What You Need to Hire a Car in the Marshall Islands

Car rental in the Marshall Islands is available almost exclusively on Majuro, where a small selection of established local companies and hotel-run operators hire compact cars, SUVs and, in limited cases, scooters.

Car Hire on Majuro

When collecting a vehicle, you will usually complete a rental agreement, show your driver’s license and inspect the car with the company before driving away. Security deposits vary from none at all to approximately US$200, while insurance may be included, offered as an optional extra or limited to third-party cover.

Some hotel-run companies only rent to their own guests, while others accept outside customers when vehicles are available. Airport or accommodation delivery may be free or cost up to approximately US$30, depending on the operator.

Fleets are small, so advance booking is strongly recommended. For a full comparison, see the 5 Best Car Rentals in Majuro & the Marshall Islands.

The rental selection in the Marshall Islands is concentrated on Majuro, where established operators offer compact cars, sedans, SUVs, seven-seater vehicles and a small number of scooters.

Vehicle age and condition vary between companies. Some fleets consist of older but serviceable cars, while a few hotel-run operators maintain newer sedans and SUVs.

Vehicles available to hire on Majuro include:

• Compact cars and sedans: Toyota Yaris, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra
• SUVs: Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Palisade and other five- or seven-seater models
• Seven-seater vehicles: Vans or larger SUVs suitable for families and small groups
• Scooters: Automatic mopeds with helmets included

Specific makes and models are rarely guaranteed, so confirm the seating capacity, luggage space and vehicle condition when booking.

Do You Need a 4x4 on Majuro?

Majuro is not a destination where you need a 4x4. Lagoon Road, the Back Road and the route to Laura Beach are paved, making a compact car or sedan suitable for ordinary sightseeing.

An SUV may still be worthwhile for families, larger groups or travellers carrying plenty of luggage, but the extra height is not essential for the roads most visitors use.

Learn more about the types of vehicles you can hire, and their cost, in The Cost of Renting a Car in the Marshall Islands: Full Car Rental Cost Breakdown.

Car rental on Majuro is reasonably priced, although the daily rate is only part of the final cost. Insurance, fuel, delivery fees and a refundable security deposit may also need to be budgeted for.

Some companies include insurance, tax or airport delivery, while others charge separately. Cars should also be returned with the agreed fuel level and in reasonably clean condition to avoid extra fees.

Day Rates for Car Rentals in the Marshall Islands

• Scooter/day - US$20-$30
• Compact car or sedan/day - US$65-$75
• SUV/day - US$70-$125
• Seven-seater van/day - US$75-$80

Discounted rates for longer rentals are not widely advertised, so ask directly when booking for seven days or more.

Additional Costs for Renting a Car in the Marshall Islands

• Gasoline/US gallon - US$7.85-$8.30
• Diesel/US gallon - US$8.50-$8.95
• Hotel delivery - US$0-$15
• Airport delivery or collection - US$0-$30
• Insurance/day - US$0-$50
• Baby or child seat - free where available
• Additional driver - US$0-$10
• Extra rental time/hour - US$10-$15
• Cleaning fee - US$0-$15
• Missing fuel charge - US$10 per bar on the fuel gauge
• Security deposit - US$0-US$200, refundable after inspection

Learn more about typical prices in The Cost of Renting a Car in the Marshall Islands: Full Car Rental Cost Breakdown.

Your car rental only really gets started once you put the key in the ignition and head along Lagoon Road. Driving on Majuro is straightforward, but local rules may differ from those at home, particularly at uncontrolled intersections and when overtaking.

Some important road rules to remember include:

• Drive on the right side of the road.
• The speed limit is 15 mph (24 kph) near schools during opening and closing times, 25 mph (40 kph) in business and residential areas and 40 mph (64 kph) elsewhere unless signs state otherwise.
• The driver and all front-seat passengers must wear seatbelts.
• At an uncontrolled intersection, the driver on the left must give way to the driver on the right when both arrive together.
• Drivers entering a paved road from a driveway, private road or unpaved road must give way to traffic already on the paved road.
• Give way to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crossings.
• Overtake on the left only when the road ahead is clearly visible and free of approaching traffic for at least 300 ft (91 m).
• Use your headlights at night and whenever visibility is poor, including during heavy rain.

To learn more about driving conditions and traffic laws, see How to Drive in the Marshall Islands + 10 Road Rules You Need to Know.