How much does it cost to rent a car in Rarotonga?

On average a rental car in Rarotonga costs C$ 57 per day.

Can I rent an automatic car in Rarotonga?

Yes, automatic cars are available in most car renting companies in Rarotonga. As cars with manual transmission are more common in many countries, you might have to pay an additional charge for renting an automatic car.

Which car rental companies are at Rarotonga airport (RAR)?

The only car rental company onsite at Rarotonga airport is Avis.

Which car rental companies will pick you up at Rarotonga airport (RAR)?

The only car rental company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Rarotonga airport to off-airport locations is Avis.

How can I find car rentals near me in Rarotonga?

Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

How much does a Small car rental cost in Rarotonga?

A Small car rental in Rarotonga costs C$ 54 per day, on average.

What is the most popular rental car location in Rarotonga?

In Rarotonga, cars are most frequently rented at Avis Main Road (10 km from city centre ).

What type of car is recommended for driving in Rarotonga?

When choosing a car for a trip to Rarotonga, it is essential to consider a car that can easily be driven through the narrow and winding roads of Rarotonga. In addition, a car with good fuel efficiency would also be an added advantage, as it can go farther around the island without frequent refueling. You should therefore consider an Economy or Compact car.

What is the speed limit in Rarotonga?

In Rarotonga's built-up areas, including towns and villages, the speed limit is usually lower, about 25 mph. The region's general speed limit on the major highways is around 31 mph. The speed limits are subject to change for specific roads, and hence you should check the signage and adhere to the posted speed limits.

Where are the best places to park in Rarotonga?

One of the best places to park your rental car is at the Rarotonga International Airport, which offers ample parking amenities for both short-term and long-term parking. The airport parking rates start at around 8 NZD (5 USD) for the first hour and increase gradually, with a daily maximum fee of about 24 NZD (15 USD). Another great parking space is the Avarua Town Center, where you'll find accessible parking lots with parking charges ranging from around 1.5 to 3 NZD (1- 2 USD) hourly.

Car Rentals in Rarotonga - Search for Rental Cars on KAYAK

Driver's age: 25-65

Save up to 40% on car rentals. Compare deals from all over the web.

Never overpay with our price tracking tools.

Filter searches by price, agency and more to find your best car rental.

Car Rental Deals

Small

Medium

Large

Luxury

Van

SUV

Commercial

Pick-up truck

Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Rarotonga car rentals

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Rarotonga with confidence.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in Rarotonga?

You should book your rental car in Rarotonga around 83 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Rarotonga?

The cheapest month to rent a car in Rarotonga is January at an average cost of C$ 56/day. April is the most expensive month to rent a car in Rarotonga when prices are C$ 58/day on average, which tends to be 3% above the yearly average rental price for Rarotonga.

Find deals

Rarotonga car rental price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right rental car in Rarotonga by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small

SUV

Van

	Small cars	C$ 58 - C$ 60
	All Car Types	C$ 67 - C$ 79

How much does it cost to rent a small car in Rarotonga?

How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Rarotonga?

How much does it cost to rent a van in Rarotonga?

Small car rentals in Rarotonga typically cost around C$ 59 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average C$ 58 per day, which is about 2% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 22% cheaper than the average rental in Rarotonga, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

SUV rentals in Rarotonga typically cost around C$ 98 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average C$ 89 per day, which is about 10% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 24% more expensive than the average rental in Rarotonga but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van rentals in Rarotonga typically cost around C$ 87 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average C$ 82 per day, which is about 6% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 14% more expensive than the average rental in Rarotonga but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Most popular agency	Most popular car type	Average price	Good deal
Avis	Small	C$ 57/day	C$ 54/day

ThomasSep 2026

Reserves your car early because they sold out fast.

JosieJul 2024

book early to avoid missing out

Verified travelerSep 2023

Obey the road rules, look out for dogs.

Verified travelerAug 2023

Driving in Rarotonga was really easy. Loved the slow pace and I would pull over to let cars past if I was going too slow.

Verified travelerJul 2023

Easy to organise Friendly to deal with

Verified travelerAug 2023

Inner roads a bit rough, lots of coconut trees don’t park under them. Parking in general pretty good easy to find parks.

Verified travelerMay 2023

I wasn’t sure if I had to clean the car before return, I decided that maybe a vac and car wash before returning the car would be good, as we had sand from going to the beach. After searching and asking, there isn’t anywhere in Rarotonga to clean or use a vac. I’m still not sure if I had to return it clean, I did wipe the car down-Inside. Other then the smell, I would definitely recommend Avis- great value for $ and service was easy

