Bora Bora Rental Car: Do or Don’t in 2026?

Welcome to the best Bora Bora rental car guide!

Why should you rent a car in Bora Bora? How are the roads, and what are the best car rental services? Is a motorbike not a better option?

Let’s take a look!

Check the video below to see what it’s like to rent a Twizzy car from Avis in Bora Bora!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Cost: Renting a car in Bora Bora costs €60-€90 ($65-$100 USD) per day, with weekly rentals at $379 USD and monthly rentals at $1,624 USD. Fuel is expensive, around $1.60 USD per liter.

• Car Options: Choose from compact cars like the Fiat Panda, rugged 4x4s like the Suzuki Jimny, or eco-friendly Twizy electric cars. Major rental providers include Avis, FH Rental Bora Bora, and Bora Bora K&L Rent-a-Car.

• Convenience: Renting a car offers flexibility to explore Bora Bora’s 32 km loop, visiting sights like Matira Beach, Mount Otemanu, and Faanui Bay at your own pace, without relying on taxis or public transport.

Why rent a car in Bora Bora?

First up, why should you rent a car? What makes it better compared to using taxi services or private transfers?

The biggest advantage of having your own car is that you can discover the island at your own pace and visit the places YOU want.

The whole road around the island is 32 kilometers (about 20 miles) long and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.

In terms of pricing, a rental car in Bora Bora costs between €60–€90 ($65–$100 USD) per day (sometimes even per half-day). Private transfers cost a bit less, but if you want to visit multiple locations, renting a car turns out cheaper than having your own private transfer.

A weekly Bora Bora rental car could cost you $379, while a long-term rental might run you $1,624 per month. Before you go, you should also know more about the local currency in Bora Bora!

Below you can find the best places people go to when you have a rental car in Bora Bora.

1) Matira beach

Matira Beach is described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world located right at the turquoise lagoon in Bora Bora.

With a Bora Bora rental car, you can arrive early to claim a quiet spot or stay late to enjoy one of the best sunsets in the world!

2) Mount Otemanu viewpoints

You CANNOT drive directly up Mount Otemanu (but you can hike it up though, see our full Mount Otemanu guide), the coastal road provides amazing scenic viewpoints where you can park and enjoy this iconic volcanic peak from up close.

For the best photos, look for pull-offs along the eastern coast, especially during the morning when the golden light is ideal.

3) Anau village

We recommend exploring with your Bora Bora rental car the authentic side of the island by visiting Anau Village on the island’s eastern side.

With a Bora Bora rental car, you can drive through this village to see traditional Polynesian life, visit local shops, or stop for fresh coconut water at a roadside stand.

4) Faanui bay and marae

Lastly, go to Faanui Bay, on the northwestern side of the island, to enjoy the Instagram-worthy lagoon views.

Nearby, you’ll find Marae Fare-Opu, an ancient Polynesian temple where you can see petroglyphs carved into volcanic rock.

Types of Bora Bora rental car

The Bora Bora rental car companies rent many different types of rental cars.

🚗 Twizy (Electric Car):

For a unique and eco-friendly experience, the Twizy is a fun, compact electric car that’s perfect for short trips around the island. It’s a quirky way to get around and reduces your carbon footprint.

🚗 Compact Cars:

Perfect for easyness on the island’s main road and visiting the most famous spots on the island. These Bora Bora rental cars are small, efficient, and great for exploring Bora Bora’s main attractions without any hassle.

Examples: Fiat Panda, Toyota Aygo, or similar

🚙 SUVs and 4x4s:

Ideal for off-road routes and accessing remote, scenic spots. If you want to explore Bora Bora’s hidden gems and more rugged terrain, an SUV or 4×4 is the way to go. These vehicles are sturdy and offer more comfort for bumpy roads.

Examples: Suzuki Jimny, Jeep Wrangler, or similar

🚘 Luxury Vehicles:

For a romantic getaway, you can add a touch of elegance to your trip. These luxury cars are the perfect choice.

Examples: BMW 4 Series, Audi Q5, or similar

Based on our experience, you should go for a motorbike or a compact 4×4 automatic car if you plan to do some offroading.

You want the car to handle the steep inclines easily and not be stuck somewhere on an unpaved section.

And now, the most important question: “What are the best rental car companies in Bora Bora?”

Best rental car companies in Bora Bora

When renting a car in Bora Bora, you want to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable and reliable company on this remote island.

Here are some of the best rental car companies in Bora Bora:

• Avis: With TWO car rental locations in Bora Bora (Bora Bora Airport (Motu Mute) and Vaitape Village), Avis is leading the rental car market in Bora Bora with a wide range of rental cars, including economy, compact, and LUXURY cars. They are also the first to rent electric cars in Bora Bora. Avis has always been a top choice for us!

• Europcar (UPDATE: PERMANENTLY CLOSED): Located in Bora Bora’s capital Vaitape, Europcar has a variety of Bora Bora rental cars, including economy, compact, and SUVs. Their reliable rental cars and friendly service make them fierce competitors of Avis in Bora Bora! We mostly compare prices between the two.

We also recommend:

• FH Rental Bora Bora: A great choice for you if you prefer working with a small local company that offers a variety of Bora Bora rental cars, including compact cars and 4x4s, ideal for exploring the island’s stunning beaches and rugged terrain. With a focus on personalized service and competitive rates, FH Rental provides a hassle-free experience.

• Bora Bora K&L Rent-a-Car: Lastly, we also recommend this local Bora Bora car rental company. Known for its friendly, personalized service, K&L provides a range of compact vehicles, from compact cars to 4x4s, ideal for exploring Bora Bora’s stunning landscapes.

