Overwater bungalows, turquoise water, and a prominent mountain peak.

$363 Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Papeete (PPT)

Popular airlines from San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) to Tahiti Faaa Intl. Airport (PPT)

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Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Papeete (SFO-PPT)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $363 for one-way flights and $614 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Alaska Airlines
Delta
Delta
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Delta
Air France
French bee
Air Caraibes

Alternative airports near Papeete

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Papeete (PPT)

August is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $604 - $1,330 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from San Francisco Intl. to Tahiti Faaa Intl.

San Francisco (SFO) to Papeete (PPT) at a glance

Embark on an exciting journey from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tahiti Faaa International Airport (PPT) with a range of airlines offering flights on this long-haul international route. Explore various options, from full-service carriers to budget-friendly choices, allowing you to find the best fit for your travel plans, budget, and schedule. Discover essential details for SFO to PPT flights as you prepare to experience the stunning sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Papeete.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 8h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 4,200 miles (6,760 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $295–$810, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tahiti Faaa International Airport (PPT)

Based on recent bookings by travelers, here are the top airline choices from San Francisco to Papeete, featuring both non-stop and one-stop flights. Many of these itineraries include a popular layover at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), typically around 3 hours and 30 minutes. This gives you the flexibility to weigh price, total travel time, and cabin class as you search for the ideal route.

  • United: This full-service airline offers direct flights with one-way ticket prices generally between $320 and $1220. United represents about 56% of all departures along this route, and the total travel duration is approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes.
  • French Bee: Another full-service carrier providing non-stop flights, French Bee has one-way fares that typically range from $295 to $980. It makes up around 39% of the departures on this route, with an overall journey time of about 8 hours and 45 minutes.
  • Delta: Offering one-stop services, Delta's one-way fares usually fall between $295 and $810. This airline accounts for roughly 2% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 10 hours and a total travel time of about 13 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • Air Tahiti Nui: Air Tahiti Nui operates as a full-service airline with one-stop services, featuring one-way fares that can range from $445 to $3715. It also constitutes about 2% of the departures, with 10 hours in the air and a total journey time of around 13 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.

Travelers have the option to upgrade their flight from San Francisco to Papeete. United Airlines offers both business class and premium economy class, while French Bee provides premium economy service as well.

Best time to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Papeete (PPT)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Francisco to Papeete are March, April, and December, when peak temperatures in Papeete reach up to 81.5°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 79°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $438). Flight availability peaks in September, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: November usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $438, roughly 22% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: June and May typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $456 to $470.
  • Most flight options: September has the highest number of flights from San Francisco to Papeete, with approximately 10 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January80.6°F (27.0°C)Average7$617
February81.1°F (27.3°C)Average8$516
March81.5°F (27.5°C)High8$484
April81.1°F (27.3°C)High8$519
May80.2°F (26.8°C)Low9$470
June78.8°F (26.0°C)Average9$456
July77.5°F (25.3°C)Average9$568
August76.8°F (24.9°C)Low8$648
September77.2°F (25.1°C)Average10$522
October77.7°F (25.4°C)Average8$698
November79.0°F (26.1°C)Low7$438
December80.4°F (26.9°C)High8$882

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from San Francisco (SFO) to Papeete (PPT)

  • San Francisco to Moorea (SFO-MOZ): Temae Airport (MOZ) is located approximately 11 miles from Tahiti Faaa International Airport (PPT), making it a convenient choice for travelers heading to Moorea.
  • Oakland to Papeete (OAK-PPT): Oakland International Airport (OAK) is roughly 12 miles away from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), providing an accessible option for those traveling to Papeete.
  • San Jose to Papeete (SJC-PPT): Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is situated about 30 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), offering another route for flights to Papeete.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Papeete (PPT)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco to Papeete is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book at least 2 months ahead. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM often provide lower prices, while afternoon flights from 12 PM to 6 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday typically results in cheaper prices, even though Friday is the busiest travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.* Find Papeete hotel and flight deals.
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Tahiti Faaa International Airport from San Francisco International Airport

Papeete welcomes travelers from San Francisco with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Papeete city center is approximately a 5-minute drive (covering about 4 miles) from Tahiti Faaa International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Papeete efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Papeete, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Tahiti Faaa International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Tahiti Faaa International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Tahiti Faaa International Airport, Papeete Seaport, a seaport, is located about 3.6 miles away by car, while Papeete Ferry Terminal, a ferry terminal, is situated approximately 3.9 miles from the airport, also accessible by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $363 and cheap return flights from $614 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $356 to $4039, and return flights typically cost between $673 and $6393. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Papeete (PPT), with average round-trip fares around $799. This is about 22% lower than the average price throughout the year, as travel demand tends to decrease after the holiday season. Other budget-friendly months to consider are March and May.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.)?
Choose from 2 airlines operating direct flights from SFO to PPT:

  • United operates around 7 direct flights from SFO to PPT every week
  • French Bee operates around 7 direct flights from SFO to PPT every week

How do I find cheap flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Papeete (PPT) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, French Bee offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, French Bee typically offers the lowest fares. Alaska Airlines offers the most daily flights from SFO to PPT, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.)?
When flying from San Francisco (SFO) to Papeete (PPT), January and May are your best bets. With average return flight prices around $799, these months offer a great combination of value and travel experience. January is ideal for escaping winter, while May brings beautiful weather to Tahiti, making it a perfect time for a getaway.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.)?
On average, there are around 1 nonstop flights per day from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to Tahiti Faaa Intl. (PPT). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Papeete (PPT) typically departs at around 12:55 AM local time, operated by American Airlines and Air Tahiti Nui. This seasonal service is active in November, giving you a head start on your adventure in Tahiti. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Papeete (PPT) are typically between 12pm and 3pm. About 26% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to enjoy a leisurely morning in San Francisco before heading to the airport.
How long does it take to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.)?
Direct flights from SFO to PPT usually take about 8 hours 50 minutes, traveling roughly 4,203 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 4 hours 30 minutes to your journey. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.)?
You can fly business class between SFO and PPT. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Air Tahiti Nui
  • Qantas Airways
  • Air New Zealand

How much is a business class flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from San Francisco (SFO) to Papeete (PPT) typically costs between $8,941 - $9,490. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $5,277 - $5,830. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Papeete from San Francisco Intl. (SFO)?
If you're planning to travel to Papeete from San Francisco Intl. (SFO), you can fly into Tahiti Faaa Intl. (PPT) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX), Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), Portland Intl. (PDX) before reaching Papeete. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.)?
If you booked your San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Papeete (PPT-Tahiti Faaa Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
San Francisco Intl.
Destination airport
Tahiti Faaa Intl.
Airlines serving
Air Caraibes, Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, French bee, United
Roundtrip price
$614
Distance
4202 mi
Average flight time
5 hours 25 mins

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*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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