Car Rental at Port Harcourt International Airport

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended alongside your valid home country license. While some rental companies may accept a foreign license alone, Nigerian traffic police frequently demand the IDP, and you risk fines or vehicle impoundment without it. The IDP costs around $20 and is valid for 1 year. Allow 2-3 weeks for processing if you need to obtain one before travel.

Port Harcourt has right-hand traffic with left-hand drive vehicles. Major roads like Aba Road and D-Line are typically congested with mixed traffic including motorcycles and peddlers. Road conditions vary widely—some highways are well-paved while rural routes may have potholes deep enough to damage tires. Driving at night outside the city center is strongly discouraged due to limited lighting and security concerns. Keep windows closed in traffic to deter theft.

Nigeria uses both petrol (unleaded) and diesel. petrol is the most common fuel type. Gas stations are plentiful in central Port Harcourt but become sparse outside the city. Major brands like Total and NNPC operate 24-hour stations along highways. Expect fuel shortages periodically—keep your tank above half-full. Fuel prices are government-subsidized and inexpensive by Western standards (approximately $0.40-0.60 per liter), paid in Nigerian Naira at the pump.

Nigeria has toll roads on major highways connecting Port Harcourt to Lagos, Abuja, and other cities. Tolls typically cost 200-500 Naira (~$0.30-0.80) depending on vehicle class and distance. Most toll booths accept cash only—carry small denominations in Naira. Electronic toll collection (ETC) is being piloted but is not yet widely reliable. Budget extra travel time at toll booths as queues can be long during holidays.

The minimum age is typically 21 years, though some local agencies require 23-25 for larger vehicles. If you're under 25, expect a young driver surcharge of $10-25 per day on top of the rental rate. Drivers over 70 may face age restrictions at some agencies. Book with multinational agencies like Europcar or local companies like ABC Transport if available, as they have clearer age policies. Always confirm age requirements directly with the rental company before booking.

Basic third-party liability insurance is mandatory in Nigeria and typically included in rental rates. However, collision damage waiver (CDW) with a high excess ($500-1,500) is strongly recommended given poor road conditions and limited emergency services. Credit card primary coverage is generally NOT accepted—most cards only provide secondary coverage abroad. Verify with your card issuer before relying on it. Budget an additional $15-30 per day for full CDW coverage if you want peace of mind.