Car Rental in Papua New Guinea (2026) - Driving Guide
Car rental in Papua New Guinea: compare rental companies, daily costs, driving rules, parking tips, and road conditions for self-drive travel in Papua New Guinea.
Driving Requirements
Visitors may drive on a valid foreign license for up to 30 days from arrival. After 30 days, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or local PNG license is required. Carry both your foreign license and IDP if you have one.
PNG law sets the minimum driving age at 18. Rental companies typically require drivers to be 21-25 years old, with some charging extra for drivers under 25. Policies vary by company, so check requirements before booking.
Third-party liability insurance is required by PNG law. Rental companies typically offer additional collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection, which are optional but recommended given road conditions.
Rental companies universally require a credit card for security deposit and charges. Deposit amounts vary by company and vehicle class, typically ranging from Budget to Premium pricing tiers. Debit cards are rarely accepted.
PNG drives on the left side of the road. Speed limits are 60 km/h in urban areas and 75-100 km/h on highways unless posted otherwise. Right turns on red are prohibited. Give way to traffic already on roundabouts.
Helpful Tips
Major international rental agencies generally operate at Jackson's International Airport in Port Moresby, booking at the airport is typically more reliable than seeking walk-in rentals in the city, though availability can vary, so check current options via the booking widget.
Before driving off, document all existing vehicle damage in writing and photographs, confirm whether the rental includes collision coverage, and verify you are comfortable driving on the left-hand side of the road, as Papua New Guinea follows left-hand traffic rules.
GPS coverage is generally limited outside major urban centres in Papua New Guinea, download offline maps for your intended route before departure, and consider that many rural roads may not appear in standard navigation apps.
Fuel stations are typically concentrated in Port Moresby and other provincial capitals. Availability outside major towns is unreliable, so fill your tank whenever the opportunity arises and consider carrying a spare fuel container for travel to remote areas.
When returning the vehicle, allow extra time as traffic in Port Moresby can be unpredictable, and confirm the rental agency's accepted return procedures and fuel policy in writing at the time of collection to avoid disputes.
Driving Warnings
Road infrastructure outside Port Moresby and major urban centers is generally poor, with many routes unpaved, heavily potholed, or subject to washouts, a 4WD vehicle is typically considered essential for travel beyond main towns, in the Highlands region.
Criminal activity on roads, including roadblocks and carjacking by opportunistic gangs (locally referred to as 'raskols'), is a documented concern reported by multiple government travel advisories. Nighttime driving outside secured areas is generally advised against by those same sources.
Police and military checkpoints are a regular feature on major routes such as the Highlands Highway, travelers should carry valid vehicle documentation and identification at all times, as checkpoint procedures can vary and delays are common.
Papua New Guinea's tropical wet season (broadly November through April) brings heavy rainfall that can cause flash flooding and landslides, frequently rendering roads impassable with little warning, always check current local road conditions before departing, for inter-provincial travel.