Oceania > 🇫🇯 Fiji
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Fiji can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Fiji; 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 Fiji?
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 Fiji?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in Fiji
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Nadi | NAN | |
| Savusavu | SVU | |
| Suva | SUV |
Should You Rent a Car in Fiji? 🚗🌴
Fiji is an island nation famed for its crystal-clear lagoons, lush inland mountains, traditional villages, and vibrant cultural traditions. With hundreds of islands—some developed, many completely untouched—your transportation needs will depend heavily on where you’re staying. So, should you rent a car in Fiji? The answer depends on whether you plan to stay on the main island of Viti Levu or explore by boat and resort transfer.
🚶 When You Don’t Need a Car
If your trip is focused on island resorts, diving, or relaxation, you can enjoy Fiji without ever renting a vehicle. Many islands have no roads at all, and inter-island travel relies on boats, ferries, or small planes.
| Location/Activity | Why You Don’t Need a Car | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Mamanuca & Yasawa Islands | Resorts include transport | Boat or seaplane |
| Private island resorts | No roads to drive on | Resort transfer |
| Denarau Island | Tourist hub with walkable marina | Shuttle or walking |
| Cruise or diving holiday | All movements coordinated | Boat or tour transport |
➡ A car is not useful on most outer islands.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is a Great Idea
Renting a car is beneficial on the main island of Viti Levu, where there’s a coastal highway, inland villages, adventure parks, and waterfalls.
| Benefit | What You Can Explore |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | Drive at your own pace along the Coral Coast |
| Scenic routes | Mountain lookouts and coastal bays |
| Cultural stops | Visit traditional villages and markets |
| Hidden gems | Access waterfalls, caves, and local food spots |
Popular Self-Drive Areas on Viti Levu
| Route | Highlights | Driving Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nadi → Coral Coast | Beaches, resorts, caves | Paved and scenic |
| Suva → Pacific Harbour | Adventure capital, ziplining | Good highway |
| Nadi → Rakiraki | Remote coastline, local villages | Light traffic |
🚦 Driving in Fiji – What to Expect
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Driving side: Left-hand side (same as the UK and Australia)
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Roads: Main highways are paved; rural roads may be rough
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Speed: Low speed limits, relaxed pace
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Fuel: Available along main routes
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Navigation: Straightforward around Viti Levu; almost no roads on other islands
Car Rental Availability
You can rent vehicles at Nadi International Airport, Suva, and major tourist centres from providers like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Budget, as well as local agencies. SUVs and 4x4s are recommended for rural adventures.
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resort shuttles | Airport transfers | Often included in stays |
| Taxis | Short distances | Affordable and convenient |
| Buses | Budget travel | Popular with locals |
| Boat/ferry | Island connections | Essential outside Viti Levu |
| Domestic flights | Remote islands | Time-saving but limited |
🧭 Conclusion
Renting a car is a great option if you plan to explore the main island of Viti Levu and want the freedom to discover beaches, waterfalls, and traditional villages off the main tourist circuit. However, if your holiday is focused on island resorts, boat excursions, or diving getaways in the Mamanucas or Yasawas, you won’t need a car at all. The best choice depends on whether your Fijian adventure revolves around exploration by road or relaxation by sea.