Obtaining a vehicle from a car rental in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, provides several benefits over relying on buses or trains. A rental car will enable you to explore the island at your own pace, touring its many attractions, including Punanga Nui Market, Maire Nui Gardens and Cafe, Titikaveka Beach, and Muri Beach, without being limited by the fixed bus or train schedules. In addition, a rental car will allow you access to the region's remote areas, which may not be easily reachable by public transportation. Furthermore, renting a car from Rarotonga car rentals will provide you with privacy and comfort, allowing you to travel with ease and convenience, free of crowded buses or trains.
Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) is the main international airport serving Rarotonga and its surrounding regions. When flying into Rarotonga, you will arrive at this airport before you can proceed with your journey to your intended destination. As you disembark from your flights and make your way through the arrivals area, you will find the car rental desks located adjacent to the baggage claim area. At these desks, you will find friendly and knowledgeable staff members who are ready to assist you in completing paperwork and selecting your rental car for your ride on the island. Avis is one of the car rentals in Rarotonga that you'll find at RAR.
When acquiring a vehicle from car rentals in Rarotonga, it's important to familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules to ensure a safe journey. The minimum age to drive a rental car in Rarotonga is 21 years old. You must have a valid driver's license to rent a car in this region. You should note that driving is on the left-hand side of the road in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. You should also obey the posted speed limits. You must not use your mobile phone while driving, as it is strictly prohibited unless you are using a hands-free device. In addition, you should note that drunk driving is illegal.
In Rarotonga, the morning rush hour usually occurs between 7:30 am and 9:00 am, when locals are commuting to work or school. During this time, you can expect increased congestion on the city's major roads. Similarly, in the late afternoon, from around 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, there is another increase in traffic as people return home after work. These rush hour periods feature longer queues, longer travel times, and busier intersections. To avoid rush hour congestion, you should plan your trips outside these rush hours or consider alternative inner routes, including Ara Metua and Ara Tapu-Enua, which run parallel to the main roads and offer alternative routes with fewer vehicles.
25% of our users found rental cars in Rarotonga for C$ 52 or less

How much does it cost to rent a car in Rarotonga?
On average a rental car in Rarotonga costs C$ 57 per day.
Can I rent an automatic car in Rarotonga?
Yes, automatic cars are available in most car renting companies in Rarotonga. As cars with manual transmission are more common in many countries, you might have to pay an additional charge for renting an automatic car.
Which car rental companies are at Rarotonga airport (RAR)?
The only car rental company onsite at Rarotonga airport is Avis.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Rarotonga airport (RAR)?
The only car rental company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Rarotonga airport to off-airport locations is Avis.
How can I find car rentals near me in Rarotonga?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Small car rental cost in Rarotonga?
A Small car rental in Rarotonga costs C$ 54 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Rarotonga?
In Rarotonga, cars are most frequently rented at Avis Main Road (10 km from city centre ).
What type of car is recommended for driving in Rarotonga?
When choosing a car for a trip to Rarotonga, it is essential to consider a car that can easily be driven through the narrow and winding roads of Rarotonga. In addition, a car with good fuel efficiency would also be an added advantage, as it can go farther around the island without frequent refueling. You should therefore consider an Economy or Compact car.
What is the speed limit in Rarotonga?
In Rarotonga's built-up areas, including towns and villages, the speed limit is usually lower, about 25 mph. The region's general speed limit on the major highways is around 31 mph. The speed limits are subject to change for specific roads, and hence you should check the signage and adhere to the posted speed limits.
Where are the best places to park in Rarotonga?
One of the best places to park your rental car is at the Rarotonga International Airport, which offers ample parking amenities for both short-term and long-term parking. The airport parking rates start at around 8 NZD (5 USD) for the first hour and increase gradually, with a daily maximum fee of about 24 NZD (15 USD). Another great parking space is the Avarua Town Center, where you'll find accessible parking lots with parking charges ranging from around 1.5 to 3 NZD (1- 2 USD) hourly.

Avis

9.1

Wonderful

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

8.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

8.8

3 locations in Rarotonga

Locations in Rarotonga

Citc Mainstore, Avarua

+682 22 833

Monday	09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 12:00
Thursday	09:00 - 12:00
Friday	09:00 - 12:00

Main Road

+682 22 833

Monday	09:00 - 15:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 15:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 15:00
Thursday	09:00 - 15:00
Friday	09:00 - 15:00
Saturday	08:00 - 12:00

Terminal Building

Monday	06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday	06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday	06:00 - 23:30
Thursday	06:00 - 23:30
Friday	06:00 - 23:30
Saturday	06:00 - 23:30
Sunday	06:00 - 23:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Thomas, Sep 2026

Economy

The service agent is the nicest person I have ever met. She was very helpful and delightful.

8.0 Very good

Kazzandra, Apr 2026

Passenger Van

Great service just a long wait in line they could use additional agents ty

8.0 Very good

Shontae, Mar 2026

Passenger Van

Great thank you

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Economy

Good

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Economy

I phoned to ask for car to be picked up a day earlier .. avis said yes no problem .. but when arrived nothing different had changed. they had no info about a change having been made

8.0 Very good

June, Mar 2024

Economy

Good service. Easy to deal with. All good

34 travellers who rented a car in Rarotonga gave the car agency they used an average rating of 9.1

Pick-up location	Rarotonga
Car types
Rental locations	3
Airport locations	1

Rarotonga car rentals

Cheap car rentals in Rarotonga

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Rarotonga car rentals

How far in advance should you book a rental car in Rarotonga?

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Rarotonga?

Rarotonga car rental price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right rental car in Rarotonga by comparing prices across vehicle types.

How much does it cost to rent a small car in Rarotonga?

How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Rarotonga?

How much does it cost to rent a van in Rarotonga?

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

Rarotonga car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Rarotonga

FAQs about renting a car in Rarotonga

Rarotonga car rental reviews and directory

Car rental locations in or near Rarotonga

More options for your car rental in Rarotonga

Complete your trip to Rarotonga

Car rental at airports serving Rarotonga

Popular rental types in Rarotonga

Car rental in other popular destinations

Rarotonga car rental information