Everything You Need to Know About Flights to Bora Bora 2025
Dreaming of turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, and powder-soft beaches? Bora Bora is a bucket-list experience that's closer than you think. While getting to this South Pacific gem requires a bit of planning, the journey is absolutely worth it for the paradise that awaits. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about booking flights to Bora Bora from the US.
Where Is Bora Bora Located?
Before we dive into flight details, let's get our bearings. Where is Bora Bora located, exactly? This stunning island sits in the heart of French Polynesia, about 2,600 miles south of Hawaii and 4,100 miles from Los Angeles. Part of the Society Islands' Leeward group, Bora Bora is located approximately 165 miles northwest of Tahiti in the central South Pacific Ocean. The island is surrounded by a spectacular lagoon and barrier reef, with Mount Otemanu, which is an extinct volcano rising 2,385 feet.
The interesting part about this destination is that it is nestled between Australia to the west and South America to the east. This feature makes it accessible from the US while still maintaining that remote, exclusive island vibe that makes it so special.
What to Expect From Flights To Bora Bora
Here's the thing about flights to Bora Bora from the US—there are no direct flights to Bora Bora from the US. Your trip happens in two stages. First, you'll fly from a major US city to Papeete, Tahiti (Faa'a International Airport, code PPT), which serves as the international gateway to French Polynesia. From there, you'll hop on a short 50-minute domestic flight with Air Tahiti or Air Moana to reach Bora Bora's Motu Mute Airport (BOB).
- From Los Angeles, the most popular departure point, the journey takes approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes to Tahiti, then another 50 minutes to Bora Bora—about 10 hours and 20 minutes total travel time.
- From San Francisco, expect similar flight times, around 11 hours total. Other major US cities like New York, Chicago, Houston, and Seattle also offer connections, though you may have additional stops.
Airlines Flying to Bora Bora
Several major carriers offer flights to Bora Bora from US cities, giving you plenty of options.
Air Tahiti Nui, the national carrier of French Polynesia, operates nearly daily flights from Los Angeles to Papeete. They offer both evening departures (arriving early morning, perfect for same-day connections to Bora Bora) and afternoon flights. United Airlines provides nonstop service from San Francisco to Tahiti, with excellent connections to Bora Bora. Alaska Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines (through codeshare partnerships) also service this route.
Once in Tahiti, Air Tahiti operates multiple daily flights to Bora Bora, making connections relatively seamless. From Papeete, you can catch flights throughout the day, giving you flexibility in planning your journey.
Finding Cheap Flights to Bora Bora
Cheap flights to Bora Bora do exist if you know when and how to look. So, you can call ExperianAirfare now and book your flights to the Bora Bora Islands for a hassle-free journey.
Best Time to Book Flights to Bora Bora: The most affordable months to fly are typically September through November and January, when demand drops slightly. Conversely, August is the peak season with the highest prices. If you're flexible with dates, April and November offer a sweet spot—fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and better deals on both flights and accommodations.
Money-Saving Tips: Book well in advance, like ideally 3-6 months out, especially if you are looking to travel during the dry season (May to October). Consider flying midweek rather than on weekends, and be flexible with your travel dates to snag better deals. Some travelers also report savings through Costco vacation packages that bundle flights and accommodations.
Make Your Trip To Bora Bora A Reality
Planning your Bora Bora getaway doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start by deciding when you want to travel by balancing weather preferences with budget considerations. Book your flights to Bora Bora through Los Angeles or San Francisco for the most convenient connections. Remember that you'll need a valid passport (with at least six months' validity), though US citizens don't need a visa for stays under 90 days. The moment you descend over that impossibly blue lagoon dotted with motus and see Mount Otemanu rising from the water, you'll know the journey was worth every mile.
Conclusion
With the right planning and these insider tips to get the cheap flights to Bora Bora, your South Pacific paradise is waiting. Call ExperianAirfare now and book flights to Bora Bora now and get ready to make memories that'll last a lifetime in one of the world's most breathtaking destinations.
Dreaming of Bora Bora? Get there via major U.S. hubs like Atlanta or Orlando — check both destination pages for flight links and planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there are no direct flights from the US to Bora Bora. You'll fly to Papeete, Tahiti (PPT) first, then take a 50-minute connecting flight on Air Tahiti to Bora Bora Airport (BOB).
From Los Angeles, the total travel time is approximately 10-11 hours, including the connection in Tahiti. The LAX to Tahiti leg takes about 8.5 hours, plus the 50-minute flight to Bora Bora.
Air Tahiti Nui, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta offer flights from US cities to Tahiti. From Tahiti, Air Tahiti operates multiple daily flights to Bora Bora.
September through November and January typically offer the lowest fares. Avoid August, which is the peak season with the highest prices.
Round-trip flights from the US West Coast range from $1,021 to $1,400 for economy class. East Coast departures start around $1,158.
Los Angeles and San Francisco offer the most convenient connections with nearly daily flights to Tahiti. Other major cities like Seattle, New York, and Houston also have good connection options.
US citizens don't need a visa for stays under 90 days in French Polynesia, but you'll need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
