São Tomé Car Hire: Affordable 4x4 Rentals with Airport Pickup

Looking for reliable São Tomé car hire? Book affordable 4×4 rental in São Tomé with airport pickup, full insurance, and 24-hour support. Whether you need cheap São Tomé car hire for a day trip or long-term 4×4 rental to explore remote beaches and plantations, we offer transparent pricing and stress-free São Tomé airport car hire. From compact city vehicles to rugged self-drive 4x4s, our São Tomé car rental fleet makes island exploration simple. Choose trusted São Tomé car hire with hotel delivery, no hidden fees, and local expertise.

Why book São Tomé car hire with The Chocolate Islands?

Finding the best São Tomé car hire means choosing a company that understands island driving. We offer affordable car rental São Tomé with everything included: comprehensive insurance, airport or hotel pickup, and 24-hour roadside assistance. Whether you need cheap 4×4 hire São Tomé for weekend exploration or monthly car rental São Tomé for extended stays, our transparent São Tomé car hire prices and local knowledge make us the smart choice.

We specialize in São Tomé 4×4 rental because island roads demand it. From compact Jimny 4×4 hire São Tomé (perfect for couples) to spacious Land Cruiser rental for families, every São Tomé car hire booking includes unlimited mileage and full support. Book São Tomé car hire and we’ll meet you on arrival, handle paperwork in minutes, and get you exploring. That’s why travelers choose our São Tomé car rental service over competitors.

🚗 São Tomé Car Hire Price & Vehicle Comparison Guide

Car Model Seats Transmission Price (From) Ideal For
Suzuki Jimny (2010) 4 Manual €45 Solo/Couples (Budget)
Daihatsu Terios (2011) 5 Manual/Auto €55 Small Groups (Value)
Mitsubishi Sport 6 Manual €65 Groups/Light Gear
Suzuki Jimny (2024) 5 Manual/Auto €75 Modern Comfort
Toyota Prado (2014) 7 Manual €95 Families/Groups
Toyota Hilux (2013) 5 Manual €105 Utility/Rugged Terrain
Toyota Land Cruiser (2022) 7 Manual €135 Premium Comfort/Long Trips

Our Fleet

Suzuki Jimny 4×4 São Tomé car hire (2010, manual, 4 seats, AC)

The reliable 2010 Suzuki Jimny is our most affordable São Tomé car hire option for couples and solo travelers. This compact manual 4×4 tackles beach tracks, mountain roads, and jungle trails while keeping fuel costs low.

Includes air conditioning, seating for four adults, full insurance, and 24-hour roadside assistance. We deliver to São Tomé airport or your hotel.

Self-drive rental from €45/day.

For Sao Tome Car Hire choose this Compact 2010 Suzuki Jimny 4x4 car hire for affordable rental in São Tomé
Reliable Daihatsu Terios 4x4 car hire, perfect for exploring São Tomé's coast

São Tomé car hire - Daihatsu Terios (2011, 4×4 manual/automatic, 5 seats, AC)

Explore São Tomé in a compact yet reliable Daihatsu Terios – a versatile 4×4 built for the island’s hills and beaches. This 2011 SUV  is perfect for São Tomé car hire as it offers both manual and automatic options, seating five comfortably and featuring air conditioning, full insurance, and 24-hour roadside assistance. Ideal for solo travelers or small groups seeking comfort and freedom while exploring off-the-beaten path.

Self-drive São Tomé car hire from €55/day – includes hotel or airport pickup.

Mitsubishi Sport (manual 4×4, 6 seats, AC) - São Tomé Car Hire

Rugged yet comfortable, the Mitsubishi Sport is ideal for exploring São Tomé’s coast and mountain tracks. This 6-seat manual 4×4 includes air conditioning, full insurance, and 24-hour roadside assistance. Perfect for families or small groups who want both space and off-road capability while discovering the island, with room in the back for all your fishing tackle

Self-drive from €65/day, with convenient hotel or airport pickup available

ew 2024 Suzuki Jimny 4x4 car hire in São Tomé with manual or automatic options

Suzuki Jimny (2024) - Compact 4x4 Perfect for São Tomé Car Hire

The 2024 Suzuki Jimny brings modern style and reliability to São Tomé exploration. Available in both manual and automatic transmission, this compact 5-seat 4×4 handles everything from coastal drives to rainforest trails with air conditioning keeping you comfortable throughout.

Perfect for couples, families, or travelers wanting freedom to explore at their own pace. This São Tomé car hire includes full insurance, 24-hour roadside assistance, and convenient pickup from your hotel or the airport.

Toyota Prado (2014) - 7-seat 4×4 car hire in São Tomé

Spacious, sturdy, and comfortable — the Toyota Prado is built for exploring São Tomé’s hills, beaches, and remote villages in style. This 7-seat manual 4×4 includes air conditioning, full insurance, and 24-hour roadside assistance .

Perfect for families or small groups who want extra space and modern comfort while traveling off the beaten path. An ideal choice for São Tomé car hire.  Self-drive from €120/day , with convenient hotel or airport pickup available.

Suzuki Jimny (2010)45Anchor Price: Use the lowest price to immediately capture the budget traveler.Daihatsu Terios (2011)55Logical progression into the next tier.Mitsubishi Sport65Logical progression.Suzuki Jimny (2024)75Clearly separate the "Budget" and "Newer/Standard" Jimny models.Toyota Prado (2014)95First large/family vehicle.Toyota Hilux (2013)105Higher price, utility appeal.Toyota Land Cruiser (2022)135Premium Anchor: Position the most expensive/luxury option last as the ultimate choice.

