The Best Car Rental Companies in Tonga
Rent yourself the ultimate freedom to explore Tonga your way by renting a car! Cars are available to rent on the island groups of Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua, and this guide to the best car rentals in Tonga compares car rental companies in all of them! Make your roadie dreams a reality in this complete guide to the top car hire companies in Tonga!
Note that car rental in Tonga might work a little differently from back home, so check out The Guide to Renting a Car in Tonga to wise up on the subject.
5 Things to Look For When Comparing Car Rentals in Tonga
Before we dive into our comparison of the car hires in Tonga, know what to look for with these car rental comparison tips.
1. Prices and Inclusions
Car rental companies in Tonga have various inclusions, as well as different daily rates, for example, only a rare few car rental companies have insurance options and child seats. We make sure to mention inclusions in the comparison below, where available. For costs to consider when making a budget for your car rental, check out the 10 Ways to Save Money on Car Rental in Tonga.
2. Vehicles Offered
Tonga’s car rental companies are limited, especially on the outer islands, with some having just a few vehicles in their fleets. The size of your vehicle will matter depending on how many people are travelling in the vehicle, while those exploring the dirt roads of ‘Eua or the Hufangalupe Landbridge on Tongatapu might want to consider a high-clearance vehicle if not a 4WD. Learn more about what it is like to drive in our guide, How to Drive in Tonga.
3. Service
Once you have picked one or two car rental companies to compare, give them a phone call or a message on Facebook and ask them a few questions. See how helpful they are in their answers. This little test will give you an idea of how helpful the company will be should anything go wrong during your trip.
4. Payment Options
Nowadays, not everyone wants to have a credit card; not even car rental companies! Note that most car rental companies require a bond in cash (around TOP$200), some will accept card payments for the rental fee, while others only accept cash. Double-check which car rental companies accept other payment methods and be sure to have enough cash. Learn more about paying for things in What is The Best Way to Pay in Tonga?
5. Location
Location is important if you’re hoping to hire a vehicle straight from the airport or close to your accommodation. Most car rental companies will deliver a vehicle to the local wharf or airport, but not all.
© TongaPocketGuide.comThanks N Praise Car Rental (Tongatapu)
One of Tonga’s long-established and reputable car rental companies, Thanks N Praise has more than 130 vehicles from compact and modern Mazda Demios to 15-seater Toyota Hiace minivans. Vehicles are well-maintained with new vehicles added to the large fleet regularly. Thanks N Praise is a good option if you want airport delivery (which is cheaper during their working hours of 8:30 am to 4 pm), with the delivery fee on par with other rental companies. Note that they do not offer delivery to Nuku’alofa. Nevertheless, picking up a vehicle from their outside office decorated with flowers in Vaini is a pleasant experience.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Pick-up and drop-off services at Fua’amotu Airport (approximately TOP$50-$60). Their depot is well-signposted down Hufangalupe Road, between Veitongo and Vaini. Operating hours are from 8:30 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday and until 3 pm Saturday. Delivery to the airport is available outside of these hours for a small additional fee.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Thanks N Praise range from Mazda Demio compact cars to 15-seater minivans such as a Toyota Hiace. Models range from 6 to 26 years old.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with Thanks N Praise start from approximately TOP$30 per day for old five-seater cars up to TOP$300 per day for newer utes and minivans. Cash only but deposits can be made in NZD or USD to their selected bank account.
Insurance
No insurance is available. A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via cash of around TOP$200 until the vehicle is returned. Damage fees will be negotiated with the rental operator. It’s best to be honest if something is broken.
© TongaPocketGuide.comSunshine Rental Cars (Tongatapu)
Another one of the largest car rental companies on Tongatapu, Sunshine Rental Cars is a good go-to for well-maintained vehicles ranging from 3 to 17 years old. Based right in the heart of Nuku’alofa, they offer vehicle delivery to pretty much everywhere – free in Nuku’alofa or to the airport for a fee. Furthermore, child seats are available.
For more car rentals on Tonga’s main island, check out the 10 Best Car Rentals in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.
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 are available for a fee. Complimentary delivery is available in Nuku’alofa. Their depot is located on Unga Road, Nuku’alofa city centre. Operating hours are from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and 8:30 am to 1 pm Saturday.
Vehicles Available
Sunshine Rental Cars has a huge range of vehicles, including compact cars, medium cars, people-movers, utes, minivans and trucks. Vehicles included in their fleet include:
- Toyota Vitz
- Toyota IST
- Toyota Belta
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Gaia
- Toyota Isis
- Toyota Ipsum
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Harrier
- Toyota Rav4
- Toyota Noah
- Toyota Hilux
- Toyota Alphard
- Toyota Hiace – 10-15 passengers
- Toyota Dyna
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with Sunshine Rental Cars start from approximately TOP$60-$90 per day for a compact car, TOP$120-$150 for a medium car, or TOP$170-$220 per day for a ute or minivan. Payment is cash or card.
