$31 Car Rental Papeete

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Papeete

Renting a car in Papeete offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, business travelers, and those with lots of luggage, as you can manage your belongings easily while enjoying a comfortable ride. With a rental car, you can visit key attractions such as the Jardins de Paofai, an urban park perfect for outdoor experiences, and the Robert Wan Pearl Museum, which showcases local culture. Both are conveniently located in Papeete.

Additionally, a rental car makes it easy to venture to nearby cities like Arue, only 3 miles away, where you can explore sites like Pointe du Taharaa and the James Norman Hall Home. You can also discover Pā'ōfa'i and Taunoa, both featuring the same attractions as Papeete, ensuring you won’t miss out on anything. Having your own vehicle allows for spontaneous adventures and a more personalized itinerary, making your trip to Papeete and its surroundings enjoyable and stress-free.

Most popular car rentals in Papeete

• Economy: This car type accommodates 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases, making it an excellent choice for solo travelers, couples, or families. The Economy car provides a balance of comfort and efficiency, allowing you to navigate Papeete with ease. Its compact size is ideal for city driving, while still offering enough space for your luggage, ensuring that you can explore at your own pace.
• Mini: Accommodating 4 travelers with up to 2 small suitcases, the Mini car is perfect for solo adventurers or couples seeking a cost-effective option. This car type is easy to maneuver through the streets of Papeete, making it a practical choice for those who prioritize simplicity and convenience. With its smaller size, parking is effortless, allowing you to access various attractions without hassle.
• Compact: The Compact car option is designed for 5 travelers and offers space for up to 3 medium suitcases, making it suitable for solo travelers, couples, or families. This car type combines comfort and practicality, providing an enjoyable driving experience while accommodating additional luggage. Ideal for those who want a little more room without sacrificing agility, the Compact car allows you to explore Papeete while enjoying flexibility in your travel plans.

Top rated car suppliers in Papeete

• Hertz: Hertz is a prominent car rental supplier in Papeete, offering a reliable service with one rental location in the area. Travelers often choose Hertz for their flexibility, especially with popular car options like Economy and Compact vehicles. These choices are ideal for navigating Papeete and its surroundings, allowing you to explore at your own pace while managing your luggage effortlessly.
• Avis: Avis is another top choice for car rentals in Papeete, featuring one rental location. Known for its excellent selection, Avis primarily offers Mini and Economy cars, which are perfect for travelers looking for a compact yet comfortable driving experience. Many customers appreciate the convenience and ease of booking with Avis, making it a favored option for those planning their trips.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental stands out in Papeete with its dedicated rental location and a reputation for providing well-maintained vehicles. With a focus on Economy and Midsize SUV options, Thrifty caters to diverse traveler needs, whether you're looking for efficient transportation or a bit more space for your adventures. Their commitment to customer satisfaction makes them a great choice for exploring the Windward Islands.

Where to stay around Papeete

• Punaauia: Located 6 miles from Papeete, Punaauia offers a delightful blend of beach and city experiences. Visitors can enjoy popular attractions such as the scenic Marina Taina, perfect for outdoor adventures, and the culturally rich Museum of Tahiti and the Islands. The Jardins de Paofai provides a lovely urban park setting for families. With its nearby public markets and options for underwater sports, Punaauia is an excellent choice for those looking to explore both leisure and culture.
• Faaa: Situated 3 miles from Papeete, Faaa is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and vibrant city life. The area features the renowned Robert Wan Pearl Museum, which showcases local culture. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the Marina Taina and Jardins de Paofai for outdoor activities. The local markets and golf venues offer various options for leisure and dining, making Faaa a convenient place to stay for those seeking both relaxation and cultural exploration.
• Mahina: Just 5 miles from Papeete, Mahina is a great spot for families and those interested in cultural experiences. The historic Pointe Venus Lighthouse adds a unique touch to your visit. Enjoy some beach time at Point Venus Black Sand Beach, or explore the Papeete Ferry Terminal for adventure opportunities. With public markets and underwater sports readily available, Mahina provides a balanced mix of leisure and culture close to Papeete.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Papeete

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to secure lower prices and enjoy better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra fees. This is typically the best option. Other policies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which is acceptable too. Just remember to return the vehicle empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies accept only credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected costs and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is a straightforward process when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Papeete

The best value period to rent a car in and around Papeete is August, as it features low demand and prices. The months of March and September also offer slightly low prices and demand, making them good options for budget-conscious travelers. However, June tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand and prices. Following June, the summer months see slightly high prices and average demand, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Papeete

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Papeete into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Papeete and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Papeete

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Papeete. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Papeete

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $31.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals