Flights to Bora Bora
Flights to Bora Bora, 2026
Bora Bora Airport sits on a small motu and cannot accommodate international aircraft. All international flights land in Tahiti first. From there, Air Tahiti and Air Moana operate frequent 50-minute connections to Bora Bora. The two-flight journey is simple, well-organized, and the domestic terminal in Papeete sits right next to the international one.
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Tours in Bora Bora
Private Tour Whale Watching Bora Bora
Tahitian Oven Bora Bora – Luxury Lagoon Tour
Aquatic Photoshoot Bora Bora with Lunch on a Motu
Are there direct flights to Bora Bora?
No. There are no direct international flights to Bora Bora from anywhere in the world. Bora Bora Airport (BOB) is located on a small motu and can only handle small domestic aircraft. All international travelers must fly first to Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti, and then take a 50-minute connecting flight to Bora Bora with Air Tahiti or Air Moana. This is the only way to reach the island by air.
Aerial view of Bora Bora Airport on its motu, one of the most scenic airport approaches in the world
How long is the flight to Bora Bora?
Total travel time depends entirely on where you are flying from and how long your layover in Tahiti is. The domestic leg from Tahiti to Bora Bora is always around 50 minutes. The international leg varies considerably by departure city.
Los Angeles (LAX) to Bora Bora
Non-stop to Tahiti, then 50-minute connection to Bora Bora.
San Francisco (SFO) to Bora Bora
Non-stop to Tahiti, then 50-minute connection to Bora Bora.
Paris (CDG) to Bora Bora
Via Los Angeles or San Francisco, then Tahiti, then 50-minute connection. US transit stop required.
Sydney (SYD) to Bora Bora
Via Auckland or Rarotonga, then Tahiti, then 50-minute connection. Direct Sydney service launching December 2026.
Melbourne (MEL) to Bora Bora
Via Sydney or Auckland, then Tahiti, then 50-minute connection. No direct Melbourne routing currently available.
Auckland (AKL) to Bora Bora
Non-stop to Tahiti, then 50-minute connection to Bora Bora.
Tokyo (NRT) to Bora Bora
Via Los Angeles to Tahiti, then 50-minute connection. US transit stop required.
International airlines flying to Tahiti
Your first step is booking a flight to Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete. This is French Polynesia‘s only international airport and the gateway for all flights to Bora Bora and the other islands.
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Auckland, Tokyo. Sydney from December 2026.
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris (via SFO)
Los Angeles, Paris (via LAX)
San Francisco, 7x weekly from June 29, 2026
Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles (codeshare connections to Tahiti)
Air New Zealand
Auckland
Noumea
Best overall airline
Air Tahiti Nui
French Polynesia’s international airline. Best value for Club Tiare members. Polynesian hospitality from the moment you board.
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Best budget airline
French Bee
The best budget option from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Paris. Modern Airbus A350 fleet, competitive fares, customizable options.
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7x weekly from San Francisco
United Airlines
United Airlines operates 7 flights per week from San Francisco to Tahiti from June 29, 2026. Best choice for MileagePlus members.
Search flights →Flying from the US to Bora Bora
The most popular US departure points are Los Angeles and San Francisco. From Los Angeles, Air Tahiti Nui, French Bee, and Air France all operate direct routes to Papeete. From San Francisco, United Airlines now operates 7 flights per week from June 29, 2026, alongside French Bee. Alaska Airlines travelers from the US West Coast connect via codeshare arrangements through partner carriers to reach Tahiti.
Flying from Europe to Bora Bora
Paris is the main European gateway, served by both Air Tahiti Nui and Air France. However, flights from Paris do not fly direct to Tahiti. All European routings make a technical stop in Los Angeles or San Francisco. This is not a simple transit: US regulations require all passengers to disembark, go through passport control and security, and re-board the same aircraft. Factor this into your total journey time when planning.
Flying from Australia to Bora Bora
Australian travelers currently connect to Tahiti via Auckland with Air New Zealand, or via Rarotonga in the Cook Islands with Air Tahiti Nui. Melbourne travelers typically connect through Sydney or Auckland first. Total journey time from Sydney is around 11 to 12 hours plus the 50-minute domestic connection to Bora Bora.
Connecting flights from Tahiti to Bora Bora
Once you land in Papeete, two domestic airlines connect Tahiti to Bora Bora Airport (BOB). The domestic terminal sits directly next to the international terminal, making the connection straightforward. Both airlines offer frequent departures and the 50-minute flight over the lagoon is one of the most scenic short flights in the world.
Most frequent flights
Air Tahiti
48 destinations, island-hopping passes, and the most reliable schedule to Bora Bora. Also the best option for travelers connecting from the Cook Islands via Rarotonga.
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Best budget domestic
Air Moana
Competitive fares and a luxurious free shuttle from Bora Bora Airport to the main island. A growing alternative to Air Tahiti with comfortable aircraft and strong service.
Search Air Moana flights →Arriving at Bora Bora Airport
Bora Bora Airport is one of the most beautiful and unusual airports in the world. It sits on its own small motu, completely separate from the main island and from the resort motus. When you land, you arrive into a small open-air terminal with views over the lagoon in every direction.
From the airport, your onward journey is always by boat. There is no bridge connecting the airport motu to the main island or to the resort motus, and that is exactly what makes arriving in Bora Bora so special. The moment you step off the plane and onto a boat surrounded by turquoise water, the holiday truly begins.
