Practical tips
- If you are flying to Bora Bora from abroad, you will most likely land at its main international airport—Bora Bora Airport
BOB, also known as Motu Mute Airport, located on the motu (islet) of Motu Mute. However, as there are no direct flights to Bora Bora, you must first fly into Faa'a International Airport in Papeete on the main island of Tahiti, then take a 50-minute flight to Bora Bora with Air Tahiti.Bora Bora Airport is a relatively small airport – because of its short (1500 m / 5,000 feet) runway, it can only accommodate luxury private jets and smaller aircraft such as the ATR-42 (48 seats) and ATR-72 (70 seats) turboprop used by Air Tahiti. It also has limited facilities - among the available services are a snack bar, souvenir shops, and a newsagent. A boat ride is required (no taxis!) to get from the airport to the final destination; most luxury hotels in Bora Bora provide their own transport between the airport and the hotel (it is recommended to book the resort transfer in advance). Booking a private transfer online is also a good option, as the cost of such transfers is usually significantly lower than the fees charged by resorts. Boats are stationed outside the airport and are identified with resort names for easy identification by guests. Unless you took a cruise or ferry, you would arrive at Bora Bora with Air Tahiti – the airline offers convenient free shuttle boat service to the village of Vaitape on the main island aboard the Bora Bora Navette (the crossing takes approximately 20 minutes). Your Air Tahiti ticket entitles you to use the shuttle before the departure and after the arrival of your flight.
BOB, also known as Motu Mute Airport. The airport has been built on a strip of flat land on Motu Mute islet (one of the small barrier islands that form a ring around Bora Bora Lagoon), north of the main island of Bora Bora.
- Planning to explore the region? Popular destinations can be easily reached with regional low-cost carriers (LCCs) by the likes of Air Tahiti, Aircalin, Air Raratonga, and French bee.
Flights to Bora Bora
from United States and Canada
- There are no direct flights from the US or Canada to Bora Bora. However, most major hubs in Asia have non-stop flights to Bora Bora, as do some larger airports in the Middle East – your journey will have at least one stop. There are no direct flights from US or Canada to Bora Bora. All international flights to Bora Bora land at Faa'a International Airport
PPTin Papeete on Tahiti island first - you can fly direct with United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Air Tahiti Nui, and FrenchBee from San FranciscoSFO, Los AngelesLAX, SeattleSEAand HonoluluHNL. Currently, there are no direct flights from Canada to Tahiti. In Tahiti you'll need to transfer to a connecting domestic flight to reach Bora Bora. Local carrier Air Tahiti is the only airline that serves the route from Tahiti to Bora Bora with more than 10 daily flights lasting 50 minutes (cost one-way around $250). - Bora Bora is well-served via one-stop flights from North America. Flights to Bora Bora with one layover depart from most major North American airports, including Atlanta
ATL, DallasDFW, DenverDEN, ChicagoORD, Los AngelesLAX, Las VegasDFW, MiamiMIA, SeattleSEA, HoustonIAH, New YorkJFK, and San FranciscoSFOin the United States and TorontoYYZ, VancouverYVR, CalgaryLAS, and MontrealYULin Canada. - The best airlines to fly to Bora Bora from the US and Canada are: Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Air Tahiti Nui. They are top full-service carriers, offering exceptional customer service, in-flight comfort, a generous checked baggage allowance, and reliable customer support channels – all included in the ticket price.
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What is the best time to book flights to Bora Bora?
The best time to book flights to Bora Bora is between 2 to 8 months before your travel date. The prime booking window (the most likely time to find the bargains) for Bora Bora flights is 4–6 months before takeoff. Book when you notice a significant drop in price.
Airfare prices for Bora Bora flights fluctuate due to demand, seasonal trends, and competition, causing numerous price drops and increases as your departure date approaches. The airlines use sophisticated revenue management systems to adjust pricing for optimal seat sales.
Generally, as seats are sold, prices tend to become more expensive.
Don’t book too early
Most airlines start selling their flights 9–12 months in advance. However, booking a ticket too early in that window can be an expensive mistake – airlines typically start by setting prices at a relatively high level to capture early demand from those willing to pay more to secure their seats.
Peak seasons are expensive
Peak travel seasons are always expensive – due to higher base prices set by airlines for dates they expect to be popular. Try to avoid the high season during summer and major holidays including holidays in French Polynesia. If you must travel during peak times, book your flight well in advance.
