Almost all international arrivals come through Faa'a International Airport (PPT) on Tahiti, the only international airport in French Polynesia. It sits just west of Papeete and handles a surprisingly busy roster of long-haul flights.
From North America, Air Tahiti Nui and United fly from Los Angeles. French Bee offers competitive fares from San Francisco. From Paris, Air Tahiti Nui and Air France fly direct — it is roughly a 22-hour journey from Europe including a connection. From Auckland, Air New Zealand and Air Tahiti Nui connect French Polynesia to the Pacific circuit. There are also connections via Tokyo, Sydney, and Honolulu.
Book international flights four to six months out if you can, particularly for travel in the dry season (May to October). Fares from Europe or North America frequently run to USD 1,000–1,500 return, and less if you catch a sale on French Bee.
A handful of cruise ships call at Papeete and at ports in the Marquesas and Gambier Islands. Arriving by private yacht is a genuine option for the sailing community — French Polynesia is a major waypoint on South Pacific passages.
There are no overland border crossings; every island group is ocean-separated from everything else.