Africa > 🇲🇿 Mozambique
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Mozambique can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Mozambique; 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 Mozambique?
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 Mozambique?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Mozambique
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Beira | BEW | |
| Gitega | GID | |
| Maputo | MPM | |
| Morafenobe | OHB | |
| Vilankulo | VNX |
🚗 Driving in Mozambique
Driving gives you freedom, especially for exploring the coastline north and south of Maputo, or for reaching remote areas where buses don’t go. The main highways — particularly the EN1, running the length of the country — have improved significantly in recent years. However, many side roads are still unpaved, potholed, or require a 4×4, particularly in the rainy season.
Fuel stations are widely available along major routes but can be scarce inland. Distances are long — Mozambique stretches more than 2,500 km from north to south — and driving times are often underestimated because of mixed road conditions and heavy truck traffic.
Driving is on the left, as in neighbouring South Africa, and signage can be patchy, especially away from main cities.
🛂 Border Crossings and Car Hire Logistics
If you’re coming from South Africa, many travellers prefer to rent a car there and drive into Mozambique. Cross-border car hire is possible from companies like Avis and Europcar, but always confirm whether your rental agreement allows travel into Mozambique — you’ll need extra insurance and paperwork.
Domestic car rental in Maputo and Beira is available but limited. Most companies are locally operated, and cars tend to be older. Online booking platforms sometimes list only a few vehicles, so reserving in advance is essential.
Because Mozambique is so large, one-way rentals are often expensive or unavailable. For longer trips, it can make sense to fly into Maputo and rent locally for the southern region, then use domestic flights to reach Vilankulo or Pemba for exploring the north.
🚆 Trains and 🚌 Buses
Mozambique’s railways are mostly freight-oriented, but there are a few passenger routes. The Maputo–Matola–Ressano Garcia line connects the capital to the South African border, and a few other regional routes serve Beira and Nampula. These trains, however, are slow and infrequent, mainly used by locals rather than tourists.
Buses and chapas (minibuses) form the backbone of public transport, but they can be crowded and unpredictable. For short hops between coastal towns, private transfers or domestic flights are often the safer, more comfortable choice.
🏝️ Exploring Mozambique’s Coastline
If your trip focuses on Mozambique’s beaches, a car can help you reach quieter coastal stretches that would otherwise be inaccessible. The drive from Maputo to Tofo Beach, near Inhambane, takes about 7–8 hours with incredible views of the Indian Ocean. From there, you can continue to Vilankulo, gateway to the Bazaruto Islands.
However, in towns like Tofo, Vilankulo, and Pemba, a car is far less necessary — local taxis and hotel shuttles are enough.
⚠️ Safety and Road Conditions
While road quality is improving, driving after dark is strongly discouraged due to unlit roads, animals, and occasional potholes. Police checkpoints are common; remain polite, carry documents, and avoid offering bribes.
During the rainy season (November–March), flooding can make roads in central and northern Mozambique impassable without a 4×4. Always check local travel advisories before setting off.
✈️ Domestic Flights
Given the country’s size, LAM Mozambique Airlines and FlyNamibia (operating regional routes) can save time. Flying between Maputo, Beira, Vilankulo, and Pemba covers vast distances that would otherwise take days to drive.
🧭 Summary
✅ Yes — if you plan to explore the south or enjoy road trips. Renting a car gives freedom along the coast and around Maputo Province.
🚫 No — if your visit focuses on resorts or islands. In that case, transfers and flights are far simpler.
In short, should you rent a car in Mozambique?
Yes — but only if you’re prepared for long drives, mixed roads, and real adventure. For coastal escapes, it’s the best way to explore. For everything else, flights and local drivers might be the easier route.
