Oceania > 🇬🇺 Guam
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Guam can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Guam ; 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 Guam ?
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 Guam ?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Guam
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Hagåtña | GUM |
Should You Rent a Car in Guam? 🚗🌺
Guam, an unincorporated territory of the United States in the western Pacific, is a tropical island known for its beaches, World War II history, duty-free shopping, and unique Chamorro culture. Public transport is limited outside resort areas, so many visitors ask: should you rent a car in Guam? For most travellers, the answer is yes—especially if you want to explore beyond Tumon Bay and visit natural or cultural attractions around the island.
🚶 When You Don’t Need a Car
If you’re staying in the main resort area or stopping briefly from a cruise, you can get around comfortably without renting a vehicle.
| Situation | Why a Car Isn’t Needed | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Staying in Tumon Bay | Hotels, beaches, shops nearby | Walking or shuttle |
| Cruise stopover | Shore excursions include transport | Tour bus |
| Shopping & dining focus | Tumon has free hotel shuttles | Shuttle or taxi |
➡ This is ideal for travellers who prefer a resort-style stay with everything close by.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is the Best Option
To fully experience Guam’s historic sites, scenic drives, nature trails, and coastal viewpoints, a rental car gives you freedom and flexibility.
| Benefit | What You Can Explore |
|---|---|
| Scenic drives | Explore the full coastal loop |
| Freedom to roam | Stop at viewpoints and beaches |
| Cultural access | Visit villages and historic forts |
| Nature exploration | Reach waterfalls and hiking trails |
🌴 Popular Self-Drive Destinations
| Destination | Highlight | Driving Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Two Lovers Point | Iconic cliffside lookout | Close to Tumon |
| Ritidian Point | Wildlife refuge & beach | Requires a car |
| Inarajan Pools | Natural swimming holes | Southern coastal road |
| War in the Pacific National Historical Park | WWII history sites | Best accessed by car |
🚦 Driving in Guam – What to Expect
-
You drive on the right-hand side
-
Roads are mostly paved and well-maintained
-
Coastal roads are scenic and easy to navigate
-
Traffic can be congested around Tumon and Hagatna
-
Fuel is widely available, and signage is in English
Car Rental Information
Major companies such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and local agencies are available at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport and in Tumon. A standard car is usually sufficient, and U.S. driver’s licences are valid.
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle buses | Resort to shopping | Often free or low-cost |
| Taxi | Short trips | Readily available but expensive |
| Public buses | Limited routes | Primarily in resort area |
| Tours | Guided excursions | Reliable for major attractions |
🧭 Conclusion
Renting a car in Guam is the best way to explore the island’s beaches, cultural villages, scenic viewpoints, and historic sites at your own pace. The island’s infrastructure makes driving easy, and having your own vehicle allows you to enjoy the full loop around Guam without being restricted by shuttle schedules or limited bus routes. However, if you plan to stay mainly in Tumon Bay and relax at your resort, you can comfortably manage without renting a car.
🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table
This summary brings together taxis*, how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it, driver options, local driving rules, and an overall recommendation. *Taxis act as a hybrid between private cars and public transport, so they aren’t counted in the overall public-transport or non-car scores. 🚕