Insurance
No insurance is available. A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via cash of around TOP$200-$300 until the vehicle is returned. Damage fees will be negotiated with the rental operator. It’s best to be honest if something is broken.
© TongaPocketGuide.comTropicana Rentals (Vava’u)
Tropicana Rentals, also known as Tropo Rentals, offers the widest range of rental vehicles in Vava’u, from small affordable cars to sturdy 4WDs. They even offer scooter hire and mountain bike hire, should you want to explore Vava’u in an alternative way. Opt for their convenient accommodation and airport drop-off for multi-day hires, making them an ideal option should you be sticking in Vava’u for a while. Baby seats are available. The rentals are based out of Cafe Tropicana, which is also a good source of tourist information.
For more options in Tonga’s hotspot, check out the 5 Best Car Rentals in Vava’u.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Pick-up and drop-off services are available for Vava’u accommodation or Lupepauʻu Airport for multi-day hires. Based in Neiafu at Cafe Tropicana.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Tropicana Rentals are models from around 2015 and include:
- Daihatsu Terios
- Toyota Nissan Note
- Toyota Passo
- Honda Fit
- Toyota Rav4
- Toyota 4Runner
- Toyota Voxy
- 90 cc scooters
- Mountain bikes – Learn more in Where to Rent Bicycles in Tonga.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with Tropicana Rentals start from approximately TOP$55 per day. Payment is cash or card.
Insurance
No insurance is available. A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via cash of around TOP$200 until the vehicle is returned. Damage fees will be negotiated with the rental operator. It’s best to be honest if something is broken.
© TongaPocketGuide.comSong Ning Wang Car Rental (Ha’apai)
Although there are around five car rental companies owned by Chinese supermarket managers in Ha’apai, Song Ning Wang Store & Car Rental has one of the largest fleets in the island group with around 20 vehicles. That doesn’t necessarily mean that there is always a car available, as many locals rent cars too, so book ahead through the Ha’apai Visitor Information Centre or with the store to ensure a vehicle. Find them along the main road of Pangai on Lifuka Island.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Song Ning Wang Store, Pangai. Pick up from store only.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Song Ning Wang include Honda CRV SUVs, Honda Fit compact cars, and Toyota Voxy people-movers.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with Song Ning Wang Car Rentals cost approximately TOP$70 for a compact car, TOP$150 for a people-mover, and TOP$200 per day for an SUV. Payment is accepted in cash only.
Insurance
No insurance is available. A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via cash of around TOP$200 (cash only) until the vehicle is returned. Damage fees will be negotiated with the rental operator. It’s best to be honest if something is broken.
© TongaPocketGuide.comLei’ataua Car Rental (‘Eua)
This one-stop shop for groceries, cash withdrawals and takeaways in the north-central village of Angaha on ‘Eua also offers car rentals. Lei’ataua Car Rentals has a fleet of around seven vehicles, most being Nissan X-Trail SUVs which they say there are “no restrictions on where you can go”. Book ahead and the team can deliver your vehicle to the wharf or airport so your wheels will be ready for you on arrival.
For more options on Tonga’s rugged island, check out The Best Car Rentals on ‘Eua.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Lei’ataua Store, Angaha village. Complimentary delivery is available to Nafanua Wharf and ‘Eua Kaufana Airport.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Lei’ataua Car Rental include Nissan X-Trail SUVs, compact cars similar to a Honda Fit, and a minivan.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with Lei’ataua Car Rentals cost approximately TOP$100-$130 per day for an SUV or compact car, and TOP$250 per day for a minivan. Payment is accepted in cash or card.
Insurance
No insurance is available. A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via cash of around TOP$200 (cash only) until the vehicle is returned. Damage fees will be negotiated with the rental operator. It’s best to be honest if something is broken.
© TongaPocketGuide.comFAB Rentals (Tongatapu)
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, or have your vehicle delivered anywhere to you in Nuku’alofa for free. Choose from a wide range of vehicles, from their “VIP Fleet” to their budget range. And yes, baby seats are available.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Pick-up and drop-off services at Fua’amotu Airport (approximately TOP$50) and Vuna Wharf (free) with a meet-and-greet at the airport. Complimentary delivery is available in Nuku’alofa. Their depot is on Salote Road in Nuku’alofa, parallel to Faua Wharf. Operating hours are from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and 8 am to 12 pm Saturday.
Vehicles Available
Choose from a range of compact cars, such as Mitsubishi eKs lovingly nicknamed “Little Cuties”, to larger medium cars and SUVs such as Toyota Prados and Nissan Munros.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with FAB Rentals start from approximately TOP$50-$60 per day for a compact car or an older SUV to TOP$160 per day for a newer SUV. Payment is cash or card. Hire for seven days and you will get one day free (hire for seven; pay for six). Card and cash are accepted.
Insurance
No insurance is available. A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via cash of around TOP$200 until the vehicle is returned. Damage fees will be negotiated with the rental operator. It’s best to be honest if something is broken.
