Port Gentil Airport Car Rentals: Best Rates & Zero Hidden Fees

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended. While US licenses may be accepted at some rental desks, police checkpoints are common and an IDP serves as an official translation. The IDP costs about $20 and is valid for 1 year. Get one from AAA before departure—you won't regret it when a traffic officer asks to see your credentials.

Major arteries like Route Nationale 1 are paved but riddled with potholes. Secondary roads and residential areas often turn into muddy tracks during rainy season (October-May). A 4WD SUV is non-negotiable if you're venturing beyond the city center. Standard sedans work fine for airport transfers and downtown commutes, but expect scraped undercarriages on rough patches.

Driving after dark is risky and generally discouraged. Street lighting is minimal or nonexistent outside main boulevards. Pedestrians, cyclists, and stray animals (including goats and dogs) are nearly invisible on unlit roads. If you must drive at night, keep speed below 50 km/h and scan the road constantly. Carjackings, though not daily occurrences, do target drivers in isolated areas after dark.

Gabon uses both gasoline (essence) and diesel. Your rental will likely be one or the other—check before filling up. Payment is cash-only at most stations; credit cards are rarely accepted outside TotalEnergies and Shell mega-stations. Keep CFA franc cash on hand (about 600-700 CFA per liter for gasoline). Fill up whenever you drop below half a tank—stations can be scarce on intercity routes.

Third-party liability insurance is mandatory and usually included, but coverage is often minimal (as low as 1 million CFA). Collision damage waiver (CDW) is essential—without it, you're personally liable for repair costs that can exceed the car's value. Also consider personal accident insurance and roadside assistance coverage. Document everything with photos if an accident occurs, and insist on a police report; without one, your rental company may bill you for damages you didn't cause.

Most agencies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 typically pay a young driver surcharge of $15-$30 per day on top of the rental rate. Some luxury or 4WD vehicles have higher age thresholds (25+). Before booking, confirm the exact age policy—rules vary between local agencies and international chains like Europcar operating in Libreville.