Toyota Hilux (2013) - reliable 5-seat 4×4 pickup a great choice for São Tomé Car Hire

For São Tomé car hire you can’t do better than this.  Strong, dependable, and ready for any terrain,  the 2013 Toyota Hilux is ideal for São Tomé’s rugged roads and coastal drives.

This 5-seat manual 4×4 includes air conditioning, full insurance, and 24-hour roadside assistance. Perfect for travelers needing extra space for luggage or gear. Park on a headland, kick back sit in the back and watch the whales

From €105 / day – self-drive with hotel or airport pickup.

Toyota Prado (2014) – Spacious 4x4 for São Tomé Car Hire

The 2014 Toyota Prado is one of the most capable and comfortable 4x4s available for exploring São Tomé. With manual transmission, strong off-road ability, and seating for seven, it suits families, small groups, or travelers who want space and stability on rougher island roads. Air conditioning keeps long drives comfortable, and the vehicle handles everything from main roads to harder rainforest tracks.

This São Tomé car hire includes full risk insurance and 24-hour technical assistance. A driver-guide option is also available for travelers who prefer local knowledge and stress-free navigation.

From €90 / day – self-drive with hotel or airport pickup.

Understanding Your Rental Costs

Daily Rates
– Economy 4×4: €45-55/day (Jimny 2010, Terios)
– Standard 4×4: €65-75/day (Mitsubishi, Jimny 2024)
– Premium SUV: €95-135/day (Prado, Land Cruiser, Hilux)

Refundable Deposit
– For vehicles below €80 per day €100 per hire period
– For vehicles above €80 per day €200 per hire period

Discounts

– 7+ days: 5% off
– 14+ days: 10% off
– Monthly rates: Contact us

What’s Included
✓ Unlimited mileage
✓ Full insurance coverage
✓ 24-hour roadside assistance
✓ Free hotel/airport pickup (São Tomé town)
✓ Spare tire and tools

Not Included
✗ Fuel (return with quarter tank)
✗ Out-of-town pickup: €10-25
✗ Child seat: €7/day

What types of cars can I hire in São Tomé?

You can choose from reliable 4×4 vehicles such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Prado, Mitsubishi Sport, and Daihatsu Terios — perfect for both off-road and city driving.

Yes — all vehicles include full insurance and 24-hour roadside assistance, giving you peace of mind while driving around São Tomé. The island’s roads can be rough, and punctures are not uncommon — drivers are responsible for handling these locally. However, São Tomé’s people are famously helpful: if you stop and wave down a passing car, someone will almost always lend a hand (often for the price of a few beers!).

Prices start from €45/day for compact 4x4s like the Suzuki Jimny, rising to €135/day for premium 7-seat SUVs. Longer rentals may qualify for a discount, send us an enquiry. All rates include comprehensive insurance, 24-hour support, and free hotel/airport delivery within São Tomé town

Yes — São Tomé is one of the safest places in Africa to drive independently. People are friendly, traffic is light, and crime against visitors is extremely rare. The main challenge is the condition of the roads, not safety. Take your time, avoid driving after dark, and you’ll be fine.

The minimum age to rent a car in São Tomé is 18 years old. The roads are rougher than most visitors are used to, so younger drivers especially should take extra care and avoid driving after dark.

 

While São Tomé looks small on a map, driving around the island in a single day isn’t realistic. Roads are narrow and winding, so plan two to three days if you’d like to explore the beaches, villages, and viewpoints at your own pace.

Fuel stations are mainly located in and around São Tomé town. We recommend refuelling before heading to rural areas or beach lodges, as petrol stations outside the capital are limited to the larger towns, but you’ll generally find petrol sold from roadside stalls served in bottles. 

Drivers in São Tomé use the right-hand side of the road, with left-hand drive vehicles being the standard for all our rentals.

 

The main roads connecting the airport, city, and major towns are paved, but some secondary roads can be uneven or unpaved. The further down the coast you drive, the worse the roads become. A standard vehicle is fine for most routes, but a 4×4 is recommended if you plan to visit rural parts of the island.

Yes, airport pick-up and drop-off are available for all car hire bookings. You can arrange this easily when reserving your vehicle to ensure a smooth start and finish to your trip.

You’ll need a valid driver’s license, passport, and the full payment in cash if you’ve not chosen to pre-pay. International Driving Permits are recommended but not mandatory for most nationalities. We handle all paperwork at pickup, it’s a five minute process. 

Every rental includes full insurance coverage, 24-hour roadside assistance, airport or hotel pickup/dropoff within town, and unlimited mileage. Fuel is your responsibility—vehicles are provided with a quarter of a  tank and should be returned the same.

Of course, just make sure to bring their driving documentation when you collect. 

You do not need to pay a deposit. If you prefer to spread the cost, you can pay a deposit to hold the car and this amount will be deducted from the final price. If you pay on arrival, the full rental is paid in cash when you collect the car.

A refundable security deposit (deductible) is required in addition to the car rental price. This deposit, normally between €100 and €200 depending on the vehicle (typically €200 for higher-priced cars), is held to cover any damage or costs in the event of an accident, even though the car is insured. If there is no damage when the car is returned, the full deposit is refunded to the customer.

Car Hire in São Tomé — Simple. Honest.

All-inclusive pricing. No hidden extras.