13 Things You Must Know About Driving in Antigua
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If you are considering driving to Antigua during your trip to the beautiful island, this post will share some great insights and tips for a flawless experience!
I lived in Antigua for 18 months. After learning my way around and a few other tricks about driving in Antigua, I enjoyed exploring the many different beaches, going out at night with my friends, and living like a local.
Renting a car in Antigua is the best way to explore the island, and it’s very safe. In this post, I will share all my tips about driving in Antigua so you can have the best vacation ever.
Psss… make sure you scroll to the end to check out my guides about Antigua!
Do you need a car in Antigua?
The short answer is yes, and I will tell you why. There are two main reasons to rent a car in Antigua.
First of all, you will enjoy Antigua way more if you rent a car and drive around, as you will be able to reach all the so-renowned Antigua beaches, go out to restaurants, and different places without having to rely on taxis.
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The second reason is that in Antigua there is no reliable bus transportation because it’s very random and it doesn’t get you everywhere. So if you like going out and exploring, taxis become way more expensive than renting a car in Antigua.
That’s why I have thought about writing this post. To enjoy and feel comfortable driving in Antigua, there are a few things you must consider and understand.
Below, you will find all the info you need to rent a car and explore this beautiful island.
Everything you need to know about driving in Antigua
1. If you think renting a car is expensive, try hiring a taxi…
First things first, let’s get the financial matters out of the way.
It is a fact that Antigua is a relatively expensive destination. I say relatively because if you come from New York or London you might find it extremely cheap. It all depends on what we are comparing with.
In general, though, Antigua is not a cheap destination.
Antigua car rentals are up to the standard, BUT so are taxis.
It’s also rare to find regular cars as taxis as they are mainly minivans so their rates are based on a party of 4 people, and prices look like they are made for 4 and if you do the math you will see that renting a car in Antigua is much more convenient than hiring a taxi.
Besides, it will be much more fun to be able to go wherever you want at the time you want without having to pre-schedule a ride.
That’s a no-brainer.
Imagine you are on a beach and you suddenly decide you had enough sun and want to go explore the area or find a nice restaurant for lunch and then continue to explore and find another beach or go for a walk.
It’s much easier if you have your own car than having to call a taxi every time you want to move not to talk about how costly it would be.
ON TAXIS IN ANTIGUA – It’s fair to say, though, that many taxi drivers also have a guide license so they can also provide interesting information on the island, such as cultural aspects or historical facts. However, if you decide to hire a taxi, make sure you agree on how much you pay, for how many hours and to go where, before boarding. You don’t want any surprises.
I still believe it’s much better to get your own car, and you might want to purchase one or two boat tours as well to see the island from a different angle.
So, are you still with me?
Ok let’s dive into the Antigua
2. How to find the best Antigua car rental
The first thing you need to know is how to find the best
To do that, I use Discover Cars, a great platform that you can browse to compare prices and deals. They also offer a full coverage add-on option, which I recommend for peace of mind.
In the high season (from December through the first week of May), it is advisable to pre-book to find availability.
Mind, though, that the complete coverage they offer is not full, and it’s not with the car rental, but with them, which works like your credit card insurance. If something happens, you will need to anticipate the expenses and then file a request for a refund.
3. When renting a car in Antigua and anywhere else, always get full coverage insurance.
I will never stress enough how important it is to always purchase full coverage when renting a car. It gives you peace of mind for anything that can happen, especially in a country that you don’t know very well. No matter how careful you are, you never know who or what (see donkeys) you can find on the road.
Full coverage means zero deductible, which means that whatever accident you have, no matter whose fault it is and how big the damage is, you don’t pay a cent.
Mind, though, a few things are not included in the coverage, usually the car keys (if you lose them), tires and windscreen. But that always depends on the
Therefore, make sure you read all the policy details and ask questions to your dispatcher. I have rented many cars in my life, and many in Antigua, so trust me on this.
Insider tip: if something happens, just call your car rentals. They must give you a phone number that’s accessible 24/7.
4. Your international driving license is of no use in Antigua
In Antigua, regardless of what kind of driving license you have, you will ALWAYS need to purchase a local one. (but you must have your driver’s license to rent a car)
An Antigua driver’s license is a temporary local driving license that costs 20 USD or 54.05 ECD, and it lasts 3 months.
