Suriname is a country with lively cities and dense jungles, but getting around can be a challenge for newcomers. Choosing between taxi vs car rental in Suriname is an important decision that affects your budget and travel experience. In this guide, we compare both options to help you enjoy cheaper travel in Suriname.
Most tourists stay in Paramaribo, where the historic center is easy to walk around. But to go further, you need to make plans. There is public transportation, but it's not very good. Local buses are run by private companies and don't always stick to their schedules. They usually leave only when they are full. There are also long distances between attractions. For instance, the international airport is located approximately 60 to 90 minutes outside the city. There aren't many trains or scheduled coaches, so visitors often use private transportation.
Another thing to think about is safety and comfort. It can be inconvenient to walk long distances in the tropical heat, especially during the midday hours. The main roads around Paramaribo are paved. However, if you venture into the interior, some roads may not be paved or may become muddy after rain. With private transportation, you can easily access national parks, riverside resorts, and remote villages.
Every traveller wants to spend wisely and travel easily. Deciding between a taxi vs car rental in Suriname comes down to comparing a few key factors.
Suriname taxi prices can vary depending on distance and waiting time. A short 3 km ride costs about $10.50, while a 20 km trip can reach $53. The base fare starts around $3, and drivers may charge $10 per hour for waiting. However, taxi costs add up with longer distances. A prime example is the airport transfer. For full-day excursions or visits to sites outside the city, hiring a taxi can become expensive. You may also need to pay for the driver’s waiting time and return trip.
Now consider the car rental cost in Suriname. Rental cars typically have a fixed daily rate plus fuel. Prices vary depending on the car type and rental duration. On average, you can pay about $30 to $122 per day for a rental car. Economy models (small cars) are on the lower end of that range, while SUVs or larger vehicles cost more. These include insurance for the basic model. If you rent for a full week, you may qualify for a discounted weekly rate, which reduces the per-day cost. Don’t forget fuel. Petrol in Suriname is fairly affordable by international standards, and a compact car doesn’t use much.
Using taxis in the city is straightforward. You call for one or ask your hotel to arrange it, hop in, and go to your destination. You don’t need to worry about parking or driving on unfamiliar roads. For city trips, such as travelling from your hotel to the market or between restaurants and museums, taxis can be very convenient. Also, in the evenings, if you want to have a drink, taking a taxi means you don’t have to drive after alcohol.
However, taxis have some limitations in flexibility. You may need to wait for the taxi to arrive, especially during busy periods. Suriname does not have app-based ride-hailing, so you typically need to phone a dispatcher or find an official taxi stand. In Paramaribo, there are a limited number of taxis on the street, so you can’t always hail one instantly like in a big European city. If you’re in a remote area or outside the city, finding a taxi can be difficult without pre-booking.
With a rental car, you have total freedom to explore on your own schedule. Want to take a detour down a side road to see a village? You can. Are you leaving early in the morning for a bird-watching spot and staying until after sunset? Your car is at your disposal 24/7. You can explore Suriname’s rural areas and national parks. Many beautiful attractions are scattered throughout. With a car, you can drive to remote trailheads, lakes, or along the scenic coastal road.
Renting a car is also convenient if you have a lot of gear. Say you’re an avid photographer with equipment, or you packed extra snacks and a cooler for a day trip. You can leave items securely in the car, whereas in a taxi you carry everything with you. Additionally, driving yourself means you can change plans at the last minute. In Paramaribo, parking is usually free but can be tight in busy areas.
When you take a taxi, you’re essentially a passenger being chauffeured. A good taxi is typically a sedan or minivan with air conditioning. You can sit back and enjoy the view or chat with the driver. You won’t have to worry about directions or the stress of driving in traffic. This can be a relaxing experience, especially after a long flight or during a hot afternoon when you’d rather not be behind the wheel. Taxis also mean you avoid the challenge of driving on Suriname’s left-hand side of the road if you come from a right-hand driving country.
Driving a rental car, on the other hand, puts you in control of your travel environment. You can choose a vehicle type that suits your comfort – perhaps a roomy SUV if travelling with family or a compact car if you prefer zipping around town. However, you’ll need to concentrate on road signs in Dutch, navigate roundabouts, and watch out for the occasional roaming animal or pothole on rural roads.
