Tanna, Santo and the Outer Islands: Do You Need a Car?
Quick summary: Vanuatu’s outer islands, including Tanna and Espiritu Santo, are reached from Port Vila by air, so your Efate rental car stays behind. Tanna is famous for Mt Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, and for its Blue Cave. Roads on the outer islands are rougher and more remote, so most visitors rely on local guides and tours. Time your Efate rental for the days you’re on the main island.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Getting there | By air from Port Vila |
| Your rental car | Stays on Efate |
| Tanna | Mt Yasur volcano, Blue Cave |
| Island roads | Rougher and remote |
| Getting around | Local guides and tours |
| Tours | Tanna Island tours |
Compare car rental at Port Vila Airport
How do you visit Tanna?
Fly from Port Vila, then join a guided trip. See Tanna Island tours, volcano tours and Blue Cave tours.
Should you keep your Efate rental car?
Return it before an overnight trip to the outer islands, so you’re not paying for days it stays parked.
What about combination trips?
Combo tours bundle flights, transfers and activities. See combo tours and full-day tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Tanna is reached by air.
Mt Yasur volcano and the Blue Cave.
Mostly with local guides and tours.
For overnight trips, it saves paying for idle days.