Avoid last minute
Avoid booking flights to Bora Bora less than 30 days before takeoff. Prices spike sharply then, as airlines are taking advantage of any last-minute travelers who have no choice but to pay up.
Prime Booking Window
For long-haul flights to Bora Bora, the best time to book your ticket is around 4–6 months before departure. This is the “Prime Booking Window.” After some seats have already been sold, airlines start dropping prices to stimulate demand. They may also offer promotions and sales. This is the ideal time for bargain hunting.
Fly on weekdays
It makes a difference which day of the week you board the plane. Midweek travel (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) is less busy and likely cheaper than flying on weekends. Airlines charge higher prices for weekend travel due to the high demand from people going on short getaways or visiting family and friends.
Opt for early morning flights
To save on airfare, select a late night or early morning (1–5 a.m.) flight. Airlines often offer discounts on their first flight of the morning (up to 15-20%) simply because of lower demand—most people are not willing to go to the airport so early. Moreover, morning flights tend to have fewer delays, and airport queues are usually shorter.
Flights to Bora Bora from Europe
- There are no direct flights from Europe to Bora Bora — you’ll need to get a connecting flight from elsewhere in the Middle East or in Asia. There are no direct flights from Europe to Bora Bora. All international flights to Bora Bora land at Faa'a International Airport
PPTin Papeete on Tahiti island first - you can fly there direct with Air France from ParisCDG.In Tahiti you'll need to transfer to a connecting domestic flight to reach Bora Bora. Local carrier Air Tahiti is the only airline that serves the route from Tahiti to Bora Bora with more than 10 daily flights lasting 50 minutes (cost one-way around €230). - Airlines that frequently fly from the UK, Germany, France, and other European countries to Bora Bora include AirCaraibes, Air France, American Airlines, and Air Tahiti Nui.
- Consider departure airports in neighboring countries to increase your chance of spotting the best deal. Especially look for large airports that serve as hubs for multiple airlines. For example, if you live in Western Europe, check air tickets to Bora Bora from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris, and Rome. Leverage frequent promotions from European budget carriers like RyanAir, EasyJet, and Eurowings to reach a major hub; from there, take a cheaper long-haul flight to your final destination, potentially saving hundreds of euros.
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Connecting from Tahiti flight to Bora Bora flight
There are no direct flights to Bora Bora. When traveling to Bora Bora from other parts of the world, travelers must first fly into Papeete’s Faa’a International Airport PPT on the main island of Tahiti. Airlines such as Air New Zealand, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Air France, French Bee, Air Tahiti Nui, and LATAM operate direct flights to Tahiti from different parts of the world including Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific.
Upon arrival in Papeete, after clearing Tahiti airport immigration and picking up luggage, passengers will have to transfer to an inter-island flight, operated by Air Tahiti (the only airline that serves this route) for a 50-minute flight to Bora Bora. It is essential to note that Air Tahiti is different from Air Tahiti Nui, the main airline of French Polynesia, which operates international flights to Tahiti. Air Tahiti recommends a minimum of two hours for transfer between international and domestic flights.
Air Tahiti operates more than 10 flights daily from Tahiti to Bora Bora with extra flights added during peak season in July and August. About half of them are direct flights, and others are flights with a short 20-minute layover (you don’t need to change aircraft) on the nearby islands of Raiatea and Huahine. The last flight leaves at 5:25 pm and arrives in Bora Bora at 6:15 pm. The average cost of a direct flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora is around $250 (A$350 / €230).
Island hopping in French Polynesia
French Polynesia, located in the Pacific Ocean, covers an area as large as Western Europe and consists of 118 islands spread across 5 distinct island groups. Due to the considerable distance between islands, flying is the most efficient way of island hopping. The aerial views from the plane are sure to be some of the most stunning you’ll ever experience!
Tahiti and Bora Bora islands lie among the Society Islands group. The islands nearby are easiest to get to and provide more accommodation choices – so the other Society Islands such as Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, Maupiti, and Huahine are great choices for quick island hopping. The Tuamotu Archipelago, located further out, boasts scenic islands such as Tikehau, Fakarava, and Rangiro. The Marquesas, Gambier, and Austral island groups are even more remote, offering a more secluded experience for those seeking less tourist activity. You’ll likely have these untouched islands all to yourself.
