Oceania > 🇨🇽 Christmas Island
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Christmas Island can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Christmas Island; 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 Christmas Island?
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 Christmas Island?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Christmas Island
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Fish Cove | XCH |
Should You Rent a Car in Christmas Island? 🚗🦀
Christmas Island is a remote Australian territory in the Indian Ocean, famous for its spectacular red crab migration, dramatic cliffs, rainforests, and turquoise coves. There is only one small town and no public transport network—so should you rent a car in Christmas Island? The answer depends on how you plan to explore its rugged and beautifully wild landscape.
🚶 When You Don’t Need a Car
If you plan a short stay in the main settlement (Flying Fish Cove) and plan to take tours with local operators, you may not need to rent a vehicle.
✅ Car-Free Situations
| Situation | Why You May Not Need a Car | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Staying near Flying Fish Cove | Restaurants and dive operators nearby | Walking |
| Joining organised tours | Transfers usually included | Tour vehicle |
| Scuba diving holidays | Dive boats depart from the cove | Operator transport |
➡ This works well if your activities are all pre-arranged and local.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is the Best Option
Most visitors rent a car because Christmas Island’s attractions are spread out across the island and located in national parks, beaches, forests, and cliffs accessible only by road.
✅ Reasons to Rent a Car
| Benefit | What You Can Explore |
|---|---|
| Freedom | Visit beaches, blowholes, and lookouts on your schedule |
| Wildlife access | See red crabs, birds, and whale lookouts |
| Convenience | No waiting for transfers or relying on limited taxi services |
| Scenic driving | Explore the entire island in 1–2 days |
🌿 Top Places Best Reached by Car
| Attraction | Highlight | Travel Time from Town |
|---|---|---|
| Blowholes | Natural sea geysers | 20 mins |
| Dolly Beach | Turtle nesting site | 30 mins + walk |
| Hugh’s Dale Waterfall | Rainforest walk | 25 mins |
| Lily Beach | Snorkeling & reef pools | 15 mins |
🚦 Driving on Christmas Island
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You drive on the left-hand side (same as mainland Australia)
-
Roads are sealed but narrow in some sections
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Crabs often cross the road—especially during migration
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4WD vehicles are recommended for some tracks
-
Car hire is available locally (usually from island operators, not big international brands)
🚕 Alternatives to Renting
| Transport Type | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Very limited | Must be pre-booked |
| Tours | Good for key sites | Fixed schedule |
| Walking | Only practical in the main town | |
| Bicycles | Available but roads can be steep |
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Traveller Type | Car Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Short-stay diver | ❌ No | Dive operator provides transport |
| Wildlife and nature explorer | ✅ Yes | Best way to reach national parks |
| Family traveller | ✅ Yes | Easier to explore comfortably |
| Adventurer / hiker | ✅ Yes | Access remote walking trails |
| Resort-only visitor | ❌ No | Staying local requires no transport |
✨ Final Takeaway
So, should you rent a car in Christmas Island?
👉 Yes, if you want to fully explore its beaches, forests, and natural wonders independently.
👉 No, if you plan to stay near Flying Fish Cove and rely entirely on pre-arranged tours.