Which Car Hire to Choose in Apia and Upolu?
Upolu is not just an island to sit in your resort all day. It’s an island to get out and explore with amazing beaches, wonderful waterfalls, epic snorkelling spots and more along the road. Make sure you get to all the hotspots, as well as find the hidden gems, by hiring a car on Upolu. Don’t know which car hire to choose? Luckily, we’ve made a complete comparison of all of the car rental companies in Apia, which also offer delivery across Upolu including Faleolo Airport, so you know all your best options! First, get a few tips for comparing Apia and Upolu car rentals…
Note that there are a few requirements to hiring a car on Upolu, from the minimum rental age of 21 years old to the essential Temporary Driver’s License, so be sure to wise up with our guide, What You Need to Hire a Car in Samoa.
5 Things to Look For When Comparing Car Rentals in Apia and Upolu
Before we dive into our comparison of the car hires in Apia and Upolu, know what to look for with these car rental comparison tips.
1. Prices and Inclusions
Car rental companies in Apia have various inclusions, as well as different daily rates, for example, not all car rental companies have included insurance. We make sure to list inclusions in the comparison below, where available. For costs to consider when making a budget for your car rental, check out The Cost of Renting a Car in Samoa.
2. Vehicles Offered
Apia and Upolu’s car rental companies have very varied fleets. The size of your vehicle will matter depending on how many people you are travelling with. You might want to get a high-clearance vehicle to access attractions like Aganoa Beach and the Coastal Walk which have poor access roads. Otherwise, if just sticking to the high-quality main roads, a compact vehicle will suit just fine. Learn more about what it is like to drive on Samoa’s roads in our guide, How to Drive in Samoa + 10 Road Rules You Need to Know.
3. Location
Location is important if you’re hoping to hire a vehicle from the airport or perhaps from a certain resort. Most rental companies will deliver to anywhere in Apia for free, while some offer free airport delivery or resort deals if hiring for a minimum period. Be sure to look at delivery fees too if you’re hiring from outside of Apia.
4. Payment Options
Not everyone wants to have a credit card, and Apia’s car rental companies would rather you pay cash! Although credit cards are accepted by most car rental companies, there is usually an extra charge to use one, so you may want to pay cash – see where the closest ATMs are located in Information, Shops & Services on Upolu. Plus, learn more about paying for things in What is the Best Way to Pay in Samoa?
5. Service
Once you have picked one or two car rental companies to compare, give them an email or a phone call 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.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comSamoana Rental
The largest car rental company in Samoa and Upolu, Samoana Rental has just about every vehicle you think you could possibly need. That said, they are also very popular, so it’s best to pre-book to ensure you’re not stuck with one of their less desirable cars. Free delivery in Apia and the ability to apply for the Temporary Driver’s License at their office are useful, however, Samoana is not the cheapest for delivery to Faleolo Airport. Note that they also don’t have the newest fleet.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Samoana Rental is located on Matautu Street (next to Le Alaimoana Hotel), Matautu-uta, Apia.
Free delivery/drop-off is available anywhere in Apia. Faleolo Airport office is only open for prearranged bookings – fees apply for rentals from the airport. Delivery for a fee is also available for Upolu’s resorts.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Samoana Rental include compact cars, SUVs, people movers, vans, hybrids, wheelchair-access vans and 4WD pickup trucks (utes). Most vehicles have automatic transmission except some 4WD pickups and vans.
- Toyota IST
- Toyota Yaris
- Mazda 3
- Nissan Note e-power (hybrid)
- Toyota Corolla
- Nissan Juke
- Toyota Rush
- SsangYong Tivoli
- SsangYong XLV
- Toyota Harrier
- Toyota Rav4
- Toyota Vanguard
- Holden Captiva
- Hyundai Tucson
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Dodge SXT
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Toyota FJ Cruiser
- Toyota Prado
- Toyota Hilux
- Holden Colorado
- Nissan Navara
- Toyota Landcruiser
- Toyota Wish (5-6 seater)
- Toyota Vellfire (7-8-seater)
- Toyota Alphard (8-seater)
- Toyota Hiace (10-16-seater + wheelchair access van).
Further Services and Inclusions
- Temporary Driver’s Licenses available
- Ferry booking assistance (fees apply)
- Free child/baby seats (when available)
- Private driver service available
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up in Apia
- Vehicle drop-off/pick-up at Faleolo Airport and resorts (fees apply)
- Discounted weekly rates
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Free 24/7 roadside assistance
- Insurance available for a daily fee.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with Samoana Rental cost approximately ST$120-$150 per day, SUVs ST$160-$260, 4WD pickups ST$260-$280 and people movers/vans ST$180-$280.
