Can I rent a car at Douala Airport (DLA)?

Yes. Avis operates a 24-hour rental desk at the airport and is the supplier most able to arrange shuttle or off-airport handover. Local operators such as CFAO Motors and Global Bush Car Rental also serve Douala, often with a driver included if you prefer not to self-drive.

Which companies rent cars in Douala?

Avis is the main international name at Douala Airport, alongside local firms like CFAO Motors, Cami Equipment and Global Bush Car Rental. Global Bush and similar operators provide bilingual (English and French) professional drivers, which is popular for business and longer trips.

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Cameroon?

Carry a valid national driving licence plus an International Driving Permit, as Cameroon is bilingual and an IDP smooths checks for non-French and non-English licences. Bring your passport and a credit card in the main driver's name; note that some suppliers do not accept debit cards.

Which side of the road does Cameroon drive on?

Cameroon drives on the right, with the steering wheel on the left. Douala traffic is heavy and assertive, and signage can be limited, which is one reason many visitors choose a car with a local driver rather than self-driving.

How much does a rental car cost in Douala?

Self-drive rentals typically start from around USD 80-100 per day for a compact, varying by season, supplier and insurance. Collision Damage Waiver is usually mandatory, and hiring a car with a driver costs more but removes the stress of navigating the city yourself.

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Car rental in Douala, Cameroon

Airport and downtown pickup, major suppliers, one search.

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Yes, you can rent a car at Douala International Airport (DLA), where Avis runs a 24-hour service and local firms like CFAO Motors and Global Bush also operate. Many travellers in Cameroon hire a car with a driver rather than self-drive, given busy city traffic and mixed road quality. You drive on the right, need a valid licence plus an IDP, and a credit card for the deposit.

Airport vs downtown car rental pickup in Douala
Pickup option	Convenience	Typical price	Watch for
Airport desk	Land and drive - no transit needed	Higher (airport surcharges)	After-hours return rules
Downtown office	Requires a transfer first	Often 10-25% cheaper	Limited weekend hours
Hotel delivery	Car comes to you	Varies by supplier	Availability outside major cities

Patterns hold across most markets; the live widget below shows actual prices for your dates.

At a glance

Local facts

Douala is Cameroon's largest city and main economic hub, and renting a car at Douala International Airport (DLA) is straightforward through Avis, which runs a 24-hour service, plus local operators such as CFAO Motors and Global Bush. City traffic is dense and signage can be sparse, so many visitors hire a car with a bilingual driver. If you self-drive, you keep right, carry a valid licence with an International Driving Permit, and present a credit card, since debit cards are not always accepted. Compact rates start near USD 80 daily.

Nearest airport: Douala International Airport (DLA); Avis offers 24-hour service with a rental desk at the airport.
Driving side: right-hand traffic, left-hand-drive vehicles.
Licence: valid national licence plus an International Driving Permit recommended; passport and credit card required.
Driver-hire common: bilingual (English/French) chauffeur services widely available for VIP and longer trips.
Insurance: Collision Damage Waiver typically mandatory; some suppliers do not accept debit cards.
Typical compact price: from around USD 80-100/day, varies by season and insurance.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I rent a car at Douala Airport (DLA)?
Yes. Avis operates a 24-hour rental desk at the airport and is the supplier most able to arrange shuttle or off-airport handover. Local operators such as CFAO Motors and Global Bush Car Rental also serve Douala, often with a driver included if you prefer not to self-drive.
Which companies rent cars in Douala?
Avis is the main international name at Douala Airport, alongside local firms like CFAO Motors, Cami Equipment and Global Bush Car Rental. Global Bush and similar operators provide bilingual (English and French) professional drivers, which is popular for business and longer trips.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Cameroon?
Carry a valid national driving licence plus an International Driving Permit, as Cameroon is bilingual and an IDP smooths checks for non-French and non-English licences. Bring your passport and a credit card in the main driver's name; note that some suppliers do not accept debit cards.
Which side of the road does Cameroon drive on?
Cameroon drives on the right, with the steering wheel on the left. Douala traffic is heavy and assertive, and signage can be limited, which is one reason many visitors choose a car with a local driver rather than self-driving.
How much does a rental car cost in Douala?
Self-drive rentals typically start from around USD 80-100 per day for a compact, varying by season, supplier and insurance. Collision Damage Waiver is usually mandatory, and hiring a car with a driver costs more but removes the stress of navigating the city yourself.

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