© FijiPocketGuide.com
© FijiPocketGuide.com

The Guide to Renting a Car in Fiji

© FijiPocketGuide.com

Travel Advice: Car Rentals in Fiji

Although Fiji might be a country where it seems to be better to get around by boat, there is, in fact, around 7,500km (4,660 miles) of roads to explore. Across the islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni, there’s plenty of opportunities to hit the road passing through authentic villages, checking out stunning beaches and discovering hidden gems such as waterfalls. Plan for your road trip in these glorious islands of the South Pacific using this complete guide to renting a car in Fiji.

What License Do You Need to Drive in Fiji?

To hire from most car rental companies in Fiji, you need to have a full valid driving license (not a provisional license) that is written in English. If it is not written in English, then it needs to be accompanied by an International Driving Permit.

Drivers must also meet the minimum age requirements of the car rental company, typically no younger than 21 years old, and have held a full driving license for no less than three years.

Learn more about driving license requirements for Fiji in Can You Drive in Fiji with Your Overseas License?

The Guide to Renting a Car in Fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

Where Can You Hire a Car in Fiji?

Out of Fiji’s 333 islands, you can only hire a car on the islands with the largest road networks: Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni.

Car Hire in Viti Levu

With the largest road network and the best quality roads in Fiji, Viti Levu has plenty of car rental companies to help you get around. More than 35 car rental companies can be found in Viti Levu, most located in Nadi (where Nadi International Airport is located) and Suva, with some rentals scattered along the Coral Coast.

While the roads in the centre of Viti Levu’s main towns, as well as the Queens and Kings Roads, are sealed and are in good condition, the roads elsewhere are either gravel roads, dirt roads or unmaintained sealed roads. For travelling the inland roads, it’s recommended to hire a 4WD or at least a vehicle with high clearance.

Car Hire in Vanua Levu

On Fiji’s second-largest island, there are just under 10 car rental companies. Most are found in Labasa and Savusavu, while a small number are based at the Labasa Airport.

Roads in Labasa and Savusavu and between the two towns, as well as part of the Hibiscus Highway, are sealed. Elsewhere the roads are gravelled or dirt roads.

Car Hire in Taveuni

There is only one car hire company on the island of Taveuni, just off the southeast coast of Vanua Levu. There is one main road that goes almost around the island, stopping at Lavena Village in the Bouma National Heritage Park and Navakawau Village. Most of this main road is sealed, but there are patches of gravel and potholes.

The Guide to Renting a Car in Fiji© Pixabay

The Vehicles You Can Hire in Fiji

A wide range of vehicle types is available to hire in Viti Levu, more so in Viti Levu than Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Car rentals in Fiji are a mix of secondhand Japanese imports, usually of the brand Toyota or Hyundai, while some car rental companies have the latest models of Toyota, Hyundai and Volkswagon.

Vehicles available to hire in Fiji include:

  • Small cars, such as a Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Getz or something similar
  • Medium cars, such as a Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Accent or something similar
  • Premium cars, such as Toyota Camry, Volkswagon Vento or something similar
  • SUVs, such as a Toyota Rav4, Hyundai Santa Fe or something similar
  • 4WDs, such as a Toyota Hilux, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado or something similar
  • Minivans, such as a Toyota Hiace or something similar
  • Scooters, such as Yamaha Crypton, Wave or something similar
  • Motorbikes, such as Harley Davidson.

Learn more about hiring motorbikes and scooters in Where to Rent a Motorbike in Fiji.

The Guide to Renting a Car in Fiji© Pexels

The Car Rental Companies in Fiji

Fiji has more than 40 car rental companies, most of which are based in Viti Levu. Some companies are local, while well-known international brands are also present. Check out The Best Car Rentals in Fiji for an in-depth look at some of Fiji’s car rental companies.

Car Rental Companies in Viti Levu

Nadi International Airport

Nadi

  • Go Dirty Tours
  • Angels Car Rentals
  • Khan’s Rental Car
  • Go Rent a Car
  • Apex Pacific Rental Cars
  • AAAK Rentals
  • Satellite Rent-a-Car
  • Aims Rent-a-Car
  • Mennan’s Car Rentals

Check out our top picks in The Best Car Rentals in Nadi.

Suva

  • Budget Rental Cars
  • Europcar
  • Avis Fiji
  • Hertz
  • Coastal Car Rental
  • Central Rentals
  • Getaway Rentals
  • Freedom Rentals
  • Go Easy Rentals
  • Pacific Tours Rental Cars
  • Innovation Rentals
  • Axis Rental & Tours
  • Edge Rental Cars
  • Unique Rent a Car
  • UDP Rentals Fiji
  • AAQIB Rentals
  • Shadowline Rentals
  • Messi Rental Cars

Discover more about our top recommendations in The Best Car Rentals in Suva.

Coral Coast

Find out more about these car rental companies in The Best Car Rentals on the Coral Coast.

Rental Companies in Vanua Levu

  • Budget Rental Cars
  • Avis Fiji
  • AA Car Rental
  • James Rentals
  • Aaqib Rentals
  • Nacula Rentals
  • Skylion Rentals
  • Crowns Cheaper Rentals & Taxis
  • Vanua Rental Cars

Find out more about these car rental companies in The Best Car Rentals on Vanua Levu.

The Guide to Renting a Car in Fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

The Cost of Car Rentals in Fiji

Car rental is by no means cheap in Fiji, so it’s good to get an idea of the daily rates, as well as other associated costs of car hire in Fiji so that you can plan your budget accordingly.

Day Rates for Car Rentals in Fiji

  • Small car/day – FJ$65-$170
  • Medium car/day – FJ$85-$180
  • Premium car/day – FJ$150-$250
  • 4WD car/day – FJ$200-$280
  • Minivan/day – FJ$180-$220

Additional Costs for Renting a Car in Fiji

  • Petrol/litre – FJ$2.19
  • Insurance/day – FJ$15-$35
  • Additional driver/day – FJ$8

Learn more about the typical price of car rentals in How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in Fiji?

The Guide to Renting a Car in Fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

Hitting the Road

Your car rental only really gets started when you put your keys in the ignition and hit the road! However, Fiji’s roads might have different rules than what you are used to. Certain rules, like driving on the left side of the road and the unusual road hazards might throw you off, so make sure you’re aware of the traffic laws.

Some important road rules to remember include:

  • Drive on the left side of the road
  • The speed limit in urban areas/villages is 50km/h (30mph)
  • The speed limit outside of urban areas is 80km/h (50mph)
  • The legal alcohol blood content is up to 80mg
  • Using a phone while driving is illegal in Fiji unless using a hands-free device
  • The front driver and passenger are the only people in cars who are required to wear a seatbelt by law in Fiji (although we wouldn’t use this as an excuse to unbuckle in the back seats!)
  • Observe road signage – see this Land Transport Agency Fiji page to get familiar with the Fiji road signs
  • Be aware of road hazards, such as people and animals wandering on the roads, as well as potholes and limited lighting outside of cities.

Learn more about driving in Fiji, see How to Drive in Fiji and the 10 Safety Tips for Driving in Fiji.

More About Renting a Car in Fiji

That’s it from the guide to renting a car in Fiji. Check out more transport options around the islands in our Fiji Transport Guide: 16 Best Ways to Get Around Fiji.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji 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 Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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