Your ultimate guide to driving in PenghuIs driving easy? Parking, rentals, insurance: 9 tips from a car rental owner

Renting a car in Penghu is ideal for travel year-round, offering the comfort of air conditioning or heating, making it convenient to explore both the North and South Loops.

However, parking in Magong City can be challenging, and illegal parking is strictly enforced. If you're only exploring the city, a scooter might suffice. But for a comfortable, self-driven island tour of Penghu, renting a car is still the most highly recommended option.

Renting a scooter is the top choice for many visitors to Penghu, offering high mobility and affordable prices. Scooter rentals in Penghu typically range from $250 to $700 per day (with options for electric or gas scooters), and parking in urban areas is much more convenient than for cars.

However, the intense summer sun and strong winter winds in Penghu will inevitably affect the comfort of riding a scooter.

Unlike mainland Taiwan, private car charters in Penghu typically follow set sightseeing routes offered by tour companies. Visitors choose from these pre-planned itineraries rather than customizing their own, which can be less convenient for independent travelers.

However, for first-time visitors to Penghu, especially those traveling with family or a larger group, having a pre-planned itinerary and a driver can be a convenient option. The average price for a 9-seater private car charter in Penghu ranges from $4,500 to $6,000.

Public transportation in Penghu is primarily designed for locals, with limited routes and infrequent service, making it less ideal for tourists. Bus stops are often quite a walk from attractions, so while it might save you on transportation costs, commute times will be significantly longer. For these reasons, it's the least recommended way to explore Penghu.

While driving offers many advantages, there are a few things to be aware of in the city. For example, roads in Magong City are narrower, some are one-way, and during peak tourist seasons like the Fireworks Festival, finding parking can be a challenge. Additionally, the city has many small alleys, and navigation systems occasionally provide incorrect directions, so it's important to pay close attention to traffic signs and speed cameras.

Therefore, if your itinerary is mainly concentrated within Magong City, or if you prefer the flexibility of navigating through small alleys, riding a scooter might be more convenient.

Parking in Penghu is generally quite convenient, especially around attractions and in the suburbs. Unlike the crowded streets of Taipei or Kaohsiung, most scenic spots, from Whale Cave and the Trans-Oceanic Bridge in the north to Shanshui Beach and Fenggui Cave in the south, offer free parking lots or roadside spaces, making parking a breeze. You'll rarely have to worry about finding a spot, particularly on weekdays or outside the Fireworks Festival season.

However, if your itinerary includes Magong City (such as Zhongyang Old Street, Siyanjing, Guanyinting, Xiying Rainbow Bridge, or Kikujima no Hoshi), be prepared for narrow alleys, numerous one-way streets, and limited parking. During peak dining hours or on holidays, you might need to circle around to find a space.

Booking directly with the car rental company is the most recommended way to rent a car in Penghu, whether through their official website, by phone, or via their official LINE account. This allows you to inquire in detail about available car models, prices, and any additional offers. Without a third-party intermediary, you can often secure the best prices and benefits.

However, before confirming your reservation, always verify that the Penghu car rental company you plan to book with is legally registered to ensure your safety.

Many third-party platforms offer car rental options in Penghu, and at first glance, their prices might seem better than those on official venue websites. However, these platforms often provide fewer benefits because venues must pay a commission, which can lead to reduced services like no free child seats or shuttle service. Additionally, the selection of vehicles available through platforms is often more limited.

On the other hand, using a reputable third-party platform ensures the legitimacy of the car rental venue, and the website experience is usually well-designed with a smooth booking process, making it a good choice overall.

Many B&Bs offer discounted car rentals for self-driving tours in Penghu, but the information is often opaque. Vehicles are usually delivered directly by the B&B, leaving customers unaware of the rental company's legitimacy. Some B&Bs even provide private cars, which can lead to complications in the event of a traffic dispute.

Therefore, if you plan to rent a car through your B&B, it's advisable to research the affiliated rental company in advance and confirm that the vehicles provided are legally registered rental cars. Don't let a lower rental price make you complacent!

Renting a car on-site in Penghu is the least recommended option for self-driving, as prices are typically higher than online, and there are fewer choices. However, if you only need a car for a few hours at short notice, most rental venues don't offer advance half-day bookings, so you'll have to rent on-site. Still, it's always best to call ahead and inquire before you go.

