15 Essential Tips for Driving in Antigua (2025 Travel Guide)

Antigua is a bucket list dream for many with it’s world class beaches and friendly local rep. To appreciate the island to its fullest you need to hire a car and drive yourself is the best way to experience it all. With my practical travel experience, here’s the ultimate rundown on what to expect, how to prepare, and smart driving tips for a problem free road trip.

Car Rentals: Expect Higher Prices

Renting a car in Antigua is more expensive than in many tourist destinations, especially during winter and holidays. However the cost (Taxi union set) of taxis quickly add up over your stay making that a more expensive option. Antigua is often criticised for it’s high prices but consider that everything needs importing here. Also taxi fares increase with the number of people. The range of pricing is typically 12 for the shortest of trips to 55 for 2 people, increasing 10 dollars per head extra.

For the best car hire rates:

• Book several weeks in advance, especially for peak dates
• Compare DiscoverCars, Expedia, and local agencies
• Choose smaller vehicles for savings
• Avoid last-minute or holiday bookings

Where I have rented cars from
English Harbour – Titi Rental Cars
Jolly Harbour – Scrubbos
Airport – Chase Rentals and Drive a Matic
Nonsuch Bay – Citrus Rentals

I can recommend all of these places and they will deliver so long as you don’t wish for just one day.

Selecting the Right Car

Most roads are paved, but look out for dips and uneven surfaces—compact cars are popular and cheapest, but avoid models that sit very low to the ground. An SUV isn’t necessary unless you know you’ll do lots of rural exploring, but higher clearance can make rougher patches easier. If you have a rental accommodation the roads to and from can be very lumpy. I have still never needed to rent a 4×4 or Jeep however and usually take the most economical car I can find. I’m that cheap dude!

Insurance: Get Adequate Protection

While rental agencies include basic insurance, extra coverage is recommended because potholes and minor accidents are common. Third-party liability and collision damage waivers reduce your financial risk. There will usually be quite a sizeable excess if you read the small print. You can buy a bolt on package online to get this back in the event and I recommend you do that. At least try and get extra cover if you are already in Antigua and check your credit card. Many credit cards offer rental coverage, but always confirm. I don’t recommend not insuring yourself (others you may hit) at least get third party coverage.

Required Documentation and Age Restrictions

International Driving Permits (IDP) won’t stop you needing to buy the local tourist permit costing $20 per driver.

You’ll need:

• Your passport
• Your domestic driver’s license (in English; otherwise, an IDP may be required)
• Most importantly, a temporary Antiguan driving permit, which is arranged and issued at the rental agency counter (typically about $20 USD, valid for three months)
  Note some agencies may require renters to be at least 25 years old or add surcharges for younger drivers.

Local Traffic Laws and Road Rules

Antigua drives on the left. If you’re used to driving on the right, book an automatic to avoid multitasking- you’re on holiday! The speed limit is 20mph (32kph) in towns and 40mph (64kph) outside; roads can be winding and narrower than you may expect. If you are not used to this don’t be deterred just take care at the rare roundabouts and junctions, look in all directions multiple times. Roundabouts look to the right when entering and go around clockwise.

DRIVE SLOW AND BE PATIENT – in Antigua people have time and are usually patient with tourists and some locals drive really slow too. So while it may sound n your mind like it’s too hard to drive on the other side it’s usually not. Even in and around St Johns the capital you will have time to asses and make the safe choice. Sometimes there are extra filter lanes if you are turning right.

Child Seats and Family Travelers

Child seats are available if requested in advance, and some agencies require them by law for young passengers. If traveling with children, confirm in advance with your rental agency.

Advance Booking Tips

Securing your car rental 3–4 weeks ahead is recommended during high season. If you want a Jeep then also book ahead as they are scarce. Look for companies offering free cancellation and fair fuel policies (“level to level”).

Gas Stations: Mostly Cash

Gas stations in Antigua rarely take credit cards. Both US dollars and East Caribbean dollars are widely accepted. Stations are commonplace around St. John’s but get sparser in rural areas, so top off your tank before longer drives. Not that any drive is more than 40 minutes normally.

Navigating: GPS and Google Maps

Google Maps works (you can download the island to save on data – comment if you need this) but can be inaccurate in some rural or less-touristed locations. Some rental companies offer GPS devices or paper maps—request one if you’re worried about connectivity or navigation.

Beware of Potholes and Road Hazards

Potholes and cracks are frequent, especially in less-developed regions and rural zones. Go slow, allow extra distance for braking, and always keep an eye out for sudden road hazards. Worse are the road edges which can drop away completely there is a couple on fig tree drive.

Pedestrians, Livestock, and Animals

Sidewalks are scarce, and both locals and tourists frequently walk on road shoulders. Livestock—especially donkeys and cows—can also cross roadways without warning. Stay alert, particularly around bends and at night.

Night Driving: Challenging and Dim

There’s little to no street lighting outside urban centers. If you must drive after dark, use high beams (with caution for oncoming traffic), slow down, and try to familiarize yourself with your route by day first. Always be prepared for people walking on the side of the road without reflective clothing or lights.

Parking: Mostly Free, But Limited

Parking lots exist near beaches and hotels, but street parking is most common elsewhere. Be prepared for narrow roads and tight spaces; always yield (give way) to oncoming cars if a vehicle is parked on your side. Be careful down by the port in Antigua which has the least parking on the whole island with a couple of red zones. In town also try to avoid red no parking areas. Otherwise Antigua has space almost always.

Fuel Return and Rental Protocols

Most agencies operate with a “same-to-same” fuel return policy: refill to the level you were given. Airport, hotel, or port pickup/drop-off is usually available, and some companies deliver cars island-wide—check with your rental provider for convenience options.

I hope this helped!

Driving in Antigua allows you to unlock the real heart of the island. With a little preparation and these practical tips, you’ll enjoy more freedom, comfort, and adventure on four wheels. Use common sense show care and be respectful you will have no issues. I have another guide going into some of these topics on driving in Antigua in more depth.

Meet The Author

Calvin has loved the Caribbean since first visiting Roatan through loving Scuba Diving. From distinct cultures to common nature the Caribbean delights at every turn. Settling in Antigua with his family in 2014 he found the perfect island.
You can find and connect with him on linked in here.

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