Air Tahiti is the only inter-island carrier connecting the island groups in French Polynesia. Flights depart from Bora Bora Airport and Faa’a Airport in the capital of Papeete on Tahiti. 47 islands are accessible, with popular destinations having flights 3-5 times a week and less frequent service to more remote islands. Flight times range from 1 hour to 3 hours, with the shortest flights serving the Tuamotu Atolls and the longest reaching the Marquesas Islands.
Secure the best view on your flight to Bora Bora
The experience of arriving in Bora Bora by plane is elevated by the stunning views of shimmering blue lagoons and distinct landscapes from above. On all its flights from Papeete to Bora Bora, Air Tahiti operates with an open seating policy, allowing passengers to choose their desired seats.
For an awe-inspiring view of the islands upon arrival in Bora Bora, try to secure a window seat on the left side of the aircraft (when boarding from the rear). These seats offer a stunning panoramic view of the islands, including Tahaa, Huahine, Raiatea, and the beautiful Bora Bora itself, as you approach the airport.
There are only twelve window seats on the left side of ATR-42 aircraft and nineteen on ATR-72, so make sure to arrive at the airport early enough to ensure you’re in the front of the boarding queue.
If you happen to be seated on the right side of the aircraft, don’t fret. You can still take in the sights of Maupiti and Tetriaroa in the distance. Upon landing, the plane will make a U-turn, providing you with a fleeting yet up-close view of the breathtaking Mt. Otemanu and the Bora Bora island just before you land.
When leaving Bora Bora, sit on the right side for your last glimpse of the island.
Please note that wind conditions may occasionally necessitate a change in the flight path. This may result in a landing approach from a different direction. During the boarding, just ask the flight crew which side of the plane will provide the best views.
Get Multi-Island Pass to save on flights
Air Tahiti offers Multi-Island Passes for travelers who wish to explore multiple islands within the same archipelago, offering special, discounted fares.
For example, Bora Bora Pass allows flying to the islands of Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, and Maupiti and costs €434.90/€469.30 (low season/high season).
The Air Tahiti Pass is valid for 28 days.
The cheapest time to fly to Bora Bora
The shoulder season – April, May and November – tends to be the best time to fly to Bora Bora. It combines the best weather and rates for flights and accommodation due to lower demand. The tropical weather is pleasantly warm, and there are fewer tourists as the vacationers from Europe and America are waiting for the summer season.
The low season – from December to March (excluding days around Christmas and New Year) – is definitely the cheapest time to fly to Bora Bora. if you’re looking to travel on a tight budget, don’t mind the unpredictable rainy season and hot and humid weather, you will be rewarded with the lowest airfares and hotel prices. Additionally, flying on midweek days is usually cheaper than weekend travel.
The high tourist season in Bora Bora starts in June and lasts until the end of October. These are the busiest months in Bora Bora when the weather is dryer, there is less humidity in the air, and water temperatures are cooler. Get ready for tourist crowds and sky-high prices for flights and hotels. If you plan to visit Bora Bora during these months, it is essential to book well ahead (at least 9 months in advance).
Know your time zone
When checking flights and airport transfer times, ensure you know the local time zones. The departure/arrival times on your plane ticket and boarding pass are based on the time zone of the departure/arrival airport – this also applies to the connecting (layover) airports.
French Polynesia spans across the Pacific Ocean and includes multiple islands, each with its own unique geography and longitude. To accommodate this, this French overseas territory uses three separate time zones to reflect the local time on each island accurately: Tahiti Time Zone (UTC-10), Marquesas Islands Time Zone (UTC-9:30) and Gambier Islands Time Zone (UTC-9). These time zones do not have an associated daylight saving time.
Bora Bora observes Tahiti Time Zone (UTC-10) all year. As a result, clocks in Bora Bora are 21 hours behind Sydney, 10 hours behind London and 5 hours behind New York.
When you board the plane, adjust your watch to the local time of the destination – subconsciously orienting yourself to the new time will help you to reduce the jetlag a bit.
Domestic flights from Bora Bora
Most domestic routes in French Polynesia are operated by local carriers. When traveling to popular tourist destinations such as Tahiti, Moorea, Fakarava, Huahine, Raiatea, Maupiti from Bora Bora Airport, you’ll likely fly with one of these domestic airlines: Air Tahiti, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Moana, and Mana Otter.
