IPC Airport Transfer | Easter Island Rapa Nui

Mataveri International Airport (IATA: IPC) on Easter Island is one of the remotest commercial airports in the world — 3,760 kilometres west of the Chilean mainland and 4,200 kilometres east of Tahiti. LATAM operates the single daily SCL-IPC flight (roughly 5 hours 30 minutes west from Santiago) and a weekly Tahiti connection. IPC sits at the edge of Hanga Roa, the island's only town; the runway actually uses the town's main street alignment, and all hotels on the island are within 15 minutes of the airport by car. Transfers inside the island are short; full-day driver-guide hires for the moai archaeological circuit are the main booking category. A LocalsRide arrangement pairs you with a Rapa Nui local driver who holds National Park permits.

IPC Transfer Times

Hanga Roa town centre hotels (Explora, Hare Noi, Hotel Rapa Nui): 2 km, 5–10 min. Hanga Roa harbour and Caleta Hanga Roa: 2 km, 5–10 min. Rano Kau volcano rim: 4 km, 15 min drive plus walk. Orongo ceremonial village: 4 km, 15 min. Anakena Beach: 20 km, 30 min. Ahu Tongariki (15 restored moai): 18 km, 30–40 min. Ranu Raraku quarry: 17 km, 30–40 min. Te Pito Kura and Papa Vaka: 15–20 km, 35–45 min.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a National Park permit for a driver to take me to the moai sites?

Yes — the Rapa Nui National Park ticket (~USD 80, bought at CONAF in Hanga Roa or online) is required to visit the main moai sites. Drivers can't stop at Rano Raraku, Tongariki, Orongo or Anakena without it. Hotels often arrange it on arrival. Rapa Nui drivers confirm ticket presence before starting the circuit.

Can I do the full moai circuit in one day-hire from IPC?

Yes — a full-day private driver covers east-island: Tongariki (15 restored moai) at sunrise, Ranu Raraku quarry mid-morning, Anakena for lunch, Te Pito Kura and Papa Vaka on return. A separate half-day covers south-west: Orongo on Rano Kau and Vinapu near the airport. Most visitors stay 3+ nights and split across two days.