Staying at a resort on a motu
Your resort will have a desk at the airport. Announce your arrival and they will escort you directly to their private boat. The crossing to most resort motus takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Staying on the main island
Both Air Tahiti and Air Moana provide free shuttle boats to Vaitape on the main island. Air Tahiti’s ferry departs from the left side of the pontoon. Air Moana operates a more luxurious private shuttle.
Private transfer option
If you prefer a direct private boat from the airport to your resort or Vaitape, a private transfer can be arranged in advance. See all Bora Bora shuttle services for options and prices.
The runway at Bora Bora Airport, surrounded by the lagoon on all sides
How to book flights to Bora Bora
The simplest approach is to book your international flight and domestic connection separately. For the international leg, use a price comparison tool to find the best combination of price and schedule. For the domestic leg, book directly with Air Tahiti or Air Moana once your international flight is confirmed. For a complete step-by-step walkthrough, see the full guide to booking a trip to Bora Bora.
Book separately
- More flexibility on each leg
- Often cheaper overall
- Can choose best airline for each leg
- Allows island-hopping pass with Air Tahiti
Book as a package
- Simpler, one booking process
- Can include domestic leg and accommodation
- Sometimes less flexible on changes
Practical tips for flying to Bora Bora
Allow at least 3 hours for your Tahiti layover
Immigration, baggage collection, and re-checking in for the domestic flight all take time. 3 hours minimum, 4 hours is comfortable.
European travelers: budget time for the US transit stop
All flights from Europe to Tahiti stop in Los Angeles or San Francisco. US regulations require you to disembark, clear passport control and security, and re-board the same aircraft.
Check baggage allowances for the domestic leg
Air Tahiti and Air Moana have stricter baggage limits than most international carriers. Check the domestic allowance carefully to avoid fees at check-in.
Sit on the left side of the plane
On the Tahiti to Bora Bora flight, the left side of the aircraft typically gives you the best views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu on approach.
Book your resort transfer before you arrive
Most resort shuttles require advance notice of your flight details. Arrange your water taxi or private boat before you leave home. Full options are covered in the Bora Bora travel tips guide.
Check visa requirements for French Polynesia
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France. Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check your government’s travel advice before booking.
FAQ, flights to Bora Bora
Are there direct flights to Bora Bora?
No. There are no direct international flights to Bora Bora from anywhere in the world. Bora Bora Airport (BOB) is on a small motu and can only accommodate small domestic aircraft. All travelers must fly first to Papeete, Tahiti (PPT), and then take a 50-minute domestic connection to Bora Bora.
What is the closest airport to Bora Bora?
The closest airport to Bora Bora is Bora Bora Airport (BOB) itself, also known as Motu Mute Airport, located on a small motu just off the main island. For international travelers, the closest international airport is Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti, which serves as the only gateway for all flights to Bora Bora.
What airport do you fly into for Bora Bora?
International travelers fly into Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti. From there you connect to Bora Bora Airport (BOB) on a 50-minute domestic flight with Air Tahiti or Air Moana.
How long is the flight to Bora Bora from the US?
From Los Angeles or San Francisco, the non-stop flight to Tahiti takes approximately 9 hours. Add the 50-minute domestic connection and your total flying time is around 10 hours, plus your layover in Papeete.
What US cities have direct flights to Tahiti for Bora Bora connections?
Non-stop flights to Tahiti depart from Los Angeles (Air Tahiti Nui, French Bee, Air France), San Francisco (United Airlines from June 29, 2026, and French Bee), and the US West Coast via Alaska Airlines codeshare connections.
How long is the flight from Paris to Bora Bora?
Flights from Paris to Tahiti stop in Los Angeles or San Francisco. US regulations require all passengers to disembark, clear passport control and security, and re-board. Total journey time from Paris is around 22 to 24 hours plus the 50-minute domestic connection to Bora Bora.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Bora Bora?
Australian travelers currently connect via Auckland or Rarotonga before reaching Tahiti. Total journey time from Sydney is around 11 to 12 hours plus the 50-minute domestic connection. From December 2026, Air Tahiti Nui will launch a direct Sydney to Papeete service.
What airlines fly to Bora Bora?
No international airline flies directly to Bora Bora. To reach the island you first fly internationally to Tahiti (PPT) with airlines including Air Tahiti Nui, French Bee, Air France, United Airlines, Air New Zealand, or Alaska Airlines (via codeshare), then connect to Bora Bora on Air Tahiti or Air Moana.
Which domestic airlines fly to Bora Bora?
Air Tahiti and Air Moana both operate regular flights between Papeete and Bora Bora. Air Tahiti has the most frequent schedule with 48 destinations across French Polynesia. Air Moana offers competitive fares and a luxurious shuttle service from the airport.
Can you get to Bora Bora by boat from Tahiti?
There is a cargo ferry that makes the journey between Tahiti and Bora Bora, but it takes 12 to 15 hours and is not designed for tourists. The vast majority of visitors fly. See the full French Polynesia transport guide for ferry details.
What happens at Bora Bora Airport when I arrive?
Bora Bora Airport is a small open-air terminal on a motu. Resort guests are met at the airport and transferred by private boat. Guests staying on the main island take the free shuttle boat operated by their airline to Vaitape pier. Private transfers can also be arranged in advance through the Bora Bora shuttle services page.
