If you are currently planning your dream Bora Bora Island vacation and researching how to reach this remote island, this guide will help familiarize you with all the transportation options available from various regions of the world.
Scroll down to learn how to get to Bora Bora from USA main airports, as well as Europe and Asia’s main airport hubs. The major airlines that fly direct and share some helpful tips I’ve gained from traveling to Bora Bora for our honeymoon. Let’s get started!
How To Get To Bora Bora
How Do you get to Bora Bora? Because Bora Bora is a small island, it requires a bit of planning and a few flights to get there. I’ll explain in more detail below. But first, I’ll summarize what I’ll be covering: Check out my review of Le Bora Bora Resort here.
Bora Bora island, a picturesque island located in French Polynesia, a cluster of amazing islands part of the Society Islands in Tahiti, is a dream destination! With its turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, luxury resorts, and stunning natural beauty, Bora Bora offers a tropical paradise experience like no other.
How To Fly To Bora Bora
How To Fly To Bora Bora
How to get from Tahiti to Bora bora
Currently, there are no direct flights available to Bora Bora. This holds true not only for Bora Bora but also for most of the islands in French Polynesia. Due to the relatively small landmasses of these islands, large passenger jets cannot land directly on their runways. So, all international flights to French Polynesia, including Bora Bora, land at Faa’a International Airport (PPT) near Papeete, the capital of Tahiti.
- You Must Fly To Tahiti First: All international travelers who arrive by air must land at Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport —PPT first.
- Depending on your flight arrival time, book a separate domestic flight connecting to the island of Bora Bora —BOB
TIP—The most convenient and time-efficient way to get to Bora Bora is to book a direct flight into Tahiti—PPT and arrive early in the morning. Look on on Air Tahiti’s flights—book a flight that has at least an hour of connection time to Bora Bora. (more on that below)
TIP — Air Tahiti has a bit of a monopoly on interisland flights, as it is the only domestic airline offering this connection
Arrival at Bora Bora Airport
When you reach Bora Bora, you will land at Bora Bora Airport, Motu Mute Airport (BOB) On a open-air tarmac and walk to the tiny airport that’s connected to the water. From there, there are water transportation options available to reach resorts and accommodations on the island. The most common method is to take a short boat ride provided by the resort or arrange for a private water taxi. Some luxury resorts even offer helicopter transfers for a luxury VIP experience.
HOW DO I GET TO MY RESORT FROM BORA BORA?
The Bora Bora Airport Is On A Motu — an islet. It’s a very tiny airport. You walk off from the plane onto the tarmac.
Because the airport’s location is on an island and the major accommodations on Bora Bora are on their own island— you have to take a boat transfer to arrive at your resort. So as you go and collect your luggage if you booked a water taxi transfer from your hotel, the staff will be there to greet you with a smile and a handmade lei.
options to get from bora bora airport to resort:
- Book a boat transfer with your hotel —the most expensive option on average it’s 150 USD to 300 USD.
- Hire an independent water taxi—always ask for the price or book ahead online.
- Take the free ferry to the main island and book a water taxi from there
- TIP —Air Tahiti offers a complimentary ferry to the main island’s town of Vaitape. We took advantage of this and did some grocery and souvenir shopping before going to our resort. There is a local grocery store called Chin lee that was close and convenient. You can purchase sunblock, alcohol, and snacks.
- TIP — From Vaitape, many resorts hourly complimentary shuttles from the resort to the town of Vaitape.
- TIP —You can also go to the Visitor Center and ask them to hold your luggage while you shop. They were very nice and helpful.
airlines that fly to bora bora From UNITED STATES
Wondering what airlines fly to Bora Bora? If you’re traveling to Bora Bora from the United States, several airlines offer convenient connections. Here are three popular choices:
Air Tahiti Nui
Air Tahiti Nui, the flag carrier of French Polynesia, operates regular flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Papeete, the capital city. From Papeete, you can then take a short domestic flight to Bora Bora. Air Tahiti Nui provides excellent service and is known for its comfortable seating and warm hospitality. Keep in mind they are notoriously strict on their carryon weight limit!
United Airlines
United Airlines also offers flights from the USA to Bora Bora. They operate direct flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Papeete, where you can connect to a domestic flight to Bora Bora. United Airlines provides a reliable option for travelers looking for convenient connections from the West Coast.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is another major carrier that flies to Bora Bora from the USA. They operate non-stop flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Papeete.
Airlines offering Direct Flights to Bora Bora from United States
- Air Tahiti Nui: Air Tahiti Nui i offers direct flights to Bora Bora from major U.S. cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco six days a week with a few flights per day.
