Oceania > 🇳🇷Nauru
Should You Hire a Car in Nauru? This can be broken down into two similar questions - do you need a car in Nauru (in other words, will your holiday be ruined without one), and is it worth hiring a car in Nauru - 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.
Nauru is the world’s third-smallest country — a single coral island barely 21 square kilometres in area. You can drive a full loop of the coastal road in under an hour, and most of the island’s key sights lie within easy reach of one another. So, should you rent a car in Nauru?
🚗 Renting a Car — Largely Unnecessary
In theory, it may be possible to arrange a car rental locally through a hotel or tour operator, but there are no major car rental offices visible on Google Maps and no online booking options through sites such as Skyscanner, Expedia, or Rentalcars.
For most travellers, renting a car simply isn’t necessary. Nauru’s single ring road covers the entire coastline — about 19 kilometres in total — and it’s easy to explore by walking, cycling, or taxi. The island’s compact size means you’ll never be more than 15–20 minutes from your accommodation.
🚕 Getting Around — Taxis, Tours, and Scooters
Taxis are available around Yaren and Aiwo, and drivers are used to short trips, so you can get between key areas for only a few dollars. Local tour companies can arrange guided trips that include transport, which is a practical way to see the inland sites such as the Buada Lagoon or the phosphate fields without worrying about navigation.
Some visitors choose to rent a scooter or bicycle, both of which offer far more flexibility than relying on cars. Just be aware of the tropical heat — early morning or late afternoon are the best times to explore outdoors.
🚶 Walking the Island
It’s also entirely possible to walk around Nauru. The road is flat, paved, and safe, though there’s little shade outside the built-up areas. Many visitors choose to walk part of the circuit. You can stop at scenic beaches, WWII relics, or small local cafes along the coast.
Because of its small size and slow pace, Nauru is one of the few countries in the world where you can realistically explore everything without a vehicle.
🚆 Rail and Public Transport
There’s no public transport on the island, and the only railway — a former phosphate line near Aiwo Bay — is long disused. The infrastructure is basic but perfectly sufficient given Nauru’s size and population.
🌴 Touring the Island
Most visitors explore Nauru as part of a guided day tour that includes both coastal and inland sights. These tours cover the Japanese WWII bunkers, command posts, and the island’s raised phosphate plateau. You’ll also visit the Buada Lagoon, a lush oasis at the island’s centre — all achievable without needing to drive yourself.
🧭 Summary
🚫 No — it’s not necessary or practical.
✅ Yes — but only if you can arrange one locally and really prefer driving yourself.
So, should you rent a car in Nauru?
Probably not. With no online rental options, limited traffic, and an island so small you can circle it in under an hour. A car would only complicate things. Exploring Nauru by taxi, tour, or even on foot gives you everything you need — and lets you enjoy the tranquillity that makes this tiny Pacific nation so unique.
