But the planning gets tricky fast. Ferry schedules shift by season and by operator. Faa'a International Airport isn't next door to the ferry terminal. And if you're landing on an international flight after 15+ hours in transit, you need to know whether you can realistically make that afternoon sailing.
This guide walks through current operators, ticket costs, booking steps, airport-to-terminal logistics, what the crossing actually looks like, and a backup plan for anyone who misses the last boat. We'll also flag exactly where schedules and fares can change, so you know what to double-check before you travel.
Key Takeaways
- Confirm your date-specific schedule directly with the operator; departure times and fares change seasonally.
- Budget extra time after landing at Faa'a; there's no automatic airport-to-Moorea connection.
- Travelers with rental cars, scooters, or oversized luggage need a different booking approach than walk-on passengers.
- Ferry service runs during daytime hours only, so build a backup plan instead of cutting it close.
Which Ferries Run From Tahiti to Moorea?
Three operators currently run the Papeete–Vaiare crossing:
- Aremiti (Aremiti 5 and Aremiti 6) — the largest operator, with multiple daily departures and separate passenger and vehicle ticketing. Check the official Aremiti schedule and fares.
- Vaeara'i — publishes a 50-minute crossing and 4–5 daily sailings on its route page. Confirm direction and date on the live timetable; counts may differ each way.
- Tuatea Ferry — smaller operator with published car and two-wheeler fares; check its current timetable before booking.
One important correction: Terevau is no longer operating. Radio 1 Tahiti reported its judicial liquidation in April 2026, following months without Moorea sailings. If you find an old blog post or aggregator site listing Terevau times, ignore it.
Passenger vs. Vehicle Tickets
A passenger ticket doesn't automatically reserve space for a car, scooter, or bicycle. Vehicle capacity is limited and priced separately on every operator's site. If you're bringing a rental car to Moorea, book the vehicle slot as its own line item — don't assume your passenger fare covers it.
How to Read a Schedule Correctly
Before you trust any departure time, verify:
- Direction — Papeete to Vaiare, or the return leg
- Travel date — schedules shift seasonally
- Terminal — confirm you're looking at the Papeete ferry dock, not the airport
- Operating days — some sailings run weekdays only
- Time zone — confirm times are listed in local French Polynesia time
Ferry schedules and fares are subject to change — recheck the operator's site a few days before you travel, not months ahead.
How Much Do Tahiti-to-Moorea Ferry Tickets Cost?
Adult tourist one-way fares run about 1,100–2,350 XPF depending on the operator—roughly $10–$21 USD at a ballpark rate of 110 XPF per $1. Return tickets are usually double, or a bit less.
Fares are always quoted in CFP francs (XPF). Each operator uses slightly different passenger categories, so compare like-for-like before you book.
| Operator | Adult tourist one-way | Adult tourist return |
|---|---|---|
| Aremiti | 2,350 XPF | 4,700 XPF |
| Vaeara'i | 1,900 XPF | 3,500 XPF |
| Tauati | 1,100 XPF | 2,200 XPF |
Tourist-adult fares as published at research time. Resident and other fare types differ and have eligibility rules—confirm the live price at checkout. USD figures are approximate and move with the exchange rate.
Vehicle and Extra Costs
| Operator | Car (one-way / return) | Two-wheeler | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aremiti | 3,940 / 7,880 XPF (under 3.10 m) | Scooter 1,480 / 2,560 XPF | Bicycle 270 / 540 XPF |
| Vaeara'i | 4,000 XPF one-way (under 4 m) | 1,000 XPF | +1,300 XPF if vehicle travels without driver |
| Tauati | 4,400 / 8,800 XPF | 1,300 / 2,600 XPF | — |
Vehicle fares do not include the driver’s passenger ticket. Length limits and categories vary by operator, so match your vehicle to the published class before you pay.
Booking tip: Reserve vehicle space early—capacity is limited and does not rise with passenger demand. Walk-on travelers have more flexibility, but still check holiday weeks and French school breaks.
Confirm the live rate on the operator’s own fare page before booking; third-party posts go stale quickly.
How to Book Aremiti and Other Moorea Ferry Tickets
You can book three ways:
- Directly through an operator's website
- At the ticket counter in Papeete or Vaiare
- Through a travel advisor coordinating your full itinerary
Booking Aremiti Online
- Visit the Aremiti ticketing page
- Select your route, direction, and travel date
- Choose passenger category (tourist or resident) and add a vehicle product if needed
- Enter passenger details and complete payment
- Save your confirmation. Tickets are valid for 360 days and can be used on either Aremiti 5 or 6
Aremiti's carriage terms require passengers and drivers to check in at least 30 minutes before departure, with vehicle registration closing 10 minutes before departure. Tauati's guidance is similar: arrive one hour early with checked luggage, or 30 minutes early with hand luggage only.
What you'll need at checkout:
- Passport names (where required)
- Vehicle dimensions if bringing a car
- Bag count
- Your onward destination on Moorea
A word of caution: Don't book a ferry departing right after your international flight lands. Immigration lines, baggage claim, and the drive into Papeete routinely take longer than travelers expect — especially after an overnight Pacific crossing.
