A car around Port Moresby makes it easier to move between Ela Beach, the Nature Park and hilltop lookouts that are spread out. You can time your journeys to avoid the harshest heat.
On the Highlands Highway around Goroka or Mount Hagen, driving lets you stop at markets, coffee plantations and villages. With limited formal transport, a rental offers practical flexibility, if you drive cautiously.
At a glance
Drives onLeft
Motorway tollCheck locally
CurrencyKina (PGK)
Min. rental age21 years
Good to know before you drive
The essentials for a smooth, ticket-free trip.
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Speed limits
Town50 km/h
Open road90 km/h
Motorway130 km/h
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Parking
Paid short-stay zones in city centres — buy a ticket and display it.
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Alcohol limit
Typically 0.05% blood-alcohol limit; lower for new drivers.
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Vignette / tolls
Check whether a motorway vignette or tolls apply — many rentals include one.
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What drivers say about Papua New Guinea
★★★★★★4.5
★★★★★5
"I rented a car in Papua New Guinea for a week and everything went smoothly from start to finish. Booking was simple online, the pickup staff were friendly and patient, and the car was clean, reliable and had cold aircon. Driving between Port Moresby and villages felt safe and easy."
M
Mary Kila
Papua New Guinea
★★★★★★4.5
"I travelled with a friend and the car was clean and drove well. Staff were friendly, only a bit slow at pickup. Overall, very satisfied."
D
Daniel Waine
Papua New Guinea
★★★★★4
"We hired a car for our family holiday with the kids. The vehicle had good space and the aircon handled the heat well. Staff helped us fit child seats and explained the roads. Only small issue was a short wait at return because the counter was busy, but still a good experience overall."
In Papua New Guinea it is wise to book at least 2–3 weeks before arrival, and longer in peak periods such as Christmas, Easter and major mining or business conferences. Supply is limited outside Port Moresby and Lae, and 4x4s often sell out. Early booking normally gives you better availability, more vehicle choice and lower prices.
Most Papua New Guinea rental companies place a hold rather than taking the money. The hold is usually released within 3–10 working days after you return the car in good condition, but your bank may take longer to show it. Some offers provide no deposit, no credit card options, in which case only fuel or damage charges are billed.
The excess is the maximum amount you pay if the car is damaged or stolen, before the insurer covers the rest. In Papua New Guinea, it typically ranges from about PGK 2,000 to PGK 7,000, often higher for 4x4s. You can reduce this cost by buying extra cover, which lowers the excess or reimburses you if a claim is made.
Most rental suppliers prefer a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit. However, some local agents and international brokers offer no-deposit, no-credit-card deals where you can pay with a debit card or cash, usually at a higher rate and with extra ID checks. Always confirm payment rules on the booking conditions before you reserve.
Rental prices are relatively high. A small car in Port Moresby or Lae typically costs around PGK 250–350 per day, while a 4x4 suited to rougher roads is often PGK 450–700 per day, depending on season, insurance and mileage limits. Booking early and comparing several suppliers can help you find a more competitive rate.
Bookingcar is a dedicated price-comparison service. It gathers offers from many international and local car-hire companies in Papua New Guinea, then lets you compare prices, vehicle types, insurance options and rental conditions in one search. By seeing all the deals side by side, you can quickly pick the option that best fits your budget and travel plans.
Returning late in Papua New Guinea usually triggers extra charges. Companies may charge by the hour up to a full extra day, often after a grace period of 30–60 minutes. If you are very late, they can charge additional days at the local daily rate and may report the car as overdue. Always call the rental office if you expect a delay.
Speed limits are not always well signposted, so drive cautiously and follow local signs. Typical limits are:
Urban areas and town streets: around 50 km/h
Open roads and highways: around 80 km/h, or lower where signed
School zones and busy markets: often 30–40 km/h
Road conditions can be poor, so you may need to drive well below the posted limit.
Penalties depend on the offence. Speeding, ignoring traffic police or driving without a licence can result in on-the-spot fines, vehicle impoundment or a court appearance. Drunk driving is treated very seriously and can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment. Rental companies may also charge administrative fees if they have to process fines on your behalf.
Papua New Guinea enforces a low blood alcohol limit, generally 0.05% (0.05 g/dL) for private drivers. Commercial and professional drivers may be subject to stricter rules. Enforcement can involve roadside checks and breath tests, and penalties for drink-driving can be severe. Given the challenging road conditions, the safest choice is not to drink at all before driving.
Fuel prices vary between Port Moresby, Lae and more remote regions. As a general guide, petrol (gasoline) is usually around PGK 4.00–4.80 per litre, with diesel sometimes slightly cheaper. Prices can change when government-regulated rates are updated and transport costs rise, so check current prices locally and budget extra for long rural journeys.
Papua New Guinea does not currently have a network of toll motorways or electronic vignettes. Most public roads, including the Highlands Highway and routes around Port Moresby, are free to use. You may, however, encounter private access fees for certain plantations, resource projects or remote tracks, which are paid directly to the landowner or gate operator.
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