HIJ Airport Car Rental - Hiroshima Airport

Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) with 5 rental companies is an excellent starting point for exploring western Honshu by car. The airport is located 50 km east of Hiroshima city and offers direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and international destinations. With a rental car, you avoid the long bus journey to the city and can directly explore the Setonaikai coast.

HIJ is located in the Mihara region, 50 km east of Hiroshima center via the Sanyo Expressway, approximately 45 minutes' drive. Onomichi, the picturesque port town with the cat village and Shimanami Kaido cycling bridge, can be reached in 25 minutes heading east. Miyajima Island with its iconic floating Torii gate is 70 km to the west, approximately 55 minutes' drive.

Take the Sanyo Expressway westbound toward Hiroshima and exit toward Miyajima to efficiently combine city and island exploration. The Shimanami Kaido bridge (70 km long bridge-and-island route to Shikoku) starts 40 km east of the airport - one of Japan's most beautiful drives. Avoid driving into Hiroshima center during the Peace Memorial Ceremony (August 6) when traffic is extremely heavy.

How long does it take to drive from Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima city? It is approximately 50 km via the Sanyo Expressway, about 45 minutes - considerably faster than the Airport Liner bus which takes 45-55 minutes with stops. Can I drive to Itsukushima (Miyajima) by car?

You drive to the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal (70 km from the airport, 55 minutes) and take the ferry - cars are not permitted on Miyajima Island. Do the rental companies at Hiroshima Airport offer one-way rentals to Osaka? Yes, Osaka is approximately 340 km east of the airport via the Sanyo Expressway, about 3 hours 30 minutes - one-way rental is possible but an additional fee applies.

We compare prices from all major providers at Hiroshima Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.