Benin car hire

Compact (Class Compact Car or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Benin.

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

Driving in Benin can be somewhat challenging depending on the area of the country you are driving in. In urban areas, roads are generally paved and in fair condition, but you may encounter quite a bit of traffic. Driving on rural and unpaved roads is difficult due to hazards such as wildlife and rough terrain. Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Motorists in Benin sometimes ignore the rules and drive recklessly, so always be aware of your surroundings. In addition, be on the lookout for pedestrians, cyclists, and mopeds while on the road.

You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Benin. However, if you are under 25 years of age, you will more often than not be subject to an additional young driver’s surcharge. To rent a car in Benin, you will need your valid driver’s license from your home country that you have held for at least 12 months, an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), your valid passport, and a major credit or debit card in your name for security deposit and payment purposes. You may also need proof of insurance, depending on the rental agency.

When you fuel up in Benin, you will be buying gas by the liter. Typically, the average gas prices hover around 700 XOF (Central African francs) per liter (1.18 USD). In gallons, this translates to about 2460 XOF (4.08 USD). You may encounter long stretches of road without gas stations, so be sure to keep an extra tank of gas in your car for emergencies.

Benin only has two set speed limits. In built-up urban areas, the speed limit is typically set at 50 km/h (31 mph), while outside the city center on highways and other roads the speed limit is usually 90 km/h (56 mph). Traffic police in Benin are quite strict, so be sure to always pay attention to the posted speed limit to avoid encountering any trouble.