How to Get to Marquesas Islands. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Major Airports & Airlines

Marquesan Airports

The Marquesas The islands are served by small domestic airports. Your arrival point within the Marquesas islands depends on your itinerary.

Arrival Points

Nuku Hiva (NUQ): Located on the northwest side, a significant drive from Taiohae.
Hiva Oa (AUQ): Situated inland, a transfer to Atuona.
Smaller islands like Ua Pou (UAP) and Ua Huka (UAH) also have airstrips, connecting them to Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, and Tahiti. Fatu Hiva and Tahuata accessible only by sea.

Airlines & Routes

Every international flights to The Land of pristine lagoons arrive at Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti (Papeete).

Connecting to Marquesas

Foreign Carriers: Air Tahiti Nui, French Bee, Air France, United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines.
Domestic Flights: Air Tahiti operates flights from Tahiti (PPT) to Nuku Hiva (NUQ) and Hiva Oa (AUQ).
Some flights may be direct, while others include stops on other Society Islands. Plan domestic flights with sufficient buffer time after international arrival.

No Direct International Flights

There are no direct international flights to the Marquesas Islands. All international travelers must first travel by air to Tahiti (PPT), then take a separate domestic flight.

Seasonal Availability & Price

Air Tahiti flights operate year-round. Seat availability and frequency can be limited. Prices for domestic flights are relatively stable but can be high. They do not fluctuate dramatically with the season.

Airport Facilities

Marquesan airports are very small with basic facilities. Tahiti's Fa'a'ā (PPT) offers more comprehensive services, including duty-free, restaurants, car rental, currency exchange, and ATMs.

Airport Transfers & Passes

Transfers to Accommodation

Airport transfers on Marquesas are almost always pre-arranged by your b&b or tour operator.
Public taxis are very limited or non-existent at these small airports.
Your host will likely meet you upon arrival, often with a sign.
Transfer typically a 4x4 vehicle due to rugged roads. Confirm arrangement with guesthouse.

Air Tahiti Multi-Island Passes

These passes are more economical if your itinerary includes multiple island groups (e.g., Society Islands and Marquesas).
Passes must be purchased outside French Polynesia, usually through a travel agent or Air Tahiti's international websites.
They offer a fixed price for a predetermined circuit of islands.
Research these passes early; they represent substantial savings compared to acquireing individual tickets.

Land Transportation Overview

Border Crossings

Not applicable for the Marquesas Islands, as they form an archipelago with no land borders.

Train Services

No train services exist in French Polynesia, including the Marquesas.

Long-Distance Buses

No formal long-distance bus networks operate on the Marquesas islands Islands due to their small size, rugged terrain, and minimal road infrastructure.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Self-Driving Considerations

If you explore other islands within The Islands of tahiti (like Tahiti) by self-drive, driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

Requirements for Renting

An International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your national driver's license is suggested.
On the Marquesas, a 4x4 vehicle is a requirement for exploring beyond immediate village areas due to terrain.
Two-wheel drive vehicles are unsuitable for challenging terrain.

Road Conditions & Safety

On the Marquesas islands Islands, road conditions differ significantly from more built-up destinations.

Marquesan Roads

Conditions: Often narrow, winding, steep, and unpaved outside main villages. Expect gravel, dirt, muddy sections (after rain). Potholes are common.
Safety: Drive with caution due to winding roads, blind turns, potential for livestock or pedestrians. Speed limits are low.
It is often a suggestion to hire a local driver/guide familiar with terrain and conditions for longer excursions.

Sea/River Arrivals

For a truly immersive and unique arrival experience in the Marquesas islands, sea travel offers a different perspective.

Ferry Services & Cruises

Aranui 5: The most iconic way of enjoying the Marquesas by sea. A passenger-freighter sailing regularly (approx. Every three weeks) from Tahiti.
The round trip takes 13 days and includes halts at all six inhabited Marquesan islands. It delivers supplies and passengers excursions.
Docks in main bays, often requiring tender boats to get ashore. Includes cabins, full board, serves as transport and accommodation.

Other Sea & River Options

A limited number of international cruise lines occasionally include the Marquesas Islands in their longer itineraries.

Additional Transport

Cruise Ships: Less frequent visits, shorter time on each island compared to Aranui 5.
Inter-Island Transfers by Local Boats: For travel between very close neighboring islands (Hiva Oa to Tahuata), private arrangements are possible.
River Transportation: No significant river transportation options exist.

Immigration at Seaports

Aranui 5 and Cruise Ships: All immigration/customs are at Tahiti (Papeete) upon initial arrival in French Polynesia.
Passengers disembark and re-embark on Marquesan trips to seeout further immigration formalities.
Private Yachts: Owners follow specific entry/clearance procedures at a designated port like Papeete before proceeding to the Marquesas.

Exit Fees or Taxes: No specific departure taxes levied directly on passengers departing French Polynesia as of latest information.
Any applicable taxes are typically included in your international airfare. Confirm with your airline.
Departure Procedures: For Marquesan airports, arrive at least 1 hour before flight. For Tahiti (PPT), arrive 2-3 hours before.

Departure Information

Departure Timing

Preparing for your departure from the Marquesas and French Polynesia is as important as planning your arrival.

Timelines

Domestic Flights from Marquesas: Arrive at least 1 hour before scheduled flight time. Check-in is quick.
Confirm your pickup time with your guesthouse.
International Departures from Tahiti (PPT): Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure. Time for check-in, bag check, security, shopping.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

On-Island & Tahiti

Marquesan Airports: Minimal facilities. No lounges, extensive shops, or assorted dining options.
Tahiti Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT): Provides a more comprehensive range of facilities, including duty-free, gift shops, restaurants, cafes, and lounges.
Plan accordingly for meals and entertainment before your flight at smaller airports.

No Exit Fees

No specific departure taxes levied directly on passengers departing French Polynesia. Any applicable taxes are typically included in your international airfare.

Check with Airline

Always confirm specific departure details and any included taxes with your airline or travel agent for accuracy.

Plan Accordingly

Allow ample time for transfers and the airport procedures, especially for international flights from Tahiti, for a smooth departure.

Transit Logistics

Connecting Flights

Tahiti (PPT) acts as the central hub for all international arrivals and departures, plus links to the Marquesas and other French Polynesian islands.

Domestic-to-International

Allow sufficient layover time in Tahiti when connecting from a domestic flight to an international one.
You will need to collect your luggage, clear customs, and after that re-check for your international flight.
Though small, PPT can be busy during peak hours.

International-to-Domestic

Upon international arrival at PPT, you clear immigration and customs before proceeding to the domestic terminal for your Air Tahiti flight to the Marquesas.

Seamless Transition

The domestic the station is adjacent to the international one.
Always check flight status as domestic flight times can adjust.
For Aranui 5 passengers, transport to the port from PPT is typically arranged by the cruise line.

Lost Luggage & Assistance

Lost Baggage

If luggage does not arrive, report it to your airline's baggage desk at PPT immediately. Keep your baggage tag and flight information handy.

Airline Assistance

Airlines will track your luggage and arrange for its delivery to your Marquesas accommodation once found. This can take a few days.

Travel Insurance Claim

Initiate a claim with your travel insurance provider for delayed or lost baggage expenses. Keep receipts for must-have items purchased while waiting.

Information

Confirm all transfers and timings with your guesthouse hosts for smooth transitions.

How to Get to Marquesas Islands