Democratic Republic of the Congo car hire

Supplier choice (Class Special Van or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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

In DRC, people drive on the right-hand side of the road. You’ll likely encounter chaotic traffic in the main cities. Official and unofficial roadblocks are common, so you should carry all the necessary documentation when traveling. The Kinshasa-Matadi highway is the main toll road in the DRC. Drivers are required to stop their cars when driving past a government installation during the lowering or raising of the Congolese flag. This usually happens at 7:30 am and 6 pm. The use of cell phones is prohibited when driving in the DRC. Due to poor road conditions and visibility, avoid traveling after dark. Consider traveling in convoys outside main cities and towns like Goma and Bukavu.

The minimum age to drive or hire a vehicle in the DRC is 18. However, most car rental providers require drivers to be at least 21 or 25 years old. You must provide your local driver’s license, an international driving permit, a valid credit card for payment, and an identification document (passport or ID with a photo) to rent a car in DRC. Drivers under the age of 25 may be required to pay a young driver's premium by some providers.

The average price of gasoline in the DRC is around 2,995 CDF (1.245 USD) per liter. The price per gallon is around 11,337 CDF (4.713 USD). Consider the fuel consumption of the vehicle you are renting, with the distance and road conditions in mind. Since there are few gas stations in remote locations, carry extra gasoline and fill up when possible.

The speed limit in the DRC is 37 mph on urban roads, 56 mph on rural roads, and 75 mph on motorways. Since there are a few well-maintained roads in the DRC, you should always be careful when driving. Most rural roads are narrow, so slow down as you drive along highly-populated areas and watch out for children or farmers crossing the roads.