Car rental at Easter Island
A small 4×4 is the usual choice for reaching Tongariki at sunrise, looping the coast, and carrying snorkel gear—fuel and contract fine-print matter as much as daily rate.
Rent a car at Easter Island to discover the island your own way, at your own pace. As there is no public transportation on the island, this is a fantastic way to get around - especially after a couple of days of having participated in a guided tour, when you know some about the history of the island already. Be sure to check out our section of places to visit and our Easter Island map for some inspiration on where to go.
There are usually cars available, so unless you're visiting Easter Island during the Tapati Rapa Nui festival, you probably won't have to book before arriving.
There are a few formal car rental agencies at Rapa Nui, but you may often also rent a car from your hotel or from some of the shops in town. All rental companies are local; there are no chains present, such as Hertz and Avis. Prices of cars are in the range of 80 USD - 220 USD, depending on which car you choose. You might get slightly better price per day if you pay in cash, and if you rent your car for several days right away. The most economic car is usually the small two-door 4x4 jeep Suzuki Jimny. Most cars have manual gear transmission, but the bigger car rental companies might also have a few cars with automatic gear transmission.
A drivers license is required for renting vehicles and driving at Easter Island. Even if more informal car rentals possibly won't check your license, traffic police officers will.
Gasoline level will be checked when you pick up your car. The car will have to be returned with the same level of gasoline. There is only 1 gasoline station at Easter Island. Gas is around 1.3 USD per liter or 5 USD per gallon.
Most roads at Easter Island nowadays have asphalt. They are often not very well made though, so beware of holes in the road. To get to the countryside of Rapa Nui outside of town there is basically only one circular road. It takes around an hour to do a full loop. The section from the town Hanga Roa to the beach Anakena is the best part of the road, and is also the first road that was asphalted at Easter Island. It was done in 1986, by the same company that made the airstrip.
When driving at Easter Island, please follow road signs and drive respectfully. Same traffic rules apply at Easter Island as at home.
No car insurance
At Easter Island there are no vehicle insurances. If you damage your car, you have to pay for damage repairs. The car rental company will check your vehicle for scratches and dents when they give you the vehicle and will take notes of any damages found. Once you return the vehicle, they will make sure it is still in the same condition.
You may check your travel insurance from home for coverage. If any accident would happen, make sure you save any receipts to settle this with your insurance agency once you get back home.
Tire blow-outs or punctures is the responsibility of the driver. Drive carefully when on bad roads to avoid this, and look out for holes in any road. All cars should have a spare tire, in case this happens. Paying for the repairs of the punctured tire is around 10 USD.
When parking make sure you both apply the handbrake and leave the car in gear (1st or R) to avoid accidents.
Drive carefully when horses are nearby. A horse kicking your car wouldn't be cheap.
If you don't like renting and driving without being insured, an alternative would be to book guided tours instead.
Other vehicles
Other vehicles than cars are also available for rental, such as scooters, quad bikes/four wheelers and motorcycles. For driving a scooter or motorcycle, you will normally be required to present a motorcycle license. If renting a motorcycle, scooter or quad bike, make sure you use a helmet - for safety, and to avoid getting stopped by the police.
Quad bikes are legal to drive on Easter Island roads. When driving these vehicles, please be aware of the high center of weight of the four wheeler, and don't do any sudden turns in high speed to avoid any accidents.
Respect the archaeological sites
As you will be driving around by yourself at Easter Island, without the company of a guide, please still respect the archaeological sites. Stay away from areas that are off-limits and don't touch the archaeology. It is sometimes hard to see where the limits are between what is considered to be part of the monument and what is not. Sometimes there are signs, rocks in a line or painted rocks that mark the limit. Sometimes there is nothing at all. In the end, common sense and having an open eye is what is most important.
Cumulative impact
Please be aware of cumulative impact. This refers to the idea of that if everyone would touch the archaeology, there wouldn't be much left after a while. This means to not touch the archaeology. The moai statues are most sensitive to cumulative impact, as they are made out of tuff (volcanic ash), and not solid rock.
Car rental companies at Easter Island
Several independent agencies in Hanga Roa rent small 4×4s (often Suzuki Jimny–type vehicles) and sometimes larger SUVs. There is no Uber and limited taxis, so a rental is the main way to reach Ahu Tongariki or remote beaches on your own schedule. Roads are paved only in town; coastal routes can be rough, wet, or dusty — drive slowly and watch for horses, dogs, and pedestrians.
Oceanic Rent a Car
One of the better-known names visitors use for Jimny-style rentals. Expect a hold on your credit card, mileage limits on some contracts, and paperwork for an international or Chilean licence.
Search maps for current hours and reviews: Google Maps — Oceanic Rent a Car.
Insular Rent a Car
Another frequently listed Hanga Roa agency. Compare collision coverage carefully: many contracts exclude damage on unpaved tracks or near archaeological sites — which describes a lot of the island.
Maps search: Google Maps — Insular Rent a Car.
Fuel, parking & responsible driving
There are only two fuel stations on the island; plan fill-ups before long loops to Poike or the east coast. Never drive off marked routes onto fragile archaeology or private land. If you are unsure whether a track is allowed, stop and ask — fines and repair costs for moai or stonework are severe.
Broader map of rental options: Google Maps — car rental near Hanga Roa.
Information for travelers only; operators, prices, and links change. Confirm schedules, park rules, and certifications before you book.