- United Airlines: United Airlines is another reliable option for direct flights from the USA to Bora Bora from San Francisco three times a week (Tue, Thu, Sun)
- Hawaiian Airlines: If you’re in Hawaii and looking to hop over to Bora Bora, Hawaiian Airlines offers direct flights from Honolulu to Bora Bora, you can combine the best of both island paradises!
- French Bee: is a new carrier that offers budget direct flights from San Francisco 3 times a week (Wed, Fri, Sun)
How to Get to Bora Bora from United states Main Airports & distance
Wondering how long does it take to get to bora bora? Here are some details on how long it takes to reach Bora Bora French Polynesia from major Unite States Aiport hubs to help your planning:
Distance and Average Travel Time from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Distance: Approximately 4,060 miles (6,526 kilometers)
- Average Travel Time: 8 to 10 hours
To reach Bora Bora from LAX, you will likely have a layover in Tahiti’s capital, Papeete, before boarding a connecting flight to Bora Bora’s Motu Mute Airport. The layover time can vary, but expect around 1 to 2 hours.
Distance and Average Travel Time from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Distance: Approximately 6,779 miles (10,915 kilometers)
- Average Travel Time: 13 to 15 hours
Flying from JFK to Bora Bora usually involves a layover in Los Angeles or San Francisco before continuing on to Papeete. Afterward, a connecting flight will take you to Bora Bora. The total layover time can range from 3 to 6 hours.
Distance and Average Travel Time from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Distance: Approximately 6,524 miles (10,504 kilometers)
- Average Travel Time: 14 to 16 hours
Traveling from ATL to Bora Bora typically requires a layover in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Dallas. Once you arrive in Papeete, a connecting flight will transport you to Bora Bora. The layover duration can vary between 3 and 6 hours.
Distance and Average Travel Time from O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Distance: Approximately 6,855 miles (11,022 kilometers)
- Average Travel Time: 14 to 16 hours
From ORD, you will likely have a layover in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Dallas before heading to Papeete. A connecting flight will then bring you to Bora Bora. The layover time can range from 3 to 6 hours.
Distance and Average Travel Time from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Distance: Approximately 6,804 miles (10,947 kilometers)
- Average Travel Time: 15 to 17 hours
Flying from DFW to Bora Bora generally involves a layover in Los Angeles or San Francisco before proceeding to Papeete. From there, a connecting flight will take you to Bora Bora. Expect a layover duration of around 3 to 6 hours.
Airlines Flying to Bora Bora from Europe
If you’re traveling to Bora Bora from Europe, there are several airlines that can take you there. Here are three noteworthy options:
Air France
Air France, the national airline of France, operates flights from several European cities to Papeete. From Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Air France offers direct flights to Papeete. Once you reach Papeete, you can connect to a domestic flight to Bora Bora.
Air Tahiti Nui
Apart from serving the USA, Air Tahiti Nui also offers flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Papeete. As mentioned earlier, from Papeete, you can take a domestic flight to Bora Bora.
British Airways
British Airways, the flagship carrier of the United Kingdom, offers flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Papeete. Similar to other European airlines, you’ll need to take a domestic flight from Papeete to reach Bora Bora.
Direct Flights from Europe to Bora Bora
Europeans have easy access to direct flights to Bora Bora. Several airlines connect major European cities to this idyllic destination, providing a straightforward and convenient travel experience.
- Air France: As the national airline of France, Air France operates direct flights from Paris to Bora Bora. Experience the comfort of their cabins and indulge in French cuisine while jetting off to this tropical oasis.
- British Airways: British Airways offers a seamless travel experience from London to Bora Bora.
- Lufthansa: Lufthansa, provides direct flights from Frankfurt to Bora Bora.
How to Get to Bora Bora from Europe Main Airport Hubs & distance
Europe offers numerous direct flights to Papeete, which is the gateway to Bora Bora. Here are the distances and average travel times from some of the main airport hubs in Europe:
Distance and Average Travel Time from London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- Distance: Approximately 11,197 miles (18,010 kilometers)
- Average Travel Time: 21 to 23 hours
When traveling from LHR to Bora Bora, you will usually have a layover in Paris, Los Angeles, or Dubai before reaching Papeete. From there, a connecting flight will take you to Bora Bora. The total layover duration can vary between 4 and 9 hours.
Distance and Average Travel Time from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Distance: Approximately 10,066 miles (16,179 kilometers)
- Average Travel Time: 20 to 22 hours
From CDG, the most common layover cities on the way to Bora Bora are Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Tokyo. Once you arrive in Papeete, a connecting flight will transport you to Bora Bora. Expect a layover duration of around 4 to 8 hours.
Distance and Average Travel Time from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
- Distance: Approximately 10,256 miles (16,511 kilometers)
- Average Travel Time: 21 to 23 hours
Traveling from FRA to Bora Bora usually involves layovers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Tokyo. After landing in Papeete, a connecting flight will take you to Bora Bora. The total layover time can range from 4 to 8 hours.
