Car rental in Port Moresby

Driving in Port Moresby presents genuine security challenges, including opportunist carjackings, armed holdups at red lights or remote junctions, and aggressive pedestrian movement. Travel during daylight hours, keep doors locked, windows closed, never leave valuables in plain sight, and avoid driving unaccompanied at night or through unauthorized settlement areas.

No. Port Moresby is completely disconnected by road from the rest of Papua New Guinea. There is no national highway linking the capital to the Highlands or northern coast; the city road network only connects outward into the Central Province via the Magi and Hiritano Highways.

If you are involved in an accident, do not remain at the scene if an aggressive crowd begins to assemble, as volatile situations can escalate rapidly. Proceed directly to the nearest manned police station (such as Boroko or Gordon Police Station) to report the incident safely to the RPNGC and notify your rental provider immediately.

Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road with right-hand drive vehicles. Drivers holding a valid domestic license in English can drive for up to three months; licenses printed in other languages must be supported by an International Driving Permit (IDP).

A robust 4WD SUV or high-clearance dual-cab utility vehicle (such as a Toyota Hilux or Prado) is strongly advised. Severe potholes, deep monsoon standing water, uneven transitions, and security factors make low-clearance sedans highly susceptible to undercarriage damage and immobilization.

Roadside assistance outside the National Capital District is extremely limited and slow. Mechanical breakdowns on the Magi or Hiritano Highways often require commercial towing flatbeds dispatched from Port Moresby at steep customer expense if the driver violated operational boundary rules outlined in the rental agreement.