You can use our widget below to discover the available cars during your vacation period!

Rent a scooter in Bora Bora?

Renting a motorbike in Bora Bora is a cheaper option than a car, and it offers more flexibility for exploring the island.

Motorbike Rental Prices

Cost per day: On average, renting a scooter in Bora Bora costs between €35 to €50 per day ($37 to $53)

Advantages of Renting a Motorbike:

• Affordability: Scooters are one of the cheapest options for getting around Bora Bora compared to renting a car. While a Bora Bora rental car costs between €60 to €90 per day ($64 to $96), a motorbike rental is about 30-50% cheaper.

• Faster and more parking: A scooter is a faster way to get around, especially on the narrow, winding roads of Bora Bora. It also offers greater flexibility when it comes to parking and access to some of the island’s less crowded, off-the-beaten-path spots.

Driving conditions and road networks in Bora Bora

Bora Bora’s road network is quite easy, with Route 10 encircling the island and connecting most visit-worthy locations.

The main road is in good condition with paved surfaces, BUT, some sections have older asphalt, leading to bumpy or uneven areas.

You should also take into account that most of the roads are quite narrow and have a few potholes so make sure you don’t go over them too fast!

The SPEED LIMIT on Bora Bora is 40 km/h or 24 mph in the towns and villages and 60 km/h (37 mph) on an open road, but you’ll never really reach 60 km/h given that the roads are winding and narrow.

Driving rules in Bora Bora!

• Cars should be driven on the right side of the road.
• The minimum legal age for driving is 18 years.
• All drivers and passengers must wear seat belts while traveling in a vehicle.
• The speed limit is 40 km/h (24 mph) in urban areas and 80 km/h (48 mph) on open roads.
• Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets while riding.
• Vehicles approaching from the right have the right of way.
• Pedestrians have priority at designated crosswalks.
• The legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.05%.
• To reach the police, dial 17.
• Drivers on main roads generally have the right of way!

Do you need an international driver’s permit (IDP) in Bora Bora?

No, you do not need an international driver’s permit (IDP) if your driver’s license is in Latin script (such as English or French).

A valid driver’s license from your home country is sufficient for renting a car and driving around the islands.

However, if your license is not in Latin script (for example, if it’s in Arabic, Chinese, or Cyrillic), you will need an international driver’s permit to accompany your regular driver’s license.

Fuel costs in Bora Bora

When renting a car in Bora Bora, you should also consider the cost of fuel.

Due to the island’s remote location and the fact that everything (from food to fuel has to be imported), gasoline prices are high.

• Unleaded petrol: 181 XPF per liter (~€1.51 / $1.61)
• Diesel: 183 XPF per liter (~€1.53 / $1.63)

To manage fuel expenses:

• Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle (or an electric vehicle)
• Plan your refueling stops as there are not many gas stations around the island

Parking challenges for Bora Bora car rentals

• Limited spaces near resorts and attractions; check with your hotel for parking availability. Most resorts have an average price of €5–€10/$6–USD 11 per day.
• High demand in Vaitape; arrive early for markets or restaurants to secure a spot.
• Wild parking is NOT allowed due to restricted or unsafe areas

How to save money on your Bora Bora rental car?

• Create an account: Registering with rental car programs like Avis Preferred to maximize benefits gives you exclusive discounts and rewards.

• Earn and redeem points: Loyalty programs allow you to accumulate points with each booking, which can be redeemed for future rentals or upgrades.

• Access best prices: Loyalty members often receive the most competitive rates and special offers.

Free cancellation and customer reviews

• Flexible cancellation: Many bookings have free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up, providing peace of mind if your plans change.

• Verified customer reviews: Platforms like TripAdvisor feature millions of reviews, helping you make informed decisions based on real experiences.

• Trustworthy feedback: Rely on detailed reviews to assess vehicle condition, customer service, and overall satisfaction.

Road safety and driving tips for Bora Bora

There are also a few safety tips when driving your Bora Bora rental car you should take into account:

• Drive on the right-hand side: Traffic in Bora Bora follows right-hand driving, so stay aware if you’re used to left-hand driving.

• Night driving caution: Roads are narrow and poorly lit at night. Drive slowly and use high beams where appropriate.

• Respect local customs: When passing through villages, reduce your speed and watch for pedestrians, animals, or roadside vendors.

• Yield to wildlife: Free-roaming chickens and dogs are common, so stay alert.

TIP: Avoid driving during rain, as roads can become slippery and visibility decreases.

Traffic road signs for your Bora Bora rental car!

In French Polynesia, most traffic signs are the same as those in France.

Below are some common road signs you might see while driving with your Bora Bora rental car in French Polynesia:

• Arrêt – Stop
• Aucun arrêt – No stopping
• Cédez le passage – Yield
• Ralentir – Slow down
• Aucun parking – No parking
• Tournez à gauche – Turn left
• Tourner à droite – Turn right
• Chaussée glissante – Slippery road
• Giratoire – Roundabout
• Autoroute – Motorway
• Limite de vitesse – Maximum speed
• La limitation de vitesse – Speed limit
• Un accident – Accident
• Sens unique – One way
• Aucune entrée – No entry
• Aucun dépassement – No overtaking
• Ralentir travaux – Slow down, roadworks ahead
• Passage piéton – Pedestrian crossing
• Priorité à droite – Priority to the right
• Signaux de la circulation – Traffic signals
• Deux voies de circulation – Two-way traffic

FAQ