city centre · MooreaHertz is the undisputed leader for a trip combining Tahiti and Moorea. Present at Faa'a airport, in downtown Papeete and directly in Moorea, it offers the widest geographical coverage of any agency on the island. Vehicles are recent and officially authorised to cross on the inter-island ferry. A free shuttle between Punaauia and Arue is a useful bonus. Insurance is comprehensive and reliable, including full cover with windows and tyres.
- The only agency officially guaranteeing the Tahiti–Moorea crossing
- Recent, well-maintained vehicles
- Responsive, professional customer service
- Flexible return: pick up in Tahiti, drop off in Moorea (surcharge applies)
- Free shuttle Punaauia–Arue
- Prices at the higher end of the market
- Repositioning surcharge for inter-island return
We negotiated a 15% discount code at Hertz Tahiti exclusively for MyLittlePolynesia readers. Contact us at mylittlepolynesia@gmail.com to get your code before booking.
Hertz Tahiti — the most complete network with branches at the airport, in the city and in Moorea
Avis Tahiti — reliable for the Tahiti–Moorea combination
Avis Tahiti
Faa'a Airport · PapeeteAvis is the second solid option for a Tahiti–Moorea combination. The international company offers reliable vehicles with clear insurance and competitive rates. Airport service at Faa'a is efficient for a quick pickup on arrival — including late-night flights.
- Tahiti–Moorea crossing officially authorised
- Reliable vehicles, varied range
- Clear, comprehensive insurance
- Present at Faa'a airport
- Similar pricing to Hertz — no significant price difference
- Fewer pick-up points than Hertz
Avis Tahiti — a solid alternative to Hertz for the Tahiti + Moorea combination
Ab Cars Tahiti — cheapest at the airport, for Tahiti only
Ab Cars Tahiti
Faa'a Airport · PapeeteAb Cars is the local agency with the most competitive rates on the market for car rental in Tahiti. For travellers staying only in Tahiti who want to keep transport costs to a minimum, it is often the best choice. The agency is well rated for its warm local welcome and straightforward pick-up process.
- Lowest rates in the comparison — best for cheap car rental in Tahiti
- Well-rated local agency, friendly welcome
- Present at Faa'a airport
- Ideal for exploring Tahiti without crossing to Moorea
- Moorea crossing not guaranteed — check before booking
- Smaller team than international agencies
Ab Cars — the local agency with the best rates for car rental in Tahiti without crossing to Moorea
Eco Car Tahiti — reviews and prices of the budget agency
Eco Car Tahiti
Faa'a Airport · PapeeteEco Car is the other local agency with attractive rates for car rental in Tahiti. A good option for travellers exploring only Tahiti who want to keep transport costs as low as possible. The agency has a counter directly at Faa'a airport — convenient for picking up your vehicle on arrival, including on late-night flights.
Reviews of Eco Car Tahiti are generally positive: customers appreciate the ease of pick-up, competitive rates and direct contact with the local team. Vehicles are suitable for use on Tahiti's roads. After-sales service can be less responsive than an international agency in the event of a problem — but for a standard rental staying in Tahiti, it is a serious option.
- Very competitive rates — among the cheapest at the airport
- Counter directly at Faa'a airport
- Local agency — direct contact, no intermediary
- Generally positive customer reviews on ease of pick-up
- Moorea crossing not guaranteed — check before booking
- Less structured after-sales service than international agencies
Eco Car Tahiti — budget option with a counter at Faa'a airport for travellers staying in Tahiti
Car rental in Moorea — cross from Tahiti or rent on the island
Two options for having a car in Moorea: take your Tahiti rental across on the ferry, or rent directly on the island on arrival.
Option 1 — Take your rental car from Tahiti to Moorea by ferry
Hertz and Avis officially authorise the inter-island crossing. You pick up the car in Tahiti (airport or city centre), board the ferry from the Fare Ute maritime terminal in Papeete, and return the vehicle directly in Moorea — without coming back to Tahiti. A repositioning surcharge applies (approximately €80-100 depending on the company and rental duration). This is the most practical option for a Tahiti → Moorea itinerary on a single rental.
If you are boarding with a rental car, book your crossing in advance — especially in high season (July–August) and at weekends. Ferries can be fully booked for vehicles even when passenger spaces remain available. Contact the ferry company or go to the Papeete maritime terminal ticket office the evening before at the latest.
Option 2 — Rent directly in Moorea
If you do not need a car in Tahiti (or if you use a scooter in Tahiti), you can rent directly in Moorea on arrival by ferry. Hertz and Avis have branches in Moorea (Temae airport and ferry terminal). Local agencies also offer competitive rates. The choice is more limited than in Tahiti — book in advance, especially in July-August.
Tahiti–Moorea ferry companies
| Company | Duration | Frequency | Vehicle fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aremiti | ~45 min | ~20 crossings/day | €35-80 |
| Vaeara'i | ~45 min | Several/day | €35-70 |
| Terevau | ~45 min | Several/day | €35-70 |
| Tauati Ferries | ~45 min | Several/day | €34-65 |
FAQ — Car rental in Tahiti and Moorea
Getting around in French Polynesia
Island tour by car Tahiti — Top Activities & Island Tour Faarumai waterfalls, peninsula, Teahupo'o, Papeete market — the must-sees to explore by car independently. Island tour by car Moorea — Best Things To Do & Island Tour Belvedere, Opunohu Bay, Temae beach — the complete Moorea tour by car in full autonomy. Ferry & inter-island flights Air Tahiti Inter-Island Flights & Pass — Complete Guide Ferry Tahiti–Moorea, Air Tahiti and Air Moana flights — everything about inter-island transport. Family travel Family Trip to French Polynesia — 20-Day Itinerary 2026 Transport advice for families — car rental, ferry and island logistics. Planning hub Plan Your French Polynesia Trip — Complete Guide All the steps to organise your trip from A to Z.
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👉 Here, we share our best travel experiences, insider tips, favorite spots, and authentic advice to explore French Polynesia with passion 💙 (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, the Marquesas, Tuamotu…)
