Coming to vacation in Antigua? Want to see the 365 beaches or any one of the attractions that are around? Then of course you’ll need to get around the island.
The question is: should you rent a car? Take a taxi? Or a bus? Relying on “official” handbook information often provides little help or assistance for the average driver coming to Antigua for the first time. Here’s everything you need to know about driving in Antigua:
Road conditions and hazards
Generally speaking, driving in Antigua may present a bit of a challenge for the inexperienced driver who isn’t used to Caribbean road conditions. While many of the main roads and highways are relatively comfortable, the conditions on a few of the main roads and lesser roads may be a bit more difficult. Be on the lookout for potholes which may cause damage to the car and/or tire. Also be on the lookout for Antiguan livestock which sometimes roam the streets, such as donkeys and horses. Expect the odd cat or dog to run across the road in urban areas.
Road signage
While there have been recent efforts to put up road signs and directions on some of the main intersections, there are still many roads which have no signage. Most car rental companies provide maps – so get familiar with them, and always keep one handy to get an idea of where you’re going. If you do get lost, don’t be afraid to stop and ask locals questions.
Should I Rent a Car in Antigua? Yes.
The short answer is a resounding YES- Have a look at Best Antigua as one of the best car rental companies – https://bestantigua.com/car-rental Or ask us to find you a quote from all the car rental providers with this quick form:
There are a few main factors that will make a difference as to whether or not you should rent a car:
How long you will be staying in Antigua – In general, the longer you rent a car, the cheaper your rental will be. Most car rentals start at roughly $50 US per day, not including 15% tax and a $20 US temporary driver’s license. There are usually discounts for 3-6 days rental, and then even lower prices for week-long rentals. Ask us who we recommend or fill out this quick form and let us send them all the details saving you from doing it.
Where you are staying – the availability of transportation to and from the main accommodation areas differs around the island. In general, the bus system is most efficient for those on the southwest and south of the island – areas such as Ffryes, Jolly Harbour, English Harbour and Falmouth have relatively good coverage and beaches and attractions in this area can be accessed via bus. On the other hand, attractions and beaches on the east and north of the island, such as Long Bay/Grand Pineapple, Nonsuch Bay, Harmony Hall, Blue Waters, etc have far less frequent bus service and often have little bus service going all the way out to those exact locations. If you stay at one of these hotels and plan to travel often, then it may make more sense (financially) to rent a car rather than a taxi, which may cost up to $45 US return. For more information on taxi fares, visit this TAXI RATES ANTIGUA page.
Driving in Antigua can be a lot of fun!
Things to remember when considering car rental in Antigua
There is a mandatory $20 US fee for a temporary license.
Don’t forget insurance! Usually $12 US per day for 3rd party coverage. Most won’t tell you but you still have a liability to cover on average $2500 on the car which is a bit of a scam considering the value of the car.
The local insurance often doesn’t cover tires – so if you have a flat you will either have to take it to be repaired later or pay for it when you get back to the car rental agency.
Driving is on the LEFT, similar to the UK but opposite to the US.
Best rates and deals can be found online with international car rental agencies. Most do not require a deposit in advance and money is only paid when you’re picking up your car. However, service is not as good as local companies who pride themselves in supporting your needs – breakdown and you need to be certain you are getting some help. A big international rental company is not as service-orientated.
A 15% sales tax in the form of ABST is added to car rentals. When renting a car, check to ensure that the ABST has been included in the price.
Most car rental agencies will deliver their car to you, while several hotels have rental agencies right at their desk.
Bus prices usually range from around $2.75 – $5 EC, which is about $1-$2 US, although prices may be slightly higher for evening buses and if you request a bus driver to go beyond the normal bus route
There are NO fixed time/schedule for buses, which leave usually only when full or ready to go.
Driving in Antigua – for the best way! Getting around Antigua is a bit of a pain (unless you drive yourself) so this article is probably one of the best online reads on the subject. Let us know in the comments bellow if you got some value.
Most all of the best destinations for tourists can be reached via boat or are seaborne activities like sea fishing or jetski or indeed one of Antigua’s most famous sports, sailing (oh yes include the best beaches which makes Antigua famous) If you can sail or power boat then it may be worth your time exploring Antigua like that however finding a power boat will be hard. Yacht charters are possible.
FAQ on Driving in Antigua
Is it worth renting a car in Antigua?
It is most definitely worth renting a car and will work out cheaper than taxis.
Can tourists drive in Antigua?
Absolutely they can! You do need to be over 21 (for most rental companies to trust you) and you also need to pay for a visitors permit at 20 USD covering the single person. Every rental desk or agent meeting you can supply these green cards on the spot! It would be nice if they put the money to filling some holes and making the signs better for tourists.
What are the driving rules in Antigua?
There are normal driving rules applying due to the slow speeds, but drive on the left and drive defensively. There are one way systems around St Johns so try to follow the other cars if in doubt and have a general idea of your direction. Google maps! Do not drive carelessly and if in doubt don’t go! No one will rush you here.
