9 Best Airport Transfers in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

Last Updated: 10 June, 2025

Airport Transport in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands

How are you going to get from the airport to your accommodation? On the tourist hotspot of Rarotonga, there’s a multitude of options that can’t help but befuddle first-time visitors.

In this guide to the best airport transfers in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, we list all of your options so you can find the best one for you. On the outer islands, airport transfers are a lot more straightforward, usually organised by your accommodation.

All in all, landing on a new island to the traditional Cook Islands custom of being greeted with a fresh floral ‘ei (neck garland) and an enthusiastic “Kia Orana” is a real Cook Islands experience!

1. Cook Islands Tours

Greeting arrivals at Rarotonga International Airport with a friendly smile, Cook Islands Tours offers economical shared transfers, as well as private “VIP” transfers. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be greeted at the airport with a floral ‘ei, a bottle of water and a refreshing towelette.

If you choose Cook Islands Tours for your return transfers, you’ll not only get further discounted rates but a shell ‘ei gift. Note that they also offer cheaper transfers for domestic arrivals from the outer islands.

Check out Cook Island Tours’ guided tours and progressive dinner experience in the 10 Best Tours in the Cook Islands.

8 Best Airport Transfers in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2023]

2. Raro Tours

Also offering shared and private airport transfers from Rarotonga International Airport, Raro Tours is a great option worth considering. Their air-conditioned buses provide a comfortable shared ride straight to (or from) the doorstep of your accommodation with a chilled bottle of water and floral ‘ei included – or there are discounted rates to opt out of the water and ‘ei.

Alternatively, treat yourself to a private transfer where you’ll be greeted with a bottle of water, a complimentary juice, a small bottle of sparkling wine and, of course, a floral ‘ei. Discounted fares are available for children, as well as for departure transfers and domestic flight transfers.

Learn more about Raro Tours’ guided experiences in the 10 Best Tours of Rarotonga.

9 Best Airport Transfers in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2025]

3. Kaimani Shuttles Rarotonga

No matter where you’re going on the island, Kaimani Shuttles Rarotonga offers the same set rate for everyone on their air-conditioned shared minibus. The small, local family business offers competitive rates and some of the best child rates available, making it a good go-to for families.

On arrival, you’ll be greeted with a welcome sign and gifted a floral ‘ei, as well as a chilled bottle of water for the journey.

4. Taxis

Another option for airport transfers from Rarotonga Airport is to take a taxi. Taxis are available for all international arrivals to Rarotonga, typically offering flat rates per person to your chosen destination. There’s a taxi kiosk in the arrivals area after you’ve gone through customs and biosecurity.

Learn more about using taxis for your airport transfer from our guide, How Much Does a Rarotonga Airport Taxi Cost?

5. Rarotonga’s Public Bus

If your flight is arriving or departing Rarotonga between 7 am and 10 pm, Monday to Saturday, the public bus service of Rarotonga offers a cheaper airport transfer.

There are two buses circling Rarotonga’s main road every hour, one running clockwise while the other travels anticlockwise. All you need to do is walk across the airport car park to the side of the main road, opposite the RSA, and wave the bus down when you see it approaching.

Learn more about catching the bus in The Bus in Rarotonga: Bus Fares, Timetable & More, as well as the airport bus stop locations in The Cheapest Airport Transfers in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

6. Rarotonga Accommodation Airport Transfers

Before you go, book your airport transfer. Just double-check that your accommodation doesn’t offer transfers for a cheaper or even free option. Many accommodations offer airport transfers for guests, usually for around NZ$20-$50 per person each way, so be sure to inquire.

Accommodations with Free Airport Transfers

Accommodations offering free airport shuttles include:

7. Aitutaki and Outer Island Airport Transfers

On the outer islands of the Cook Islands, such as Aitutaki, Mangaia, Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke and even the Northern Group, it’s almost a given that your accommodation will provide a “meet-and-greet” at the airport complete with floral ‘eis! Usually, this is offered at no extra cost. Simple!

8. Vehicle Rental Airport Delivery

If you plan to hire a vehicle for the duration of your stay in the Cook Islands, consider arranging for it to be delivered to the airport. It will be ready in the airport car park for you to collect upon arrival.

On Rarotonga, there is a fee for picking up vehicles at the airport, usually around NZ$20-$40. Compare car rentals on Rarotonga (as well as see which rental company offers airport pick-ups for free) in the 10 Best Car Rentals in Rarotonga.

On the outer islands, such as Aitutaki, for example, car rental companies often offer complimentary transfers to their rental depots or pickups at the airport. Get more details in The Best Car Rentals in Aitutaki.

9. Talk to the Cook Islands Tourism Representative

Make your arrival in the Cook Islands smooth and stress-free by chatting with the friendly Cook Islands Tourism staff at Rarotonga International Airport. These welcoming faces are there to ensure every visitor knows exactly where they’re heading!

What’s more, you’ll find Tourism Cook Islands representatives meeting visitors before their flights to Aitutaki and Atiu. Now that’s what we call true island hospitality!

More About Airport Transfers in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

That’s it for our list of the best airport transfers in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands! For more airport transfer discussions, head to our other handy articles:

Finally, be even more prepared for arrival with our advice guides, Arriving at Rarotonga Airports: A Step-by-Step Guide and Arriving in Rarotonga: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & the Arrival Process.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as the Cook Islands. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Raro’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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