Oceania > 🇵🇫French Polynesia
Should You Hire a Car in French Polynesia ? This can be broken down into two similar questions - do you need a car in French Polynesia (in other words, will your holiday be ruined without one), and is it worth hiring a car in French Polynesia - 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.
French Polynesia covers a large area of the Pacific Ocean. However, most islands are small and easy to navigate. Your need for a car depends entirely on the island and your travel style. Let’s break it down clearly.
🚫 When You Don’t Need a Car
Many islands are focused on the lagoon rather than the road. As a result, boats, bicycles, and resort shuttles provide everything you need.
🏝 Best No-Car Islands
| Island | Why You Don’t Need a Car | How You Get Around |
|---|---|---|
| Bora Bora | Resorts sit on private islets | Resort boat shuttles |
| Tikehau & Fakarava | Very small atolls | Walking and cycling |
| Rangiroa | Activities happen on the water | Boat tours and bikes |
| Moorea (resort stay) | Hotels include transfers | Shuttles and bicycles |
➡ These islands focus on lagoon life, not driving. You can relax and enjoy without renting a car.
🚗 When a Car Improves Your Trip
Some islands have scenic roads, waterfalls, and cultural sites spread across the coastline. A car gives you freedom to explore at your own pace.
🚘 Best Islands for Driving
| Island | Why It’s Worth Renting a Car | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tahiti | Largest island with ring road | Waterfalls, surf beaches, local markets |
| Moorea | Ideal for exploring inland areas | Belvedere Lookout, pineapple farms |
| Huahine | Two islands connected by bridge | Remote beaches and archaeological sites |
| Raiatea | Cultural heart of Polynesia | Ancient marae temples and hiking trails |
➡ A rental car lets you discover hidden spots, stop for photos, and visit local villages.
🚦 Driving Tips in French Polynesia
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Drive on the right side
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Roads are mostly coastal and easy to follow
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Traffic is light and calm
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Petrol stations can be limited, so refuel when you can
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Most travellers can use their home licence with no special permit
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Travel Style | Car Needed? | Best Option |
|---|---|---|
| Honeymoon or resort holiday | ❌ No | Rely on boats and shuttles |
| Adventure and sightseeing | ✅ Yes (Tahiti or Moorea) | Rent a car |
| Water-based holiday (diving/snorkelling) | ❌ No | Boats cover your transport |
| Cultural or scenic exploration | ✅ Yes | Car unlocks the best inland sites |
In summary:
You don’t need a car on most islands. However, renting a car on Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea or Huahine can transform your trip with more freedom, better views, and access to authentic local places.
Do you need a car in 🇵🇫?
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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