Insurance
A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via pre-authorised credit card, cash of around ST$500 or your passport until the vehicle is returned. Insurance is not included but can be purchased for an excess of ST$2,000 but does not cover third-party liability.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comFunway Rentals
The closest car rental to the Apia Harbour, Funway Rentals is a convenient option if you’re coming off a cruise ship. Otherwise, the team can deliver their fleet, starting from high-clearance Toyota Rav4s to premium Toyota Hiluxes, to you for free in Apia (delivery to resorts outside of Apia is not the best deal with this company, however).
Funway Rentals prides itself on the “cleanest cars on the island” but you will get charged if you return the vehicle dirty! They’ll also take you to the nearest licensing authority for the Temporary Driver’s License, making the whole process as easy as an island breeze. Oh, and rent for 7+ days and you’ll get to sport one of the company’s iconic T-shirts or lavalava!
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Funway Rentals is located on Beach Road, Matautu-tai, Apia.
Free delivery/drop-off is available anywhere in Apia. Faleolo Airport office is only open for prearranged bookings – fees apply for rentals from the airport. Delivery for a fee is also available for Upolu’s resorts.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Funway Rentals include SUVs, people movers, vans and 4WD pickup trucks. Most vehicles have automatic transmission except some vans.
- Toyota Rav4
- Toyota Hilux
- Toyota Voxy/Noah
- Toyota Hiace.
Further Services and Inclusions
- Temporary Driver’s Licenses assistance
- Price beat guarantee
- Ferry booking assistance (fees apply)
- Child/baby seats (when available, fees apply)
- Private driver service available
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up in Apia
- Vehicle drop-off/pick-up at Faleolo Airport and resorts (fees apply)
- Discounts for hires over 6 days
- Free T-shirt and lavalava if hiring for 7+ days
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Insurance available for a daily fee.
Insurance
Liability insurance is not included but can be purchased at a daily rate for an excess of ST$3,000.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comLe Talie Car Rentals
If you’re planning on hiring a vehicle for your whole getaway, get in touch with Le Talie Car Rentals. With free airport and wharf delivery when hiring for 7 days or more, as well as other nicknacks like free baby seat hire, your ride couldn’t be easier. They also have just about every kind of vehicle you could possibly need for tackling the island roads, whether you’re a couple or a group. The team are easy to get in touch with (a rarity in Samoa), so give them a try.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Le Talie Rentals’ main office is next to the Latter-Day Saints compound in Pesega, Vaitele Street, Apia.
Delivery/drop-off is available at accommodations, Faleolo Airport and Mulifanua Wharf for a reasonable fee – delivery is free if hired for 7+ days.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Le Talie Car Rentals include compact cars, SUVs, pickup trucks (utes), people movers and vans. Most vehicles have automatic transmission.
- Toyota Ractis
- Toyota Vanguard
- Toyota Rav4
- Toyota Hilux
- Toyota Noah (7-8 seater)
- Toyota Voxy (7-8 seater)
- Toyota Hiace (10-15-seater).
Further Services and Inclusions
- Vehicle drop-off/pick-up for a fee or free is hired 7+ days
- Child/baby seats available for a fee or free if hired 7+ days
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Free roadside assistance
- Free liability insurance.
Insurance
Liability insurance is included in all vehicle hires with an excess of ST$3,000 plus VAGST.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comAA Rent-a-Car
Certainly one of the most prominent car rental companies in Apia, Faleolo Airport and Upolu, AA Rent-a-Car boasts a wide range of vehicle models in their large fleet including some late-model vehicles, should you be looking for something more reliable. With a price-beat guarantee and boasting rates starting at ST$88, however, they’re also worth considering if you’re on a tight budget.
See more affordable options in The Cheapest Car Rentals in Samoa.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
AA Rent-a-Car has three locations: Main West Coast Road, Lepea, Apia; Lotopa, Apia; and Faleolo International Airport, Faleolo, west side of Upolu.
Free delivery/drop-off is available anywhere in Apia.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by AA Rent-a-Car include compact cars, scooters, SUVs, vans and 4WD pickup trucks. Most vehicles have automatic transmission except the odd 4WD pickup.
- Subaru Impreza Sport
- Subaru Impreza Sedan
- Subaru XV
- Subaru Forester
- Toyota Rav4
- Hyundai Tucson
- Hyundai Creta
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Toyota FJ Cruiser
- Toyota Hilux
- Ford Ranger
- Ford Ranger XLT
- Toyota LandCruiser 4×4
- Isuzu D/max 4×4
- Hyundai IMAX (8-seater)
- Toyota Hiace (10-15 seater)
- Yamaha Mio Scooter.
See more places to rent scooters in Scooter Hire in Samoa: Where to Rent, Cost & More.