For taxis, one common extra charge can come from waiting time. If you ask a taxi to wait for you while you run an errand or do a quick tour, they may charge an hourly waiting rate. Another hidden issue with taxis can be the route and traffic. Since most taxis in Suriname don’t use a meter, you should agree on the price beforehand. If you don’t, a dishonest driver might overcharge by taking a longer route. It helps to ask your hotel or a local about the typical price for a journey so you have a reference. Travelling at night might also incur higher costs.
With car rentals, the potential extra costs are different. The base rental rate might not include everything. Insurance is a key consideration. Most rentals come with basic liability insurance included, but you may be offered add-ons such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or theft protection for an additional daily fee. These are optional, but think carefully. They add cost, but could save you a huge amount if something goes wrong. Check what deductible applies; sometimes a rental includes insurance, but with a high deductible, meaning you pay the first few hundred dollars of any damage.
Fuel is another cost. Rentals usually come with a full tank and should be returned full, so you’ll pay for petrol used. Fortunately, petrol prices in Suriname are relatively low. Still, a long road trip will need a few fill-ups. If you don’t return the car with a full tank, the rental company will charge a premium per litre to fill it.
Don’t forget the security deposit. Rental agencies often block a deposit on your credit card when you pick up the car. This isn’t a fee, as you will receive it back if the vehicle is returned in good condition. Other potential rental fees include additional driver fees, GPS, or a car seat. Late returns can also incur an extra day’s charge, so keep an eye on the clock on your return day. Lastly, consider road-related costs. Suriname currently has no toll roads to worry about, and parking in most places is free or costs a few SRD coins for street parking attendants.
By now, we’ve looked at both taxis and car rentals in detail. The best option for you ultimately depends on the length, purpose, and your personal comfort level of your trip.
If you’re coming to Suriname for a short stay, such as a long weekend or 3 to 4 days, you’ll likely focus on Paramaribo and one nearby attraction. In this scenario, taxis may be a better option than renting a car. Why? For one, on a short trip, your itinerary might be tight and concentrated. Perhaps you’ll spend two days exploring Paramaribo’s historic inner city and one day on a guided tour to the jungle. During those city days, you can walk much of it.
Additionally, short-trip travellers often stay at major hotels, which typically have taxis on standby or can arrange one instantly. For example, you could wake up, have the hotel call a cab, go to the Central Market, then later grab another cab to Fort Zeelandia, and so on. The cost of these few rides will be relatively low.
If your visit is primarily for business or an event in the city, a car might actually be a hindrance. Why rent a car if you’re mainly between the hotel and an office or conference hall? In that case, a scheduled hotel shuttle or a taxi, as needed, is simpler. You won’t have to worry about finding parking at the venue or dealing with city traffic each morning. Additionally, if it’s a solo short trip, the economics favour taxis. Since one person isn’t splitting the rental cost, paying $30-$40 a day for a car might be overkill if your transportation needs are minimal.
If your plans involve a longer stay or a desire to roam far and wide, then car rentals are the best choice. Suriname has so much to offer beyond the capital, and a rental car unlocks those opportunities, often saving you money in the long run of a longer trip. Consider a traveller spending two or three weeks in Suriname.
They might start in Paramaribo, then spend several days in Brokopondo by the reservoir, drive down to Jodensavanne, head towards the western border to see the rice fields of Nickerie, and visit beach spots. It would be challenging to plan all of that by taxi or bus, and it would also be costly because you would have to hire multiple taxis for extended periods. On the other hand, renting a car for the entire time provides consistency and a fixed price. When you rent a car for a week, you typically receive a better daily rate. For the adventurous at heart, a rental car is almost essential.
Whether you choose the back seat of a taxi or the driver’s seat of a rental, Suriname’s cities and nature are ready to be explored. Think about what suits your trip, plan accordingly, and you’ll be set to enjoy this beautiful country to the fullest. And if you do opt to drive, know that you’re in for a rewarding experience of cruising through one of South America’s lesser-known gems.
If you choose to rent a car in Suriname, consider booking online with Final Rentals. You can pick up your vehicle from Paramaribo Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, Paramaribo Zorg en Hoop Airport, Eduard Alexander Gummels Airport, or Jaggernath Lachmonstraat. Final Rentals offers quick booking, affordable rates, and flexible return options to make your trip smooth and stress-free. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