If you want to get an idea of what it is like to drive in Antigua I recommend this voyeuristic watch of Driving in Antigua – Sanchia and Calvin chat while driving through the island while chatting – worth having on on the background if you like listening to opinionated people?
For most of us however, Antigua will need to be visited by land or by using a tour. I will outline some of the more common ways to ‘Do Antigua’ and for each recommend the best most economical approach depending on the kind of group you have below.
All Inclusive Holiday Duration 1-2 weeks
This is probably one of the most common ways to visit Antigua or at least visit a beach and a resort in Antigua. You may be happy with what you have and indeed a good day tour can easily acquaint you with the best interior places that Antigua can offer in just one day. If you are staying for a couple of weeks I recommend hiring a car for a day or at most 2 with gaps. Even though you need to purchase a temporary license in order to rent a car the taxi fares are quite a lot when they start to add up. So in order to have ANY independence at all it is a must-do. You might find that you want to escape the resort too – so mix this with a couple of well-selected island tours or sea tours like Around Antigua Circumnavigation and you will save more money. Don’t come this far and miss out on some of Antigua’s History and get some memorable photos. If you are here for just a week then just do up to 2-3 tours would be my advice. A circumnavigation or better still the day trip to Barbuda (unfortunately Barbuda was hit hard by Hurricane Irma) or the classical island tour by jeep. Kick back and relax the rest of the 4-5 days and get the most from your all-inclusive status.
If you are staying in a 2 weeks all inclusive then read on..
There is something supremely satisfying about driving in a foreign country and Antigua is not a hard place to drive (with some caveats). Drive on the left here and you will find things go much easier! Also, try and spot one-way streets as some are not well signposted in the capital St Johns. Tip: Follow the traffic flow. I have never seen an Antiguan so alarmed as when I started to drive up a one-way street – IT IS POSSIBLE TO EXCITE AN ANTIGUAN IN THE AUGUST MIDDAY SUN! But seriously speeds are low due to the road surfaces..and no one is really in a rush here, all part of the attraction.
Antigua Pot (Holes)!
I have even seen potholes in Antigua with hair (grass) growing out of them! On Fig Tree Drive. I will also try and get a photo of some of the directional signposts here that have been washed out due to the weather. Particularly tricky is finding Jolly Harbour from the north! But driving in Antigua – it’s not all that bad and in fact quite enjoyable once you get over the spending money part (notice the pattern in my articles?).
Speeds are slow due to the speed bumps and natural speed bumps as in potholes or inclines and meandering dogs near death or just the villagers who decide to walk in the road as there are often no paths. This has led to the macho man not needing a sidewalk. It is probably a good thing as it keeps the speed in villages down. Also mention must be made to the businesses that uses the public roads notably the car mechanics where there is frequent gridlock. Instead of spending more money on a yard or place to jack up cars and work on them, they fill their business premises up with junk and then use the road as the yard space!!!
Also, don’t be surprised to see abandoned cars on the roads some with vegetation growing out of them. Carlisle Bay on Fig Tree Drive is notable. This is just outside one of Antigua’s most exclusive resorts Carlisle Bay! It’s all part of the charm- rest assured on your first drive you shouldn’t be rushed- take it easy and get used to the width of your car/4×4 as there are gullies on the Near Side (passenger side) OFTEN and if you run into them you may need more than the local CDW.
The really great news about driving in Antigua is that it is most likely to be an Auto- YAY. Until we all go auto-electric with the Tesla Model S this for us is as close as we get. If we were all loaned the 90k pounds to buy one we might get that money back instead of the Saudi ok Kuwait profiteering. I digress…
Rent a Car in Antigua
Hiring a car for a couple of days spread apart will allow you to enjoy some spectacular sights that you will get on a tour without the vendors and at your own pace. Petrol (Gasoline) is pretty cheap compared to the UK we estimated about half price. Coupled with the fact that distances are short, the bigger part of the car rental is the rental itself and any insurance needed. Don’t forget the temporary tourist license again (20USD). It is very much worth considering buying an online CDW Collision Damage Waiver as it seems to be a false economy in Antigua. Buying it locally didn’t protect me from much at all when I enquired. In fact anywhere in the Caribbean if you get into the smallprint you will find you are insured but with a deductible from 1500 to 3000 depending on the car. You can buy a policy that then covers this excess. I would check if you can just get cover online and check the deductible. The cheaper insurances run from 15 per day to 25 depending on the vehicle too.
Staying in a Holiday Home or Vacation Rental | Duration 1-2 weeks
The difference with a holiday home is that you might probably need a car and in some cases a 4×4 to navigate a rainy season driveway which is common for a lot of properties. It is more common for vacation homes to suit bigger parties or families and here resorts get pricey also. So the cost of a car is also shared. You will need the car to go buy groceries and get to the beach or other destinations. You might find it okay in Jolly Harbour to rent a golf cart as much more is in the area still walking gets tedious in the heat but you might do it for a week on a budget so long as you don’t have kids. Golf carts for rent in Jolly Harbour are 20 USD per day – consider a budget car for less than 275 per week! Jolly Harbour will require a final cha-ching with a car pass at least it is just 10 USD. I would just ignore it unless you get asked. TIP: If staying for longer than a week consider strongly booking the second week in a different location.
