Europe > Spain > La Gomera (GMZ)
The Car or no Car advice for La Gomera can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in La Gomera ; 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 La Gomera ?
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 La Gomera?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
La Gomera without a car 🚶♂️🚌
It is possible to visit La Gomera without renting a car, especially if you are staying in or near San Sebastián de La Gomera, the island’s main port and transport hub. Local buses connect the port with villages around the island, and services are coordinated with ferry arrivals from Tenerife.
If your plans focus on a single base, short walks, and guided excursions, you can manage without driving. Many visitors arrive on a day trip from Tenerife and rely entirely on buses or organised tours, which cover key viewpoints and villages.
However, bus journeys can be slow. Roads are winding, gradients are steep, and timetables are limited, particularly outside peak tourist periods.
Why a rental car makes a big difference 🚗⛰️
La Gomera is mountainous and deeply carved by ravines. Distances look short on a map, but travel times are long. This is where a rental car becomes extremely valuable. With a car, you can explore Garajonay National Park, cloud forests, miradores, and remote villages at your own pace.
Driving allows you to stop frequently for views, hikes, and small cafés that buses simply pass by. Roads are generally well maintained, although narrow in places, and driving standards are calm compared with larger islands.
Car rental is usually arranged in San Sebastián, often after arriving by ferry.
Ferries and island hopping 🚢
Most visitors reach La Gomera by ferry from Tenerife. Bringing a car across is possible, but many people choose to rent locally instead, avoiding ferry vehicle charges and city driving on Tenerife.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in La Gomera?
For short stays or guided visits, no. For truly experiencing the island’s landscapes, forests, and viewpoints, yes. A rental car is not essential, but it unlocks the very best of La Gomera.