This is often the best transportation method, providing speed, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. Local airlines often offer multiple daily flights to key destinations, providing flexibility in scheduling and competitive pricing. They also serve smaller regional airports, enabling access to a wider range of French Polynesia destinations.
Flights to Bora Bora
from Australia and New Zealand
- Australia and New Zealand are well-connected with popular Asian destinations, including Bora Bora. In addition to domestic airlines – Qantas, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, and Air New Zealand – routes from Australasia to Asia are operated by large international carriers such as ANA, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways.
Currently, there are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to Bora Bora. You’ll need a layover in one of the major hubs in Asia. There are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to Bora Bora. All international flights to Bora Bora land at Faa'a International AirportPPTin Papeete on Tahiti island first - you can fly there direct with Air New Zealand and Qantas from AucklandAKL. Currently, there are no direct flights from Australia to Tahiti. In Tahiti you'll need to transfer to a connecting domestic flight to reach Bora Bora. Local carrier Air Tahiti is the only airline that serves the route from Tahiti to Bora Bora with more than 10 daily flights lasting 50 minutes (cost one-way around $250). - Airfare costs can vary widely depending on the route and the airline’s pricing strategy. To find the cheapest flight to Bora Bora, compare ticket prices from various international airports in Australia – Sydney
SYD, BrisbaneBNE, MelbourneMEL, PerthPER, AdelaideADL, CairnsCNS, Gold CoastOOL, CanberraCBR, and in New Zealand – AucklandAKL, WellingtonWLG, ChristchurchCHC, QueenstownZQN, and DunedinDUD. - For optimal savings, consider flying from Australia or New Zealand to a key Asian hub, then connect to Bora Bora via a regional low-cost carrier. Among budget airlines that fly to Bora Bora are Air Tahiti, Aircalin, Air Raratonga, and French bee.
For the first leg, use the budget carriers that fly out of Australian airports, leveraging sales and promotions they run frequently: AirAsia (connects with Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore), Cebu Pacific (Manila), Jetstar (Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo), Scoot (Singapore), VietJet Air (Ho Chi Minh City), Bamboo Airways (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Beijing), and Batik Air (Jakarta, Singapore).
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Flights to Bora Bora
from major hubs in Asia
- There are no direct flights from any Asian country to Bora Bora. All international flights to Bora Bora land at Faa'a International Airport
PPTin Papeete on Tahiti island first. You can fly there direct with Air Tahiti Nui from TokyoNRTor from numerous airports located in Pacific Islands.In Tahiti you'll need to transfer to a connecting domestic flight to reach Bora Bora. Local carrier Air Tahiti is the only airline that serves route from Tahiti to Bora Bora with more than 10 daily flights lasting 50-minutes (cost one-way around $250). - Asia is probably the best continent for short-haul and mid-haul flying. The sheer scale of this most populous region on Earth is reflected in the type of aircraft operating many shorter routes: intra-Asia flyers benefit from comfortable, wide-bodied aircraft by the likes of Boeing 777, 787 or Airbus A350, A330, and A380. When booking your flight to Bora Bora look for these bigger planes as they will almost always give you the best experience in every cabin, including better seat pitches, higher ceilings, and larger overhead bin space.
- Asia is also home to most of the world’s best airlines. There are only ten airlines that received the prestigious 5-star mark of quality from Skytrax, and all of them are from Asia: ANA, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines. Choosing one of these airlines for your trip to Bora Bora will guarantee a pleasant journey – delicious meals served during the flight, great in-flight entertainment, and above-average airline customer service.
- Asia is extremely well served by low-cost regional airlines. If you are visiting French Polynesia and want to see several other countries on a tight budget, they often have great sales with rock-bottom prices, while still offering a relatively comfortable flight experience. Among the best Asian budget airlines you can book without hesitation are AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, Citilink, FlyDubai, Indigo, Jetstar Airways, Scoot, SpiceJet, and VietJet Air. The cons? Being no-frills airlines they may not provide free baggage allowance, inflight meals, or onboard entertainment. The departure times may also be quite inconvenient as they try to save money by flying at off-peak hours.
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Flights to Bora Bora dataset