Most car rental companies in Penghu offer only compulsory insurance because their fleets are not large enough to provide comprehensive (Type A) or collision (Type B) coverage. However, if you're concerned, many Penghu rental companies partner with Mingtai Insurance, allowing you to purchase additional coverage online in advance.

Because Penghu's peak tourism season is typically limited to summer and the months immediately surrounding it, rental vehicles are, on average, only in use for half the year. This means the average vehicle replacement cycle is six years, and legally registered rental cars undergo annual inspections, ensuring their safety. However, if you're particularly concerned about the age of the vehicle, you can inquire about its model year when booking.

Most Penghu car rental venues offer round-trip shuttle service between the airport, ferry terminal, or city and their venue, provided you rent for more than one day. However, advance reservations are usually required for the venue to arrange it.

When renting a car in Penghu, you'll typically receive the vehicle with a full tank and are expected to return it full. However, it's crucial to be aware of Penghu's gas station operating hours. There are no 24-hour gas stations in Penghu; those in Magong City close by 11 PM at the latest, and there's only one each in Beihuan and Xiyu. So, keep an eye on your fuel gauge to avoid running out of gas with no station in sight.

If you book a rental car through a B&B, you might end up with an unregistered vehicle. These aren't legal rental cars, and if you get into an accident, you could face many risks, such as inflated compensation claims or invalid contracts. That's why, when renting a car in Penghu, you should always look for a license plate that starts with "R" — these are legal rental vehicles.

Legal rental cars not only offer proper legal recourse in case of contract disputes, but the government also mandates annual inspections for these vehicles, including safety checks on tire pressure, tread, and brakes, ensuring greater safety for drivers.

Most car rental companies in Penghu have only one location, so they don't offer one-way rentals. However, venues like Lesha Car Rental have two branches in Penghu—one near the pier and another near the airport—which is very convenient for travelers using different modes of transport for their arrival and departure.

Overtime charges for car rentals are typically 1/10 of the daily rental fee, according to regulations set by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. However, some venues calculate overtime by the hour or using other methods, so it's always best to clarify this when renting a car.

While Penghu's traffic rules are similar to mainland Taiwan's, the city center has many one-way streets and intersections with automated enforcement, and some alleys are narrow, making it difficult for vehicles to pass and potentially disturbing local residents. Professional Penghu car rental companies will remind customers of these points when handing over the vehicle, ensuring everyone enjoys their self-driving trip without the mood being spoiled by traffic tickets.

Most car rental venues in Penghu provide phone holders and car chargers, but they may not be included automatically, so inquire in advance if you need them. Some venues include car navigation and dashcams as standard equipment, while others charge extra; we recommend always renting a dashcam to protect your rights as a driver in case of an accident.

Other items like infant car seats and booster seats are limited in quantity, so we recommend reserving them with the venue when you book your car.

Day 1

Fenggui Cave – Shili Beach – 30 Gaodi – Moses Supposedly Parting the Sea (check tide times before visiting) – Guoye Lime Kiln – Aimen Beach

Day 2

Heaven Road – Tongliang Great Banyan – Cross-sea Bridge – Xiyu Coastal Highway (passing through Hengjiao - Zhuan - Erkan - Daguo Bay - Chima - Neian) – Xiyu Lighthouse – Chihsi Rock Waterfall – Xiaomen Whale Cave

Day 3

Pier 3 (note advance booking times) – City Tour (Shuncheng Gate – Duxing 10th Village – Tianhou Temple – Central Old Street)

Day 1

Penghu Living Museum – Fenggui Cave – Marine Biology Research Center – Nanliao Old House – Lintou Park and Lin Chun Cafe

Day 2

Aquarium – City Tour (Shuncheng Gate – Duxing 10th Village – Tianhou Temple – Zhongyang Old Street – Guanyinting) – Pier 3 (Please note pre-order times before purchasing)

Day 3

Tongliang Great Banyan – Cross-sea Bridge – Xiaomen Whale Cave – Erkan Historic Houses – Daguoye Basalt – Xitai Fortress – Xiyu Lighthouse – Sanxian Pagoda – Double-Curved Bridge