Oceania > 🇼🇸 Samoa
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Samoa can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Samoa; 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 Samoa?
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 Samoa?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Samoa
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Apia | APW |
🚗 Should You Rent a Car in Samoa?
Realistically, the answer is only for a day or two. While renting a car gives you freedom to explore, Samoa is small enough that you can circle Upolu in just three to four hours, stopping at beaches, viewpoints, and waterfalls along the way. So, a one-day rental is ideal to see the island in full.
That said, car rental options can be hard to find online, and even when available, they’re usually expensive — as you’d expect for a remote island. Most hotels can help arrange a vehicle or a driver for a day. After that, you’re better off relaxing, walking, or using taxis and hotel transfers for shorter local trips.
If you’re staying at a five-star resort, there’s little need to worry about transport anyway — they’ll handle everything for you. And honestly, if that’s your budget, you’re probably not asking whether to rent a car! 😄
🏝️ The Case for a One-Day Drive
A full-day loop around Upolu lets you see the best of Samoa’s natural beauty:
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To Sua Ocean Trench – An iconic turquoise swimming hole.
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Papapapaitai Falls – A dramatic roadside viewpoint.
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Lalomanu Beach – Perfect white sand and gentle surf.
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Robert Louis Stevenson Museum – A glimpse into Samoa’s colonial history.
Roads are generally good, and driving is calm once you adjust to the left-hand rule.
🚐 Getting Around the Rest of the Time
Once you’ve ticked off the big sights, slow down and enjoy island life. Samoa’s famous colourful local buses are more about the experience than punctuality, but they’re a fun way to get between villages or beaches. Taxis are easy to find in Apia, and many hotels run their own shuttles for day trips.
For a change of scene, you can take the ferry across to Savai‘i. It’s best to explore that island with a driver or tour, as roads are quieter and attractions are spread out.
🧭 Summary — Should You Rent a Car in Samoa?
Why you should:
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To explore Upolu independently for a day.
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To visit scattered natural sights easily.
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Roads are scenic, quiet, and easy to drive.
Why you shouldn’t:
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Car hire is costly and hard to book online.
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Public transport and hotel transfers suffice.
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You can explore the entire island in one trip.
🚙 Conclusion:
You should rent a car in Samoa — but only for a day. It’s the perfect way to circle the island and discover its beauty at your own pace. After that, slow down, hop on a bus, or let your resort take care of the rest. On an island this tranquil, driving is optional — but relaxing is not 🌴✨.