Magical Tahiti Vacations can align ferry timing with your flight arrival, resort transfers, and the rest of your itinerary so you are not juggling separate bookings. Planning is fee-free, and you pay the same rates you would booking direct.
Getting From Faa'a International Airport to the Tahiti Ferry Terminal
The sequence is straightforward on paper: land at Faa'a, clear immigration and collect luggage, get to the Papeete ferry terminal, check in, then board for Vaiare.
In practice, each step takes longer than first-time visitors expect.
Transfer Options
- Prearranged private transfer — book ahead via the airport's official transport guide; tell the driver your drop-off is the ferry terminal, not a hotel
- Taxi — taxis queue outside Terminal 1
- Rental car — available by the hour and day in Tahiti, though a one-way airport-to-terminal drop-off isn't guaranteed by every rental company
- Public bus — stops exist on the airport's peripheral road, but a verified door-to-door itinerary and fare to the ferry terminal weren't confirmed at publication
Build In a Real Buffer
Flight delays, immigration queues, baggage collection, road traffic, and ticket-counter lines all eat into your connection window. Add the operator's boarding cutoff on top of that, and a tight same-day connection can unravel quickly.
Late or overnight arrivals: If your flight lands in the evening, check the last sailing for your travel date before assuming you'll make it. Arriving after ferry service ends for the day typically means an overnight stay on Tahiti.
Catching a morning international flight? If you need to reach Faa'a from Moorea for an early departure, don't count on the first ferry of the day. Many travelers spend the night before in Papeete so traffic and check-in lines don't wipe out the connection.
Same-day ferry after you land: A common pattern is international arrival, overnight in Papeete, then the morning ferry to Moorea. Treat that as a planning example, not a promise; always verify against your dates and the operator's boarding cutoff.
How Long Is the Ferry Ride and What Happens at the Terminals?
Vaeara'i publishes a 50-minute crossing time for Papeete–Vaiare. Aremiti and Tauati don't currently list an explicit dock-to-dock duration on their public schedules, so confirm the specific sailing time when you book. Weather, loading, and the vessel assigned can all shift the actual crossing slightly.
At the Papeete Terminal
- Confirm your operator and ticket counter — multiple companies share the dock area
- Check the departure board for your specific vessel and gate
- Follow posted baggage instructions, especially for anything oversized
At Vaiare Terminal on Moorea
Vaiare is a small dock, not a resort hub. There's no walkable town center at the terminal, so arrange onward transportation before you sail:
- Resort shuttle
- Rental car pickup
- Taxi or private transfer
Onboard
Vaeara'i describes reclining seats, USB outlets, and a dining area, plus indoor and outdoor seating options. Amenities on Aremiti and Tauati vessels vary by ship, so don't assume air conditioning, food service, or an outdoor deck without checking the specific vessel.
Baggage Rules
- Aremiti: One cabin bag up to 10 kg (~22 lb), plus two checked pieces totaling 23 kg (~50 lb), free
- Tauati: Arrive one hour early for checked or oversized bags; hand luggage under 15 kg (~33 lb) needs about 30 minutes
- Vaeara'i: Coolers must go in a designated area and may incur a freight charge
Diving gear, surfboards, and other oversized equipment should be confirmed directly with your chosen operator before you buy a ticket — don't assume the standard allowance covers it.
The crossing itself is scenic, but skip the promises of dolphin sightings or guaranteed views. That's weather and luck, not something any operator controls.
Ferry-Day Planning Checklist for Travelers
Quick reference before you head to the dock:
- Verify your operator, departure time, and terminal for your specific travel date
- Keep your confirmation accessible on your phone or as a printout
- Carry XPF (French Pacific francs) or an accepted card; payment methods vary by operator
- Arrive early: walk-on passengers typically need 30 minutes; vehicle travelers should follow each operator's cutoff
- Arrange onward transport on Moorea in advance (resort shuttle, rental car, or taxi)
If your ferry is delayed, canceled, or full: Contact the operator directly, check the next sailing, and notify your Moorea accommodation or transfer provider of the change.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking a ferry departure too soon after a long-haul international flight
- Assuming every operator accepts the same payment methods
- Confusing Faa'a airport with the Papeete ferry terminal; they are separate locations that need separate transport
- Relying on a schedule from an old travel blog instead of the operator's current page
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a ferry ticket from Tahiti to Moorea cost?
Fares depend on the operator, passenger category, direction, and whether you're bringing a vehicle. Check the current fare pages for Aremiti, Vaeara'i, or Tauati rather than relying on older quoted prices.
How do I get from Tahiti to Moorea?
Take the ferry from Papeete to Vaiare. You'll need to transfer from Faa'a airport to the Papeete terminal first, then check daytime departure times for your specific travel date.
How long is the ferry ride from Tahiti to Moorea?
Vaeara'i publishes a 50-minute crossing; other operators may vary slightly by vessel and conditions. Confirm the exact duration with your chosen operator when booking.
Can I book Aremiti ferry tickets online?
Yes, through Aremiti's official ticketing page. Save your confirmation and review vehicle-booking rules and check-in requirements, since tickets remain valid for 360 days.
How early should I arrive for the Aremiti ferry?
Aremiti recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before departure, with vehicle registration closing 10 minutes prior. Add extra time if you're coming straight from the airport or bringing luggage.
