Asia > 🇵🇭 The Philippines
The city by city Car or no Car advice for The Philippines can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in The Philippines; 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 The Philippines?
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 The Philippines?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in The Philippines
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Bicol | DRP | |
| Bohol | TAG | |
| Boracay | MPH | |
| Cebu City | CEB | |
| Davao | DVO | |
| Dumaguete | DGT | |
| Iloilo | ILO | |
| Manila | MNL | |
| Palawan | USU | |
| Siargao | IAO |
Should You Rent a Car in the Philippines? 🚗🌴
The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, known for its beaches, rice terraces, volcanoes, and vibrant island culture. Transport options vary dramatically from Luzon (the main island) to remote tropical islands where cars don’t exist at all. Many visitors ask: should you rent a car in the Philippines? The real answer depends largely on which island you are visiting and how independently you want to travel.
Initially, the Philippines may appear to be a destination for scooters, tricycles, and ferries rather than rental cars. However, on larger islands such as Luzon, Cebu, and Mindanao, renting a car can offer greater comfort and flexibility, especially when exploring rural areas, waterfalls, or mountain towns.
🚶 When You Don’t Need a Car
Many of the most popular destinations are either small islands or resort areas where cars are unnecessary—or even unavailable.
| Island / Destination | Why a Car Isn’t Needed | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Boracay | No private car rentals | Shuttle, e-trike |
| Palawan (El Nido, Coron) | Boat-based excursions | Tricycle, scooter |
| Siargao | Small and easy to explore | Scooter or habal-habal |
| Metro Manila | Heavy traffic, taxis available | Grab, taxi, MRT |
➡ Ideal for island-hopping holidays or resort-based stays.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is a Good Option
Renting a car is best on larger islands with good road infrastructure, where attractions are spread out and public transport is limited.
| Island / Region | Why Renting Helps | Highlights You Can Reach |
|---|---|---|
| Luzon | Flexibility to reach rice terraces, volcanoes, and remote beaches | Tagaytay, Banaue Rice Terraces, La Union |
| Cebu (main island) | Waterfalls, heritage sites, mountain viewpoints | Kawasan Falls, Oslob, Temple of Leah |
| Mindanao (safe regions) | Scenic drives and nature reserves | Davao region, Mount Apo |
| Bohol | Quiet countryside exploring | Chocolate Hills, Tarsier sanctuaries |
Note: In some regions, most travellers choose to hire a car with a driver, as it is affordable and saves navigation stress.
🚦 Driving in the Philippines – What to Expect
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You drive on the right-hand side
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Traffic in cities can be intense, especially in Manila and Cebu City
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Roads outside major centres can be narrow or winding
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Driving is relaxed in rural areas, but expect jeepneys, tricycles, and scooters
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Signage is usually in English
Car Rental Availability
Car rentals are available at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila), Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and major cities. Agencies include Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and local companies. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter rental | Short-distance travel | Very common on tourist islands |
| Jeepney | Local cheap transport | Colourful and iconic |
| Tricycle | Short town journeys | Available almost everywhere |
| Bus / coach | Intercity travel | Useful for Luzon and Cebu |
| Ferry & fast craft | Island-to-island travel | Essential for archipelago transport |
| Domestic flights | Long distances | Fast and efficient |
🧭 Conclusion
Renting a car is a great option in the Philippines only on the larger islands where road trips are part of the experience, such as Luzon, Cebu, and parts of Mindanao. On smaller islands, a car is not only unnecessary—it may not even be available. If your goal is island-hopping, beaches, and boat tours, you can travel easily without driving. If you prefer road trips, mountain scenery, and independent exploration, then renting a car can transform your journey.
