Bora Bora

Oceania > French Polynesia > Bora Bora (BOB)

The Car or no Car advice for  Bora Bora can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Bora Bora ;  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 Bora Bora ?

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.

🇵🇫 Mode

Score
🚆 Non-car score non-car score 2

💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Bora Bora?

These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.

🇵🇫 Factor

Score
🚗 Car Score car rental availability score 3
🚗Do we need a car in Bora Bora? Is it worth it? Should we rent one? | Comment
Bora Bora is one of the world’s most stunning islands — crystal lagoons, overwater villas, volcanic peaks, and pure turquoise everywhere. Because the island is small and designed around transfers, not driving, visitors often ask: should you rent a car in Bora Bora? The short answer is that most travellers simply don’t need one. Since resorts sit on private motus and attractions are spread along one main loop road, the island functions differently from most destinations.

🏝️ Staying on a Motu: Absolutely No Car Needed

Most luxury resorts sit on motus (small outer islands).
These properties provide:

  • Boat transfers

  • Restaurants and bars

  • Lagoons for swimming

  • Excursions arranged through the concierge

You cannot drive on a motu, and you can only reach the main island by boat.

➡ A car is pointless for motu stays.

🚤 On the Main Island: Still No Real Need

Even if you stay in Vaitape or Matira, the island is tiny.
You reach everything via:

  • Resort shuttles

  • Bikes

  • Small local taxis

  • Tours

The full island loop is only about 20 miles.

➡ Most visitors explore without ever thinking about a car.

🚗 When a Car Helps (Rare Cases)

You might rent a car only if you want:

  • Total independence on the main island

  • Quick trips between supermarkets and beaches

  • Freedom to drive the loop road at sunrise

Even then, scooter or bike rental is far more common.

➡ Road vehicles are optional curiosities, not necessities.

🧭 Quick Table

Plan Car Needed?
Staying on a motu ❌ No
Standard resort holiday ❌ No
Vaitape shopping ❌ No
Full island loop ❔ Optional
Total independence ❔ Optional

🎯 Conclusion: Should You Rent a Car in Bora Bora?

  • ❌ Skip the car almost always — boats, bikes, and tours do everything.

  • ❔ Consider renting a car only if you’re staying on the main island and want unusual independence.

🚗Do we need a car in Bora Bora? Is it worth it? Should we? Destinations | Comment

🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table

This summary score brings how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it, driver options, local driving rules, and an overall recommendation.

🇵🇫 Factor

Score
🚗Should You Rent a Car in Bora Bora?
 overall should you rent a car score 9
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