Alternatives for getting around in Antigua.
Getting around by local bus can be fine for shorter journeys or let’s say straightforward ones like from Dickenson Bay to St Johns the capital a single route serves this and will cost a couple of US dollars only. But you may be waiting up to 45 minutes for the minibus. Stick your hand out to catch it. A similar taxi fee is 12 USD each way you may negotiate fares though they say they cannot be. One of Antigua’s ‘mistakes’ is setting the fares too high IMO and people are staying more and more in the resorts – this is money running straight in and back out of Antigua if people stay in the Resort. Bus route 20 goes between Jolly Harbour and St Johns which is another straightforward route if slow way.
Hitch Hiking in Antigua
You will see many people walking, I wouldn’t give a lift to anyone asking. You are on holiday it is not your place to be doing that and don’t feel guilty. 99% of the time things would go well I am sure here and the passenger would be grateful but you may get a farm worker with dirty trousers for example. Just be safe and let a local give you a lift instead. Motorcycles in Antigua are rarely seen and we discussed this as a ‘why not?’ I can only think of the weather (in the rainy season) as the roads would be well suited to bikes as opposed to scooters that may struggle up some gradients on Fig Tree Drive. Maybe you can tell us? Oh yes if you can remember to stay in the resort on Cruise Ship Day when the vendors come out in force and you will get busy roads and beaches. Please share this article if you got this far, you must have enjoyed it and sharing gives me some kudos and appreciation. I am available to give advice on car rental in Antigua just email use the contact form 🙂
Get a good deal (service and price) on your Antigua Car Rental. It’s the very last thing you want to do after your flight to Antigua is pick up a rental car. You do need to pay attention for just a while to go over the paperwork with your car rental company of choice.
Choose Best Antigua for your car hire needs on Antigua. There are a few rental companies and you can find some varying rates. During busy times you may be lucky to get a car at all, for example during sailing week. But you got lucky or took the best car rental deal and here you are with your car rental agreement. Inspect the vehicle for damage and get the representative to mark your agreement so that there can be no mistake if it already has damage. You will be required to sign that you do or don’t take CDW insurance which does not mean the same as in other countries but does offer protection. Remember to drive on the left and drive defensively. But overall driving in Antigua is fine- just take it easy MAN! Never be in a rush driving in Antigua !
350 USD per week and gas came in at 117 ECD roughly (30 GBP) for a fill up which was kind of ok we thought. The car as in everything in Antigua – seems dear for the spec and size. This didn’t include any kind of insurance.
Check our cars for rates and type on our car and jeep page. To get a quotation and get your jeep 4×4 and car (ANY VEHICLE) rental Just fill out this form and include dates of rental required (book well in advance for sailing week and over the high season) and the kind of vehicle you are looking for.
Antigua Driving License for Car Rental
You will need to also buy a license which lasts for 3 months, after a year you can take a test and get a full license. Places like Jolly Harbour will then further tax you to keep your car there! $10 USD one off fee.
Visitor Driving License Antigua. 20 USD per 3 months duration.
The Kia Rio- a low ride position but well specced and economic. I mean this car is still with us as a favourite. Don’t try and overtake as it is pretty gutless. The Kia Picanto is cheaper still and thats why it always seemed to be rented 🙁
If you can read this ‘BACK OFF’ especially if you love using your fog lights like Antiguans do!
I have chosen this car again as it is very economical and comfortable – I have since been able to raise the seat and the driving position is normal. I don’t have massive luggage needs and important I don’t stay in a bungalow or villa with a road that is best done with a 4×4 so check your vacation rental for access requirements. Here is the lovely indulgence that we rented out a couple of times. When we needed that extra space and comfort then the Suzuki Vitara is hard to fault.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is popular in Antigua.
Driving in Antigua Tips
CDW – available at $10 USD per day extra. But CDW doesn’t cover you in the same way this works in the US (ie its not for minor damage). Here it helps you avoid paying out after 1500 USD for big crash or major damage that is your fault. But note you still have to pay the first 1500! So don’t take chances and drive defensively. Here are some actual driving in Antigua videos to show you the pace and how easy it is:
An update to the blog post below and accurate measure / report of the storm can be found in the Antigua Observer today
Original blog follows..I think it was tropical storm chantal and I saw a water shoot or tornado at sea on the front cover today.
A storm that plagued the islands of Barbados and St Lucia (so I was told by a local guy) missing us yesterday still brought a bit more rain and higher winds which made Dickenson Bay a bit less fun as the sand was whipping up. We still had some fun and it was cruise ship day and we got to spy on the developments for the Halcyon Rex – they are increasing the shade around the BBQ and entertainment areas (that much we can see).
Today we will swing around and skip the beach doing some shopping and enjoying other people’s AC like at woods mall. We did swap out our rental car yesterday as an upgrade as I was feeling flush for some unknown reason. We are now enjoying the extra space of the Suzuki Vitara and left the Hyundai Terios behind which grew on me but was a little small in some ways. I hope to pick up a small sim for the iphone today we shall see.