Vanuatu Car Rental: Exploring Efate by Car

Quick summary: Vanuatu car rental is the easiest way to explore Efate, the island home of the capital, Port Vila. Rental counters are inside Port Vila Airport’s arrivals halls, and the town center is only 15 to 20 minutes away. A road rings the whole island, taking three to four hours to drive without stops, but there’s enough to see along it to fill several days. Traffic drives on the right, and a 4WD helps if you plan to leave the sealed roads.

At a glance
Pickup	Port Vila Airport arrivals halls
To Port Vila	15 to 20 minutes
Island loop	Three to four hours of driving
Driving side	Right
Remote roads	4WD recommended
Tours	Island tours

Compare car rental at Port Vila Airport

Is a rental car worth it in Vanuatu?

On Efate, yes, if you want to explore at your own pace. Outer islands like Tanna and Espiritu Santo are reached by air, so your Efate car stays behind.

How do you plan your rental?

Guide	What it covers
Port Vila Airport	Pickup and the drive into town
Driving around Efate	The ring road and its stops
Day trips from Port Vila	Short drives near town
Tanna, Santo and the outer islands	Beyond Efate
Car rental or tours?	Choosing the easier option

Is car hire the same as car rental?

Yes. Visitors from Australia and New Zealand usually say “car hire”.

Frequently Asked Questions