Transportation in Papeete

# Getting Around Papeete Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia on Tahiti, offers limited but functional public transportation primarily centered around **le truck** (local buses) that serve the island's coastal road. These colorful converted trucks are the most economical way to explore, though visitors should note that service can be infrequent and routes may not be clearly marked for non-French speakers. Taxis are available but operate without meters, so agreeing on fares beforehand is essential. For greater flexibility, rental cars and scooters are popular options, though traffic in downtown Papeete can be congested during peak hours. **First-time visitors should know** that Papeete is relatively compact and walkable in the city center, particularly around the waterfront, market area, and main shopping district. However, the island of Tahiti itself is large, and public transportation to attractions outside the capital is limited. Most hotels and resorts are located outside central Papeete, making some form of private transport necessary for most stays. **From Faa'a International Airport** (located about 5km from downtown): Information on specific airport transfer options is not available in the current data, but visitors typically use taxis, hotel shuttles, or pre-arranged transfers. Check with your accommodation about shuttle services, or use the booking widgets on this site to compare current transfer options and pricing for your travel dates.

Le Truck colorful public buses don't have fixed schedules - wave them down along main routes and ask the driver about destinations

Taxis don't use meters in Papeete - confirm the fare with your driver before starting your journey

The waterfront area is compact and walkable - many hotels, restaurants and attractions are within easy walking distance

For inter-island travel, the ferry terminal is located at the waterfront in downtown Papeete near the public market