Africa > 🇨🇲 Cameroon
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Cameroon can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Cameroon; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Cameroon?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Cameroon?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in Cameroon
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Douala | DLA | 8 |
| Ngaoundéré | NGE | 9 |
| Yaoundé | NSI | 8 |
In most cases, the answer is usually no, although there are important exceptions. Much like in neighbouring Central African countries, the decision depends heavily on where you are travelling, how far you plan to go, and how comfortable you are with challenging road conditions.
🚫 When Renting a Car in Cameroon Is Not a Good Idea
For many visitors, renting a car quickly becomes more trouble than it is worth.
🚕 Cities Are Easier Without a Car
In Douala and Yaoundé, traffic is dense, chaotic, and slow-moving. Taxis and ride-with-driver arrangements are plentiful and inexpensive by international standards. As a result, most visitors prefer to let local drivers handle the congestion.
🌧️ Road Conditions Vary Widely
While some major highways are paved, many secondary roads are badly potholed or turn to mud during the rainy seasons. Therefore, progress can be slow even over short distances. Night driving, in particular, is strongly discouraged.
🛂 Checkpoints & Paperwork
Police and gendarmerie checkpoints are common throughout the country. Although usually routine, they can be time-consuming and stressful for self-drive visitors unfamiliar with local procedures.
For these reasons, independent car rental rarely makes sense for short stays or city-based itineraries.
🚗 When Renting a Car Can Make Sense
That said, there are scenarios where a car becomes genuinely useful.
✔️ Exploring Rural Regions with a Driver
If you want to visit areas such as the Bamenda Highlands, Bafoussam, or parts of the West Region, a car with a local driver offers flexibility that public transport cannot match. Importantly, drivers understand road conditions, checkpoints, and seasonal risks.
✔️ Northern Cameroon (Dry Season Only)
In the dry season, some travellers use 4×4 vehicles to explore Garoua, Waza National Park, and the surrounding savannah. Even here, however, organised tours remain the safer and more common option.
✔️ Long-Term or Specialist Travel
Researchers, NGO workers, and long-stay visitors sometimes rent vehicles for extended periods. In these cases, hiring locally with support networks already in place makes a big difference.
🚆 Trains, Buses & Domestic Flights
Cameroon offers more transport options than many people expect.
🚆 The Camrail Train Network
Cameroon’s rail system connects Douala, Yaoundé, Ngaoundéré, and Belabo. Although trains are not fast, they are affordable and relatively reliable. For long north–south journeys, trains are often less tiring than driving.
🚌 Intercity Buses
Coach companies such as Finexs, Touristique Express, and Vatican Express operate between major cities. While schedules can change, buses remain the backbone of long-distance travel for locals and visitors alike.
✈️ Domestic Flights
Internal flights link Douala and Yaoundé with cities such as Garoua and Maroua. Although more expensive than buses, they dramatically reduce travel time.
🌿 National Parks & Nature Travel
Cameroon’s wildlife highlights—including Waza National Park, Korup National Park, and Mount Cameroon—are not ideal for self-drive travel. Access typically requires:
-
guides or organised tours
-
4×4 vehicles
-
local logistical support
As a result, hiring a car independently rarely helps for nature-focused itineraries.
🧭 Summary — Should You Rent a Car in Cameroon?
Mostly no. For cities, intercity travel, and classic sightseeing, taxis, buses, trains, and flights work better and involve far less stress.
However, yes — with conditions. A car with a driver can be valuable for rural exploration, highland regions, or specialist trips, especially during the dry season.
For most travellers, the smartest choice is to avoid self-drive, use local transport, and add guided excursions where needed.
