Papeete car rental at cruise port? OR hire a driver?

[davela2]

Our cruise gets back into port at 8AM, and out flight out of Papeete doesn't leave till that night.  We would like to rent a car for the day.  Is there a car rental right at the cruise port?  I see that Avis is in town, but would we have to take a taxi to get there? 

 

OR

 

Would we be better off with a driver taking us around the island? 

 

What does one do with their luggage for the day?

 

Thanks!

Edited February 6, 2019 by davela2

[cruising cockroach]

The Avis outlet looks very close by.  I have the reverse problem with an overnight stay.  Avis wants a relatively hefty OW charge for drop off at PPT (XPF 1,200 or some such) so I'm thinking of renting and returning off airport and taking a bus back to the harbour.

 

 

Edited February 7, 2019 by cruising cockroach

[Petoonya]

You might find the post below helpful. It's from a recent thread from a traveler who was in the exact same circumstances as yours in Papeete. Taina Tahiti Tours in Papeete is what is being discussed, and they offer the services you are looking for.

 

"....Taina Tahiti Tours - they have a Facebook page.  She met our group of 8 at the cruise port, ferried us around Tahiti, and dropped us off at the airport.  Fortunately, our cruise line transported our luggage to the airport - if you are carrying luggage with you, she can accommodate 6 people. Her English was excellent, and we enjoyed the tour."

[davela2]

We just got back.  Ended up renting a car from Avis near the pier and dropping it off at the airport that night.  $104 total, and was a brand new car!  Was a great day!

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

On ‎3‎/‎5‎/‎2019 at 3:51 PM, davela2 said:

We just got back.  Ended up renting a car from Avis near the pier and dropping it off at the airport that night.  $104 total, and was a brand new car!  Was a great day!

 

That is what we do most trips …. easy walk to Avis and then you drive back to grab your bags though Avis will come and get you.

[pocogb]

When we were there in February last year, we made a reservation with Avis and they arranged to pick us up right at the ship with their shuttle. We also arranged to drop car off at airport later that evening.

[fedexretiree]

15 hours ago, pocogb said:

When we were there in February last year, we made a reservation with Avis and they arranged to pick us up right at the ship with their shuttle. We also arranged to drop car off at airport later that evening.

Do you have an  email address for them?   I called Avis to make a reservation and they reserved  our car at the airport.  I ask about a location by the cruise ship docked and they didn't know anything about it. we would have to take a cab from the ship to the airport because they don't do any sort of pick up it would sure be more convenient to pick up a car closer to the ship

[pocogb]

This is the website we used for Avis. You can also write an email directly to service.commercial@avispacificar.pf to confirm details and pick up time and place. 

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

The price is better if you book directly with Avis. The secret is to change the drop off location to 'french Polynesia' and then a drop down will allow you to pick the downtown location, about 3 blocks from the ships. You can also do the same with Hertz, pickup at airport, drop off close to the waterfront. They will also shuttle you for free to the ship.

[fedexretiree]

3 hours ago, Tahitianbigkahuna said:

The price is better if you book directly with Avis. The secret is to change the drop off location to 'french Polynesia' and then a drop down will allow you to pick the downtown location, about 3 blocks from the ships. You can also do the same with Hertz, pickup at airport, drop off close to the waterfront. They will also shuttle you for free to the ship.

THANKS so much for taking the time on this board to answer all the questions.  You and Petunia are just a wealth of knowledge and its much appreciated.    I just tried to book an Avis car to pick up at the location closest to the ship is this the address  56 Rue Des Remparts, Papeete, Tahiti (French Polynesia) ? 

But they only have tiny cars available right now (Hertz is closed on Sat.) and we will have 4 big bags between us so not sure if that type of car will work.  We will be leaving the Duck tape and bungee cords at home for this trip..LOL

We booked a much larger car at the airport so guessing we will have to take a cab to the airport.  Will there be cabs waiting when we get off the ship and do you know the cost please?  Leaving in 10 days the count down is on..

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

34 minutes ago, fedexretiree said:

THANKS so much for taking the time on this board to answer all the questions.  You and Petunia are just a wealth of knowledge and its much appreciated.    I just tried to book an Avis car to pick up at the location closest to the ship is this the address  56 Rue Des Remparts, Papeete, Tahiti (French Polynesia) ? 

But they only have tiny cars available right now (Hertz is closed on Sat.) and we will have 4 big bags between us so not sure if that type of car will work.  We will be leaving the Duck tape and bungee cords at home for this trip..LOL

We booked a much larger car at the airport so guessing we will have to take a cab to the airport.  Will there be cabs waiting when we get off the ship and do you know the cost please?  Leaving in 10 days the count down is on..

Yes that is the correct address for the downtown office. 

 

When you get off the ship taxis are in demand ad so many get off the ship. It is best to pay the $15 - $20 to have PG make arrangements for the taxi pick up. Do that on-board at the reception or excursion desk 😉

 

Thanks for the kudos  ...

 

Enjoy your trip 

Edited August 4, 2019 by Tahitianbigkahuna