Self-drive suits families of 4+ or travelers who want full flexibility. Airport rentals run 100-300 RMB/day (low season) to 300-600 RMB/day (peak). Platforms: CAR Inc., eHai, Ctrip. Pros: freedom, access to surrounding sights (Lingshui, Baoting, Wuzhishan); Cons: peak-season parking is tough (Yalong/Haitang Bay hotels charge 10-30 RMB/hour), some mountain roads are tricky (e.g., Nanshan Temple section). Hainan's toll-free highways make self-drive particularly good value.
Chartered cars suit 3-7 day mid-range trips. Standard sedan: 500-700 RMB/day (driver + 8 hours included; overtime 50 RMB/hour). Business van: 700-1,000 RMB/day. 7-seater: 1,000-1,500 RMB/day. Pros: no driving stress, drivers know the roads, custom routes, easy for elderly and kids. Cons: must use licensed companies to avoid unlicensed cabs, some drivers push attractions for kickbacks. Book via Ctrip, Fliggy, or Dianping with an electronic contract that spells out inclusions and overtime fees.
Public buses suit budget-conscious younger travelers. Sanya buses cover major attractions: Route 25 (downtown-Yalong Bay, 8 RMB), Route 28 (downtown-Wuzhizhou Pier, 10 RMB), Route 16 (downtown-Nanshan Temple, 12 RMB), Route 26 (downtown-Tianya Haijiao, 6 RMB). Pros: cheap, air-conditioned; Cons: 20-40 minute intervals, crowded in peak season, no hotel-door service. Ride-hailing: Didi starts at 9 RMB; most downtown trips run 10-30 RMB; cross-attraction trips 40-100 RMB.