© TongaPocketGuide.comVava’u Lahi Car Rentals (Vava’u)
Boasting some of the newest rental vehicles in Vava’u, Vava’u Lahi Car Rentals is a worthy option for a reliable vehicle. Their fleet of around four vehicles includes snazzy compact cars, as well as a more spacious and robust SUV. Vava’u Lahi operates out of the Puataukanave Hotel, which also provides boat tours, whale tours, and hotel and backpacker accommodations. They are also just about the only car rental company in Vava’u with some sort of car rental insurance for renters.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Pick-up and drop-off services to Lupepauʻu Airport (or transfers to their depot) are offered for a fee of approximately TOP$50 one way. Otherwise, Vava’u Lahi is based at the Puataukanave Hotel on the Neiafu waterfront.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Vava’u Lahi Car Rentals include Mazda Demio compact cars and a Mazda CX5 SUV. Vehicle models are 2014-16.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with Vava’u Lahi Car Rentals cost approximately TOP$100 per day for compact cars and TOP$200 for SUVs. Payment is cash or card.
Insurance
An insurance excess reduction is available for approximately TOP$50. A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via cash of around TOP$200 until the vehicle is returned. Damage fees are as stated on the car rental agreement.
© TongaPocketGuide.comJLC Car Rental (‘Eua)
Another vehicle rental company operating out of the local store on ‘Eua, JLC Car Rental can be found at the Pepe Mahe Store. The locally run business has a fleet of around five vehicles including one 4WD. Otherwise, their compact cars will get you between villages in a jiffy. Call ahead and they’ll be able to deliver a vehicle to the wharf or airport.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Pepe Mahe Store, Mu’a village. Delivery is available to Nafanua Wharf and ‘Eua Kaufana Airport.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by JLC Car Rental include Nissan X-Trail SUVs including one 4WD and Nissan Dualis compact cars.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with JLC Car Rental cost approximately TOP$100 per day for a compact car and TOP$120 per day for an SUV. Payment is accepted in cash, cheque or card.
Insurance
No insurance is available. A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via cash of around TOP$200 (cash only) until the vehicle is returned. Damage fees will be negotiated with the rental operator. It’s best to be honest if something is broken.
© TongaPocketGuide.comWay2Go Rentals (Tongatapu)
A small family-run car rental company with a fleet of approximately 14 vehicles, Way2Go Rentals provides personal service and reasonable rental rates, as well as reliable vehicles to see you through your travels. Their office can be found on the main road of Tokomololo village on Tongatapu, just south of Nuku’alofa.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Pick-up and drop-off services at Fua’amotu Airport and Vuna Wharf (approximately TOP$50). Their depot is on Loto Road in Tokomololo. Operating hours are from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and until 3 pm on Saturday.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Way2Go Rentals include Toyota compact cars, medium cars like a Nissan Teana, Nissan Munro SUVs and 10-seater Toyota Hiace minivans.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with Way2Go Rentals start from approximately TOP$70 per day for a compact car to TOP$150 per day for a minivan. Cash only.
Insurance
No insurance is available. A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via cash of around TOP$200 until the vehicle is returned. Damage fees will be negotiated with the rental operator. It’s best to be honest if something is broken.
© TongaPocketGuide.comAvis (Tongatapu)
The international car rental brand Avis also has a presence in Nuku’alofa. Although their fleet is relatively small with less than 20 vehicles, they have some of the most contemporary rental cars available in Tonga, boating models from one to five years old. Not only are baby seats available, but you can also hire a chauffeur with your vehicle at only an extra TOP$50 per day (between 8 am and 5 pm). In true Avis fashion, you’ll get all your usual corporate car rental services, including insurance, roadside assistance and credit card pre-authorisation.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Pick-up and drop-off services at Fua’amotu Airport (approximately TOP$60). Their depot is at Asco Motors, Taufa’ahau Road, Nuku’alofa. Operating hours are 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and until 12 pm Saturday.
Vehicles Available
Avis’ fleet ranges from compact cars to minivans. Vehicles include:
- Toyota Yaris
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Rav4
- Toyota Hilux
- Toyota Hiace
- Toyota Innova.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with Avis start from approximately TOP$120 per day for a compact car to TOP$300 per day for a ute or minivan. Cash and card are accepted.
Insurance
Insurance is included in the rental rate with an excess of TOP$4,000. An excess reducer is available to purchase for approximately TOP$25 per day, which reduces the excess to TOP$2,500. A bond is also taken for all vehicle rentals via credit card pre-authorisation or cash of around TOP$200 for compact cars or TOP$500 for larger vehicles.
More About Car Rentals in Tonga
That’s it for the best car rentals in Tonga. For more about renting a car in Tonga, take a look at more of our insightful guides:
- The Guide to Renting a Car in Tonga
- How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in Tonga?
- Should You Rent a Car or Use a Taxi in Tonga?
Where can the road take you in Tonga? For itineraries to inspire you on where to go, take a look at the following compilations: The Best Tonga Itineraries for 2 Weeks, The Best Tonga Itineraries for 1 Week, The Best Tonga Itineraries for 5 Days and The Best Tonga Itineraries for a Weekend.
