Air Tahiti operates flights from Papeete (Tahiti) to Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa, with journey times of around 3.5 hours. Flights run several times a week. From Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa, smaller planes connect the other islands — though schedules are limited and weather can cause disruption.
The cargo ship Aranui 5 operates a regular service from Papeete, visiting all the main inhabited islands of the Marquesas over a 14-day round trip. The cruise is something of an institution in French Polynesia — a working cargo vessel that takes passengers. It is one of the most interesting ways to experience the archipelago, stopping at island communities where the ship's arrival is the main event of the week.
There are no direct international flights to the Marquesas. All visitors must route through Papeete.