Africa > 🇪🇷 Eritrea
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Eritrea can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Eritrea; 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 Eritrea?
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 Eritrea?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Eritrea
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Asmara | ASM |
🚶 When You Don’t Need a Car
Asmara, the capital, is compact, walkable, and incredibly calm compared to most African cities. Many visitors spend several days here without needing any private transport.
| Situation | Why a Car Isn’t Necessary | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Staying in Asmara | Flat, walkable streets | Walking or taxi |
| Short stay focused on architecture and cafes | Everything is centrally located | On foot |
| Guided day trips | Transport usually provided | Tour vehicle |
➡ Asmara is one of the easiest African capitals to explore car-free.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is Helpful
To explore outside Asmara—such as the mountains of Keren, the historic port of Massawa, or coastal desert landscapes—a private vehicle becomes almost essential. However, car rental typically includes a driver due to permit requirements, checkpoints, and road familiarity.
| Benefit | What You Can See |
|---|---|
| Scenic road trips | The winding mountain road from Asmara to Massawa |
| Cultural immersion | Markets, monasteries, rural villages |
| Flexibility | Stop for photography and viewpoints |
| Access | National parks and coastal areas |
Most travellers do not self-drive. Instead, they hire a car with a driver through a local agency or hotel.
🚦 Driving Conditions in Eritrea
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Driving is on the right-hand side
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Roads between major cities are generally paved and in fair condition
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Rural roads can be rough and occasionally unpaved
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Fuel availability is limited outside of urban areas
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Travel permits are required for journeys outside Asmara
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Traffic is light, but checkpoints are common and must be respected
Car Rental Availability
There are no major international brands operating in Eritrea, but local agencies can arrange 4×4 vehicles, usually with drivers who understand the route permissions and fuel logistics.
🚕 Alternatives to Renting
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Asmara travel | Affordable for short trips |
| Private driver | Day trips to Keren or Massawa | Easiest option |
| Bus | Budget travel | Unreliable schedules |
| Chartered tours | Scenic and historic routes | Useful for group travel |
🧭 Conclusion
Renting a car with a driver is the most practical way to explore beyond Asmara and reach Eritrea’s coastal cities, mountain landscapes, and remote villages. Travellers who choose to stay only in the capital won’t need a car at all, but those who want to see more of the country will benefit from the flexibility and access that a private vehicle provides. Ultimately, the decision depends on whether your itinerary stays within Asmara or ventures into Eritrea’s remarkable countryside and coast.
🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table
This summary brings together taxis*, how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it,
driver options, local driving rules, and an overall recommendation.
*Taxis act as a hybrid between private cars and public transport, so they aren’t counted in the overall public-transport or non-car scores. 🚕