Distance and Average Travel Time from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
- Distance: Approximately 11,086 miles (17,837 kilometers)
- Average Travel Time: 21 to 23 hours
When flying from AMS to Bora Bora, you will typically have layovers in Paris, Los Angeles, or Dubai before reaching Papeete. From there, a connecting flight will transport you to Bora Bora. Expect a layover duration of around 4 to 9 hours.
Distance and Average Travel Time from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)
- Distance: Approximately 11,578 miles (18,625 kilometers)
- Average Travel Time: 22 to 24 hours
Traveling from MAD to Bora Bora often requires layovers in Paris, Los Angeles, or Dubai before continuing on to Papeete. A connecting flight will then take you to Bora Bora. The total layover time can range from 4 to 9 hours.
Airlines Flying to Bora Bora from Asia
Traveling from Asia to Bora Bora involves connecting flights, but there are options available. Here are three airlines you can consider:
Air Tahiti Nui
Air Tahiti Nui, being the primary airline connecting French Polynesia with various regions, also serves Asia. They offer flights from Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) to Papeete. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Bora Bora.
Air France
Air France, as part of their extensive network, connects Bora Bora with Asian cities. They operate flights from Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) to Papeete, with onward connections to Bora Bora.
Korean Air
Korean Air provides flights from Seoul’s Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Papeete. This is a popular route for travelers in Asia.
Airlines Offering direct Flights to Bora Bora from Asia
- Air Tahiti Nui: Air Tahiti Nui operates flights from Tokyo’s Narita Airport to Bora Bora, providing a convenient connection for travelers from Asia.
- Singapore Airlines: Known for its exceptional service and comfort, Singapore Airlines offers flights from Singapore to Bora Bora.
- China Eastern Airlines: China Eastern Airlines provides direct flights from Shanghai to Bora Bora, making it an ideal choice for travelers from China and other parts of Asia.
How to Get to Bora Bora from Asia Main Airport Hubs & Distance
How to go to Bora Bora from Asia. Here are the distances and average travel times from some of the main airport hubs in Asia:
Distance and Average Travel Time from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
- Distance: Approximately 6,457 miles (10,396 kilometers)
- Average Travel Time: 13 to 15 hours
When traveling from SIN to Bora Bora, you will typically have a layover in Tokyo, Seoul, or Hong Kong before reaching Papeete. From there, a connecting flight will transport you to Bora Bora. The total layover duration can vary between 3 and 6 hours.
Distance and Average Travel Time from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) TO BORA BORA
- Distance: Approximately 6,134 miles (9,873 kilometers)
- Average Travel Time: 13 to 15 hours
From HND, the most common layover cities on the way to Bora Bora are Seoul, Los Angeles, or Singapore. Once you arrive in Papeete, a connecting flight will take you to Bora Bora. Expect a layover duration of around 3 to 6 hours.
Distance and Average Travel Time from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) TO BORA BORA
- Distance: Approximately 7,413 miles (11,931 kilometers)
- Average Travel Time: 15 to 17 hours
Traveling from PEK to Bora Bora usually involves layovers in Seoul, Tokyo, or Singapore before continuing on to Papeete. A connecting flight will then bring you to Bora Bora. The layover time can range from 3 to 6 hours.
Distance and Average Travel Time from Dubai International Airport (DXB) TO BORA BORA
- Distance: Approximately 9,182 miles (14,772 kilometers)
- Average Travel Time: 18 to 20 hours
When flying from DXB to Bora Bora, you will typically have a layover in Paris, Los Angeles, or Singapore before reaching Papeete. From there, a connecting flight will transport you to Bora Bora. Expect a layover duration of around 4 to 8 hours.
Distance and Average Travel Time from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) TO BORA BORA
- Distance: Approximately 6,417 miles (10,329 kilometers)
- Average Travel Time: 13 to 15 hours
Traveling from HKG to Bora Bora often requires layovers in Seoul, Tokyo, or Singapore before continuing on to Papeete. A connecting flight will then take you to Bora Bora. The total layover time can range from 3 to 6 hours.
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WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN BORA BORA?
- You can start by lounging on the stunning white sand beaches and swimming in the crystal clear waters. Take a snorkeling or diving trip to explore the coral reefs, and go shark and ray feeding. You can also take a safari tour, which will take you to the island’s most beautiful spots and allow you to see the island’s diverse wildlife.
- If you want to experience the local culture, you can visit the island’s cultural center where you will learn about the island’s history and customs. There are also historical WW2 hikes on the island of Bora Bora if you’re interested in history. And of course, you can’t miss out on the famous overwater bungalows. These luxurious accommodations are the perfect way to experience the beauty of the island, and you’ll have the opportunity to see the marine life passing by directly from your room.