You can purchase it from the rental car company, at the police station, or at the Transport Board. It is the same price and must be paid in cash.
However, you need to show your own regular driving license from your country to purchase the local one and if stopped by the police you must show both of them.
5. What side of the road do they drive on in Antigua?
Antigua and Barbuda is an independent Commonwealth country, so people drive on the left side of the road like the Brits. That means that if you are not from those countries, you need to pay extra attention, but you’ll get used to it, like I did.
I focus on having the middle of the road (which is not always marked) on my right-hand side. That’s all you need to remember.
Trust me, it’s not difficult. You will get used to it on day two. My word!
6. Use Google Maps to find your way around
When I was living in Antigua, smartphones were just starting to make their first appearance, and I didn’t have one yet, so I didn’t have Google Maps.
It took me about a week to figure out Antigua’s roads. I know I may sound dumb, but if going towards Jolly Beach and English Harbor is easy, I was constantly getting lost when I was driving around downtown and the airport.
Okay, it’s not Los Angeles; I get it, but using a navigator will definitely make your life easier.
7. Mind the potholes
Although I was told there are fewer potholes than when I lived in Antigua and the roads are much better, they are still a thing, along with speed bumps. So mind those and drive slowly.
8. Nights can be pitch-black
The roads are rarely lit at night, and you might find people and animals walking on the sides of the streets, so be extra cautious when driving at night.
9. Look out for donkeys
Night and day, those sweet animals are quite a population in Antigua, and it’s not rare to find them roaming around both on the sides of the roads or just hanging out in the middle, careless of any possible danger.
So please drive slowly to avoid running over one of them.
Also, when driving, stay on the lookout for stray dogs, mongooses, goats, and kettles so that you won’t kill them and ruin your rental.
But this is also part of the reason why speed limits are so low in Antigua.
10. Know the speed limits and go by the law
You might not believe it but speed limits are so low in Antigua that you are tempted to ignore them. In fact, it’s a whopping 20 km/h in the city and villages and 40 km/h in the countryside.
There aren’t cameras, but the police are checking with speed guns more and more often. And tickets can be ridiculously exorbitant. You don’t want to pay for that one!
Even if I am stating the obvious, I must remind you to wear your seat belt and not text or call while driving.
Also don’t get distracted by the gorgeous landscape. I know it’s a difficult one. Just stop the car and look around. Much easier and safer! 🙂
11. Parking in Antigua
Except St. John’s, the capital city, parking in Antigua is very easy. Every hotel has a free parking lot so the beaches and places of interest.
Finding parking in St. John’s is trickier but not impossible. You could leave the car a few blocks away from the center and take a walk.
It’s not always clear where you can park in St. John’s. Certainly, it’s not allowed when you see a yellow line on the edge of the street. Maybe ask the car rental if they have any suggestions on where to park safely in St. John’s.
Also remember:
- Normally in St. John’s, there are one-way streets, make sure you are driving in the right direction.
- Never leave any valuables in the car or bags.
- Always lock the car
12. Is renting a 4-wheel drive in Antigua necessary?
It depends on where you want to go. I wouldn’t consider it necessary because all the most renowned and beautiful beaches are accessible by a regular car. However, a big four-wheel drive always feels safer and more comfortable!
13. You are close to everything
Antigua is tiny, but even though attractions are scattered all over the islands, you are always 45 minutes from the farthest place, except Half Moon Bay, my favorite beach in Antigua (don’t miss it!), which is about 1 hour from St. John’s.
Gas stations are pretty much everywhere, but because I am always scared of being left stranded on the road without gas, I always make sure I have at least 1/3 to 1/2 of the tank or more, just in case.
Antigua Driving: FAQ
How long does it take to drive around Antigua
Is it safe to drive in Antigua?
What’s the speed limit in Antigua?
how to get around in Antigua and Barbuda
Driving in Antigua: Final Thoughts
After reading my post, I hope you are familiar with Antigua driving and will feel comfortable looking for a car rental and booking your vehicle. Make sure you check car r
