Africa > 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Equatorial Guinea can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Equatorial Guinea; 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 Equatorial Guinea?
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 Equatorial Guinea?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Equatorial Guinea
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Bata | BSG | |
| Malabo | SSG |
🚶 When You Don’t Need a Car
If you plan to stay mostly in Malabo or Bata, you can get around easily by foot, taxi, or organised transport. The main towns are compact, and most local attractions can be reached without renting a vehicle.
✅ Car-Free Situations
| Scenario | Why You Can Skip the Car | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Staying in Malabo | Attractions are close together | Taxi or walking |
| Exploring local beaches | Short, easy trips | Taxi or shuttle |
| Joining nature or city tours | Transport included | Organised vehicle |
➡ Ideal for travellers who prefer a relaxed, local-paced experience rather than a full-on road trip.
🚗 When Renting a Car Makes Sense
A car offers flexibility if you want to explore beyond the city—to reach Luba’s beaches, Moca’s mountain scenery, or Monte Alén National Park on the mainland. Because many routes pass through remote or forested areas, renting with a local driver is the safest and easiest option.
✅ Reasons to Rent a Car
| Benefit | What You Can Explore |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | Visit beaches, crater lakes, and villages |
| Scenic drives | Take in volcanic landscapes and rainforest views |
| Accessibility | Reach rural attractions not served by public transport |
| Freedom | Travel on your schedule, not tour timetables |
🚙 Roads are improving, but driving yourself can be tricky due to checkpoints and local rules—most rentals come with a driver who handles this for you.
🚦 Driving in Equatorial Guinea – What to Expect
-
You drive on the right-hand side
-
Roads in Malabo and Bata are paved and in good condition
-
Rural or mountain roads can be rough or unpaved
-
Fuel is easy to find in cities, but scarce in remote areas
-
Military checkpoints are routine; paperwork must be in order
🚘 Car Rental Access
There are no major international brands like Hertz or Avis, but local agencies and hotels can arrange 4×4 vehicles, usually with a driver. These are best for countryside trips and national parks.
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Getting around towns | Negotiate before riding |
| Private driver hire | Flexible day trips | Safe and convenient |
| Domestic flights | Bioko Island ↔ Mainland | Fastest option |
| Boat/ferry | Between islands | Unreliable and weather-dependent |
🧭 Conclusion
If you want to explore beyond Malabo or Bata and reach hidden beaches, crater lakes, or rainforest reserves, then yes—a car (ideally with a local driver) gives you freedom and access you wouldn’t otherwise have. But if your trip is limited to the main towns or guided tours, you can easily manage without one. In the end, should you rent a car in Equatorial Guinea? It depends on how far off the beaten path you plan to go.
