The Cost of Car Rental in Tonga
Can you afford to rent a car in Tonga? With more and more car rental companies popping up across Tongatapu and Vava’u, offering a wider range of vehicles, you’re bound to find something to suit your budget. From small budget cars to premium SUVs, there’s something for every style and taste. Check out the typical prices of different types of car rentals in our guide to how much it costs to rent a car in Tonga.
For more car rental talk, see Things to Know About Car Rental in Tonga.
Tips to Save Money on Car Rental
- Look out for weekly deals, such as “rent for seven days, pay for five!”
- Travel in the low season where some companies offer discount rates (see more tips for 10 Reasons to Travel in the Low Season in Tonga)
- Play around with your car rental dates, especially for international companies like Avis who do better last-minute deals than booking too far in advance
- Don’t just go with the first car rental company you see – compare rental companies at The Best Car Rentals in Tonga
- If you are required to obtain a Visitor’s Driving Licence, get your own rather than paying a car rental company to do it for you.
For more tips, see How to Save Money on Car Rental in Tonga.
The Price of Budget Cars
Car rentals start at incredibly cheap daily rates. However, note that the following prices are usually for the smallest cars in the fleet and sometimes some of the oldest cars.
Small Car Typical Prices
The typical small car in Tonga is a Toyota Yaris, Toyota Vitz or something similar. Prices have been known to be as little as TOP$35/day to around TOP$70 a day, with the average being TOP$50/day.
Medium Car Typical Prices
Medium-sized cars, such as a Toyota Harrier, Toyota Corolla or something similar will cost between TOP$100 to TOP$140/day.
The Price of SUVs and 4WD
Looking for something a little larger to fit your whole tribe? Or just want something that simply looks and feels better to drive? SUVs and 4WDs are also available to rent in Tonga.
SUV Typical Prices
More robust cars like SUVs, with models such as a Toyota Rav4, Hyundai Tucson or something similar, usually price in at TOP$180-$200/day.
4WD Typical Prices
If you’re planning to get off the beaten track, get extra control with a 4WD vehicle, such as a Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Pajero Jr or something similar. Prices range from TOP$150 to TOP$250 a day.
The Price of Premium Cars
You don’t have to settle for old cars and has-beens. There are some more modern vehicles available in Tonga if you’re willing to pay a premium.
Premium Car Typical Prices
For something a little more upscale than what we’ve mentioned so far, such as a Toyota Camry, Volkswagon Amarok or something similar, prices are around TOP$150-$250/day.
The Price of Vans
Vans in Tonga either refer to a people-mover, such as an 8-seater car, or a minivan fitting up to 12 passengers.
People-Mover Typical Price
For a people-mover, such as a Toyota Alphard, Toyota Innova or something similar, expect to pay around TOP$150/day.
Minivan Typical Price
For full-size van, such as a Toyota Hiace, expect to pay TOP$160-$250/day.
Additional Costs for Hiring a Vehicle
Of course, there are always other costs associated with hiring a vehicle, which is as follows.
Insurance
Only a tiny portion of Tonga’s car rental companies offer insurance. Those that do usually have a rate of around TOP$15/day.
Petrol
Petrol in Tonga is around
More About the Cost to Rent a Car in Tonga
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.