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Should You Hire a Car in Fiji? This can be broken down into two similar questions - do you need a car in Fiji (in other words, will your holiday be ruined without one), and is it worth hiring a car in Fiji - i.e. is a car better value than using public transport? We'll weigh up both questions and give you a response generated by Chat GPT, together with our own curated opinion before finally giving a yes or no verdict at the end.
CITYIATAScore
NadiNAN
SavusavuSVU
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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

âž¡ 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

  • Driving side: Left-hand side (same as the UK and Australia)

  • Roads: Main highways are paved; rural roads may be rough

  • Speed: Low speed limits, relaxed pace

  • Fuel: Available along main routes

  • 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.

Should You Hire a Car in 🇫🇯 — or Not? Advice on this page has been written using Chat GPT, backed up by 20 years experience in the travel industry. This site is planned for full launch on 1st January 2026. Full terms, advice, FAQs, disclaimer etc to follow. UN flag is a placeholder

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