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About Bora Bora Airport

Bora Bora Airport (BOB), also known as Motu Mute Airport, is located on Motu Mute in Bora Bora, within the Leeward Islands administrative subdivision of French Polynesia. The airport is around 7 kilometers from Vaitape, the island's main village and commercial center, with access provided mainly by boat transfers. Opened to civil air traffic in 1958 after its earlier military use, Bora Bora Airport is operated by Aéroport de Tahiti and plays a vital role in supporting tourism, local mobility, and inter-island connectivity across the region.

The airport has a compact terminal designed primarily for domestic flights, as Bora Bora does not operate regular long-haul international flights directly from the island. Its annual passenger traffic is commonly estimated in the several hundred thousand range, supported by facilities such as check-in counters, baggage services, waiting areas, retail points, passenger assistance, and marine transfer infrastructure linking the airport with resorts and the main island. Traffic is strongly seasonal, rising during peak holiday periods and honeymoon travel months, while quieter shoulder seasons bring more moderate passenger flows.

Air Tahiti is the main airline operating from Bora Bora Airport, with direct routes to key French Polynesian destinations such as Tahiti, Raiatea, Huahine, and Maupiti, depending on the schedule. Most international flights for Bora Bora travelers connect through Faa'a International Airport in Tahiti, where passengers continue onward to markets such as the United States, France, New Zealand, and other Pacific destinations. Demand for flight tickets remains closely linked to premium leisure travel, resort stays, and inter-island itineraries, making the airport an essential gateway for both visitors and residents.

Bora Bora Airport to Bora Bora City Center Transport

Bora Bora Airport (BOB) is located on Motu Mute, so transport to Bora Bora city center, Vaitape, starts with a boat crossing. The main options are the scheduled airport shuttle boat, hotel or private boat transfers, taxis from Vaitape dock, and car rental after reaching the main island.

Bus

There are no municipal buses departing directly from Bora Bora Airport because the airport is on a separate islet with no road connection to Vaitape. Travelers should first take the airport shuttle boat to Vaitape, where local road transport can be arranged. The boat crossing usually takes about 15 minutes.

• No public bus line operates from Bora Bora Airport terminal.
• Use the airport shuttle boat from Motu Mute to Vaitape dock.
• Continue from Vaitape by taxi, rental car, scooter, bicycle, or hotel shuttle.

Airport Shuttle

Bora Bora does not use a Havas or Havabus road shuttle system; the regular airport shuttle is a boat service. Air Tahiti passengers use Bora Bora Navette, while Air Moana passengers use the Air Moana maritime shuttle. Services are timed with flight arrivals and departures, and the average crossing to Vaitape city center is about 15 minutes.

• Bora Bora Airport dock on Motu Mute
• Vaitape village dock
• Nearby Vaitape taxi stand and car rental offices

Taxi

Taxis are not available directly outside the airport terminal because the airport is sea-access only. After taking the shuttle boat to Vaitape, taxis are usually available near the dock and can also be booked in advance for late arrivals or hotel connections. The average journey from Vaitape dock to central locations is about 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the destination.

• Taxi pickup near Vaitape dock
• Transfers to hotels on the main island
• Pre-booked taxis for evening or early-morning travel

Car Rental

Car rental is best arranged for pickup on the main island, usually near Vaitape dock rather than at the airport terminal exit. After the 15-minute shuttle boat ride from Bora Bora Airport, travelers can collect a rental car, scooter, or small vehicle from local offices close to the arrival quay.

• Rental offices near Vaitape shuttle dock
• Advance reservations recommended during busy travel periods
• Useful for exploring Matira Beach, viewpoints, restaurants, and main-island resorts

Transfer

Private transfers are a convenient option for travelers going directly to a resort, villa, or hotel outside Vaitape. Many accommodations organize their own boat transfers from Bora Bora Airport, while private operators can arrange custom lagoon transfers. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially for luxury resorts, late arrivals, groups, or travelers with extra luggage.

• Private boat transfer from Bora Bora Airport dock
• Hotel and resort-arranged lagoon transfers
• Direct service to overwater bungalow resorts and private-island properties