Car Rental Companies in Tongatapu
Renting a car in Tongatapu provides the ultimate freedom! Explore the many natural wonders and historic sites of the island at your own pace. Stay out of town knowing that you can still get around with ease. But who should you hire a car from? Everyone has their own wants and needs when it comes to car hire, so we’ve put together this car rental comparison so you can learn more about the car rentals in Tongatapu to make an informed decision.
Get more advice on car hire in Things to Know About Car Rental in Tonga. Plus, check out 10 Tips for Hiring a Car in Tonga.
Tips for Hiring a Car in Tongatapu
- Location is important, do they offer vehicle drop-off or can you get to the car rental depot? Always be sure to check
- Compare prices and inclusions of car rentals to make sure you’re getting the best deal
- You need either a driving licence from a visitor visa-exempt country or a Visitor’s Driving Licence before you can legally drive in Tongatapu. Some rental companies are licenced to obtain a Visitor’s Licence for you for a fee. Otherwise, you may need to get one yourself. Learn more in Can You Drive in Tonga with an Overseas Licence?
- Some rentals only accept cash
- Insurance is rarely offered for car rentals in Tongatapu, meaning you will have to pay the requested amount for any damage you cause. Rentals require a cash security deposit, which will be refunded if you return the vehicle undamaged.
For more tips, see How to Drive in Tonga and 10 Safety Tips for Driving in Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.comFAB Rentals
FAB Rentals, based in Nuku’alofa, provides more than a car rental service. Enjoy the ease of a meet-and-greet at the airport or wharf on arrival into Tongatapu. Choose from a wide range of vehicles, from their “VIP Fleet” to their budget range. Drivers are also available, speaking English and German, should you want a tour of the island. Plus, they can arrange your Driver’s Visitor’s Licence on arrival to Tongatapu, if needed, so you don’t have to pick one up yourself (but check whether you need one first).
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Pick-up and drop-off services at Fua’amotu Airport and Vuna Wharf with a meet-and-greet at the airport. Depot based in Nuku’alofa.
Vehicles Available
Choose from a range of compact 4-door cars to large 6-7-seater vehicles. There are more modern secondhand Japanese imports in their “VIP Fleet”, as well as older and cheaper vehicles for those on a budget.
Vehicle Age Range: 11-20 Years Old
Inclusions
- Baby/child seats
Additional Services
- Drivers available
- Visitor’s Driving Licence arrangement
(c) tongapocketguide.comNew Millennium Motors (Sakura Rentals)
Rent a car from the locals at New Millennium Motors, also going by the name Sakura Rentals. The Nuku’alofa car rental company has a depot in Nuku’alofa but also offers airport pick-up and drop-off. They run on a first-come-first-served basis, taking no reservations. Plus, you can only pay with cash. Their fleet ranges from ultra-cheap small cars to some of the most modern vehicles available to hire in Tonga. Long-term rentals are also available.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Pick-up and drop-off services at Fua’amotu Airport are available. Depot based in Nuku’alofa.
Vehicles Available
Choose from a range of small to medium Nissan, Toyota and Honda cars, as well as Toyota, Nissan, and Suzuki vans. Limousines are also available to hire.
Vehicle Age Range: 8-20 Years Old
Additional Services
- Insurance
- Visitor’s Driving Licence assistance
Price Range
Vehicles range from TOP$35 to TOP$140 a day. A TOP$200-$300 cash deposit is required. An optional TOP$15-a-day insurance policy is available.
(c) tongapocketguide.comStar Rental Car
Based along the main road of Nuku’alofa, Taufa’ahau Road, Star Rental are easy to get to. They provide a fleet of around 20 vehicles, from budget cars to pick-up trucks you can brag to your mates about. Cars are kept in good condition.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Depot based in Nuku’alofa.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles range from mini hatchbacks to Sedans to SUVs. Minivans, such as a Toyota Hiace, are also available.
Vehicle Age Range: 10-20 Years Old
Price Range
Vehicles range from TOP$70 to TOP$250 a day.
(c) tongapocketguide.comSunshine Rental Cars
One of the largest car rental companies in Tongatapu, Sunshine Rental Cars is a good go-to for well-maintained vehicles. They offer vehicle delivery to pretty much everywhere, while the Visitor’s Driving Licence can be arranged through the car rental company if needed.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Pick-up and drop-off services at Fua’amotu Airport and any other location across the main island of Tongatapu. Depot based in Nuku’alofa.
Vehicles Available
Sunshine Rental Cars have a huge range of vehicles, from 3/5-door small cars to pick-up trucks to vans. Vehicles included in their fleet include:
- Toyota Vitz
- Toyota IST
- Toyota Corolla
- Nissan Juke
- Toyota Isis
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Harrier
- Toyota Rav4
- Hyundai Tucson
- Toyota Alphard
- Toyota Hilux
- Volkswagon Amarok
- Toyota Hiace
Trucks and heavy machinery are also available to hire.
Vehicle Age Range: 9-20 Years Old
Additional Services
- Visitor’s Driving Licence arrangement
Price Range
Vehicles range from TOP$50 to TOP$250 a day.
(c) tongapocketguide.comAvis
The international car rental brand Avis also has a presence in Tongatapu, with one depot at the Fua’amotu Airport and another in Nuku’alofa. They offer a range of modern vehicles which results in slightly more expensive rates.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Depots are available at Fua’amotu Airport and Nuku’alofa.
Vehicles Available
Avis have a range of vehicles with automatic and manual transmissions available. Vehicles include:
- Toyota Yaris
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Rav4
- Toyota Hilux
- Toyota Hiace
- Toyota Innova
Vehicle Age Range: 9-15 Years Old
Price Range
Vehicles range from TOP$100 to TOP$310 a day. Prices are date and time-dependent, so play around with your dates for cheaper prices.
(c) tongapocketguide.comOther Car Rental Companies in Tongatapu
Yes, there are more car rentals in Tongatapu to choose from! Like many local businesses in Tonga, there are some car rentals that operate more face-to-face. You’ll be able to organise a rental with them once you arrive on the islands.
Some alternative car rental options in Tongatapu include:
- Jetsave Rentals
- Little Italy Rentals
- Me Rentals
- NOA Guesthouse
- Dayspring Lodge
More About Car Rentals in Tongatapu and Tonga
