Car hire is one of the best ways to explore Espiritu Santo at your own pace. Prices generally range from 6000 to 15,000 VUV depending on how long you rent and from who. Most places will give a discount if hiring for more than 3 days. The Best car hire options on Espiritu Santo being:
- Santo Rental Cars
- Wanderlust Vehicle Rental
- Bountiful Car Rental
- Luganville Island Motors
- Luganville Island Motors
- Santo Destiny car rental
- Islander Car Rental
- The Espiritu Care Hire
- Turtle Bay Quad & Buggy Hire
If you are on a budget and staying in a homestay then ask your host if they offer any car hire. Often they will rent out their personal vehicle for a good price as long as you are flexible. The Hidden Lodge is a good example.
Local Laws
- Foreigners visiting Vanuatu are allowed to drive for up to 3 months, providing they have a valid licence.
- Cars drive on the right-hand-side of the road in Vanuatu. However don’t be daunted if you are not used to this. The roads are very simple on Santo and since there is not much traffic it is hard to really mess up. Sometimes you may even find yourself driving all over the place anyway to avoid potholes!
- The speed limit in Vanuatu is generally 50 km/h within towns and 80 km/h in rural areas.
- Although seatbelts are technically compulsory in Vanuatu, many people do not use them. This is especially true of passenger transports/buses where people sit in the back of pick-up trucks.
Occasionally the police will do traffic stops however are more concerned with locals than those who are visiting. Usually your car hire company/individual should provide all the papers you need in the vehicle (road worthy, insurance, registration, etc).
Driving & Parking Your Car Hire
There are two main paved roads on Espiritu Santo, one that runs along the south coast and through Luganville town and another that runs up along the East coast. It is important to note , vehicles driving up (north) on the East coast road must give way on bridges to vehicles coming down (south).
Both roads intersect at the one and only roundabout on the island so it is not too difficult to get lost. Most major tourists sports like blue holes, beaches and tours are also well signposted.
There are plenty of places to park around Santo, all of which are free. Most roads you will also be able to pull off to the side if you need to stop for any reason.
Important note: Some parts of Espiritu Santo may not get very good signal so make sure to download or print a map of the island before you explore. You may be able to find free printed versions of the Hotspots map in your accommodations.
Refuelling Your Car Hire
Finding fuel stations is also very simple. Unity shell in Luganville is the main place to go, however there is another fuel station close to the airport. Further out heading east or west you will also find small refuelling stations however it is best to fill up before making any long trips.
Since all the fuel stations are owned by the same company there is no need to shop around on price. It is all the same! When refilling simply drive up to the pump, tell the clerk how much you want to fill up (either in Vatu or in amount) and they will do the rest. Pay from your window and carry on your journey without even having to step out of the car.
What If I Don’t Want Car Hire on Espiritu Santo?
Car hire on Espiritu Santo is a great way to get around. However if you are on a budget then it is also very easy to jump in a bus or taxi to get to where you’re going. For more information on how to catch buses and taxis on Espiritu Santo then head to our getting around Espiritu Santo Page.