Further Services and Inclusions
- Free child/baby seats available
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up in Apia
- Deals such as rent for 7 days get 1 day free/weekly rates
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Free liability and third-party insurance.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with AA Rent-a-Car cost approximately ST$100-$130 per day, SUVs ST$160-$220, 4WD pickups ST$290-$320, people movers/vans ST$220-$300 and scooters ST$55.
Insurance
A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via pre-authorised Visa or MasterCard or cash of around ST$500 until the vehicle is returned. Liability insurance is included in all vehicle hires with an excess of ST$2,000 plus third-party bodily injury of ST$50,000 in the aggregate.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comBlue Pacific Car Hire
If you’re looking for large roomy vehicles with high clearance to tackle even some of Upolu’s unsealed roads, Blue Pacific Car Hire rents out nothing less. Providing only late-model vehicles, this is a car rental company on Upolu that prides itself on quality. Delivery fees aren’t too extortionate if you’re staying outside of Apia, while their free delivery extends to the south coast of Upolu especially if hired for more than three days.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Blue Pacific Car Hire’s main office is on Vaitele Street, Vaitele, Apia.
Free delivery/drop-off is available anywhere in Apia and Si’umu (Coconuts, Sinalei, etc.). They’ll also deliver free to Saletoga Sands Resort and Lalomanu for free if hired for 3+ days. Otherwise, delivery elsewhere across Upolu like Faleolo Airport, Mulifanua Wharf and other resorts, a delivery fee applies.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Blue Pacific Car Hire include SUVs and 4WD pickup trucks. Most vehicles have automatic transmission except the odd 4WD pickup.
- Hyundai Tucson
- Hyundai Creta
- Hyundai Venue
- Ford Ranger
- Ford Ranger XLT.
Further Services and Inclusions
- Temporary Driver’s Licenses available
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up in Apia and Si’umu area
- Vehicle drop-off/pick-up around Upolu (fees apply)
- Deals such as rent for 7 days get 1 day free/weekly rates
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Free liability insurance.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. SUVs with Blue Pacific Car Hire cost approximately ST$150-$190 per day and 4WD pickups ST$280-$320. Note that daily rates decrease the longer you rent.
Insurance
A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via pre-authorised Visa or MasterCard or cash of around ST$500 until the vehicle is returned. Plus, an extra fee of ST$500 applies if the driver is under 25 years old. Liability insurance is included in all vehicle hires with an excess of ST$2,000 (or ST$2,500 if under 25 years old). Excess reduction options are available for a daily fee.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comSouthPac Rentals
Perhaps not as flashy as some of the other car rentals on this list, but SouthPac Rentals offers reasonable rates across their whole fleet. With long-term deals, as well as even half-day rates, there’s a duration for your convenience. They offer a great selection of high-clearance vehicles for some of those rougher roads across Samoa, but not at extortionate prices.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
SouthPac Rentals’ main office is on Vaitele Street, Vaimoso, Apia.
Free delivery/drop-off is available anywhere in Apia. They’ll also deliver to Faleolo Airport for a reasonable fee.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by SouthPac Rentals include compact cars, touring cars, SUVs, people movers, vans and a light-duty cab-over truck. All vehicles have automatic transmission.
- Mazda Demio
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Toyota Rav4
- Subaru Forester
- Toyota Avensis
- Toyota iSt
- Toyota Voxy (8-seater)
- Nissan Serena (8-seater)
- Toyota Hiace (10-15-seater)
- Toyota Dyna.
Further Services and Inclusions
- Temporary Driver’s Licenses available
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up in Apia
- Vehicle drop-off/pick-up at Faleolo Airport (fees apply)
- Deals such as rent for 7 days get 1 day free/weekly rates
- Private driver service available
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Free liability insurance.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with SouthPac Rentals cost approximately ST$130-$140 per day, SUVs ST$120-$140 and people movers/vans ST$160-$250.
Insurance
A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via pre-authorised Visa or MasterCard or cash of around ST$300-$500 until the vehicle is returned. Liability insurance is included (a mandatory ST$10 a day) in all vehicle hires with an excess of ST$5,000.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comIsland Rento
A small family business operating out of Apia, Island Rento provides affordable car hire with irresistible 4-day and 7-day deals. They’re easy to get in touch with, and then they’ll do their hardest to attend to your car rental needs. They also offer assistance with obtaining the essential Temporary Driver’s License.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Island Rento’s main office is in Vaivase-uta, Apia.
Free delivery/drop-off is available anywhere in Apia. They’ll also deliver to Faleolo Airport for a reasonable fee.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Island Rento include compact cars, 4WD SUVs and people movers. All vehicles have automatic transmission.
