Africa > 🇰🇲 Comoros
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Comoros can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Comoros; 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 Comoros?
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 Comoros?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Comoros
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Moroni | HAH |
🚶 When You Don’t Need a Car
If you plan to relax in one area or book guided excursions, you can get around easily without renting a car.
✅ Car-Free Situations
| Location | Why You Can Skip the Car | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Moroni (capital) | Walkable areas and cheap taxis | Taxi or walking |
| Beach resorts | Hotels offer airport pickups and shuttles | Hotel transport |
| Guided tours | Drivers and vehicles included | Tour operator vehicles |
| Island hopping | Inter-island ferries and flights don’t allow cars | Plane or boat |
➡ If you’re only staying a few days or focusing on one part of the island, a car isn’t necessary.
🚗 When Renting a Car Makes Your Trip Better
On the main island, Grande Comore, many stunning beaches and cultural stops lie far apart. Renting a car gives you full control over where you go and when you stop.
✅ Reasons to Rent a Car
| Advantage | What You Can Explore |
|---|---|
| Total freedom | Drive the coastal road around Grande Comore |
| Hidden beaches | Stop in small fishing villages |
| Adventure access | Reach Mount Karthala trails and crater lakes |
| Scenic routes | Enjoy volcanic cliffs and spice plantations |
🚙 Where Renting Makes Sense
| Island | Car Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grande Comore | ✅ Yes | Best explored by car |
| Anjouan | ❌ No | Roads are steep; hire a driver instead |
| Mohéli | ❌ No | Small and easy to explore by taxi or boat |
🚦 Driving in the Comoros
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You drive on the right-hand side
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Roads on Grande Comore stay in decent condition near towns
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Remote areas may have rough or unpaved sections
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Local drivers can be unpredictable
-
A 4×4 gives you extra safety and flexibility
🚕 Alternatives to Renting
| Option | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Short trips | Affordable and flexible |
| Shared taxis | Budget travel | Popular with locals |
| Private driver | Day trips or rural travel | Offers local knowledge |
| Boat | Island transfers | No car transport allowed |
The Comoros is generally safe for careful travelers who stay aware of their surroundings and understand that it is a low-income country with limited infrastructure. It is not dangerous, but it is not a luxury destination with full services, so preparation is crucial.
Final Recommendation
| Traveller Type | Car Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Short-stay visitor | ❌ No | Hotels and taxis cover transport |
| Culture and nature explorer | ✅ Yes (Grande Comore) | Best way to reach remote sites |
| Island hopper | ❌ No | Planes and boats handle movement |
| Budget backpacker | ❌ No | Shared taxis are cost-effective |
| Independent adventurer | ✅ Yes | Driving lets you discover hidden spots |
✨ Final Takeaway
So, should you rent a car in the Comoros?
👉 Yes, if you want to explore Grande Comore’s coastline, volcanoes, and villages at your own pace.
👉 No, if you plan to stick to Moroni, use hotel shuttles, or hop between islands.