- Hyundai Getz
- Kia Sportage
- Daihatsu Terios
- Toyota Estima (8-seater).
Further Services and Inclusions
- Temporary Driver’s Licenses assistance
- Vehicle drop-off/pick-up at Faleolo Airport (fees apply)
- Deals such as rent for 4 or 7 days get 1 day free deals
- Free unlimited kilometres.
Approximate Price
Prices are subject to change. Cars with Island Rento cost approximately ST$90-$100 per day, 4WD SUVs ST$130-$150 and people movers ST$170.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comUSO Rentals
If you’re looking for a rental vehicle to be ready upon arrival in Samoa, USO Rentals has you sorted. One of the rare car rental companies on Upolu offering free airport pick-up and drop-off, they offer a pretty convenient service. Having Temporary Driver’s Licenses available upon picking up your vehicle is also pretty handy.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
USO Rentals’ main office is at the Tuanaimato Sports Complex, Gym 2, Talimatau Road, Vaitele, Apia.
Free delivery/drop-off is available anywhere in Apia and Faleolo International Airport.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by USO Rentals include compact cars, SUVs, vans and 4WD pickup trucks. Most vehicles have automatic transmission except the odd 4WD pickup.
- Nissan March
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Toyota Hiace
- Hyundai Tucson
- Hyundai Creta
- Ford Ranger.
Further Services and Inclusions
- Temporary Driver’s Licenses available
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up in Apia and Faleolo Airport
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Free unlimited kilometres.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comMoana Rentals
One of the most popular vehicle rentals in Samoa, you’ll see the attractive logo of this contemporary car rental company everywhere in Samoa! Moana Rentals is a good choice for car rental in Apia, as well as arrival at Faleolo Airport with a meet-and-greet service at the airport and Temporary Driver’s Licenses available to get you on the road immediately. Choose from old models in their budget range to late-model vans and SUVs.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Moana Rentals’ main office is on Alafua Road, Alafua, Apia; as well as at the Pacific Ezy office, Togafu’afu’a Road, Mulivai, Apia.
Free delivery/drop-off is available anywhere in Apia. Deliveries are available at Faleolo Airport for a fee.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Moana Rentals include compact cars, SUVs, people movers, vans and 4WD pickup trucks (utes). All vehicles have automatic transmission except pickups.
- Toyota Yaris
- Toyota Prado
- Toyota Tarago
- Toyota Hiace
- Toyota Hilux.
Further Services and Inclusions
- Temporary Driver’s Licenses available
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up in Apia
- Vehicle drop-off/pick-up at Faleolo Airport (fees apply)
- Ferry booking assistance (fees apply)
- Baby seat available (fees apply)
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Free basic insurance.
Insurance
A bond is taken for all vehicle rentals via a pre-authorised credit card or cash of around ST$500 until the vehicle is returned. Liability insurance is included in all hires with excess reduction rates available.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comAvis [CLOSED]
It’s no surprise that the international car rental brand that’s everywhere also has offices in Apia and Faleolo Airport. Avis offers a range of vehicles maintained to a high standard. They are a great option for families with child seats available, as well as high-clearance vehicles ideal for those rougher access roads. Note that the driver’s age must be 25 years old and above to hire with Avis.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
Avis’ main office is in the Asco Motors Building, Savalalo Street, Apia.
They’ll also deliver to Apia for free, as well as Faleolo Airport for a fee.
Vehicles Available
Vehicles offered by Avis include compact cars, SUVs, 4WD pickups, people movers and vans. Most vehicles have automatic transmission except for vans and 4WD pickups.
- Toyota Yaris
- Toyota Rav4
- Toyota Innova
- Toyota Hilux
- Toyota Hiace (15-seater)
- Toyota Prado.
Further Services and Inclusions
- Free vehicle drop-off/pick-up in Apia
- Vehicle drop-off/pick-up at Faleolo Airport (fees apply)
- Child and baby seats available
- Free unlimited kilometres
- Free roadside assistance
- Free Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).
Insurance
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and third-party insurance are included in all vehicle hires with an excess of ST$4,000-$5,000. Excess reduction for a daily fee is available.
More About Car Rentals in Apia and Upolu
That’s it for our complete comparison of the car rental companies in Apia and Upolu. Learn more about renting a car using the following guides:
- What You Need to Hire a Car in Samoa
- 10 Safety Tips for Driving in Samoa
- 10 Best Car Rentals in Samoa
Finally, compare car rentals with other ways to travel around the island in our Upolu Transport Guide: 11 Ways to Get to (& Around) Upolu.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Samoa and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Samoa Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Tourism Authority Corporate (Tourism news - Updated [2024])
- Land Transport Authority (Tourist driver’s license info - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Customs & Revenue (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Meteorological Division (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Hotels Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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