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Car Hire in Antigua: What to Know Before You Drive

Once you have collected your car, use this guide for the driving permit, speed limits, road conditions, parking and practical driving points you are likely to encounter while exploring Antigua.

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You need a temporary Antiguan driving permit

A valid driving licence from home is not normally enough on its own for a visitor driving in Antigua. Visitors must also obtain a temporary local driving licence.

  • Bring your original driving licence: you will need to present a valid licence issued in your home country.
  • Temporary local permit: Antigua & Barbuda Tourism currently states that the visitor driving permit costs EC$50.
  • Rental desk: your car hire provider will usually be able to arrange or assist with the temporary permit.
  • Other locations: temporary licences can also be obtained through the Transport Board or local police stations.
  • Keep it with you: carry the temporary permit, your home driving licence and your rental agreement while driving.

Before you leave the rental car park

Antigua is relatively compact, but the first few minutes are worth using to get comfortable with the car and local driving position.

  • Confirm the fuel type: check whether the vehicle takes petrol or diesel before leaving.
  • Find the controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights and parking brake.
  • Check the transmission: make sure you are comfortable with the gear selector before joining traffic.
  • Record existing damage: check the rental condition report and consider photographing the vehicle before driving away.
  • Set navigation while parked: enter your first destination before starting the journey.
  • Save the assistance number: keep the rental provider's roadside-assistance and local branch contact details handy.

Drive on the left

Traffic drives on the left in Antigua, and most local vehicles are right-hand drive.

  • If you normally drive on the right: take extra care after turning and when leaving car parks or petrol stations.
  • Overtaking: normally overtake on the right.
  • At junctions: slow down and check both directions rather than relying on familiar driving habits.
  • Roundabouts: follow signs and road markings and watch carefully for other vehicles changing position.
  • Narrow roads: be prepared to reduce speed and give way where there is not enough room for two vehicles to pass comfortably.

Antigua uses miles per hour

Speed limits are expressed in miles per hour rather than kilometres per hour.

  • Built-up areas, communities and the city: the general maximum for cars is 20 mph.
  • Highways and roads outside built-up areas: the general maximum for cars is 40 mph.
  • Posted limits: always follow a lower speed limit where one is shown.

Road conditions often make a speed well below the legal maximum more appropriate.

Antigua's roads need more attention than the distances suggest

Antigua is a small island, but journey time is determined as much by road condition and traffic as by distance.

  • Potholes: road surfaces can be uneven, particularly away from the main routes.
  • Speed bumps: some are not clearly marked, so avoid assuming that a clear road ahead is completely level.
  • Minor roads: rural roads can be narrow and include blind bends.
  • Road signs: signage can be less prominent than visitors may be accustomed to.
  • Pedestrians: people often walk along the road because pavements are not common outside parts of central St John's.
  • Indicators: do not assume that every driver will signal before turning or changing position.

Driving after dark

Night driving requires extra care because lighting can be limited away from the busiest roads.

  • Some roads have little or no street lighting.
  • Potholes, speed bumps and road edges can be harder to see after dark.
  • Pedestrians walking along the roadway may be difficult to spot.
  • Reduce your speed sufficiently to stop within the distance you can clearly see.
  • Where practical, consider completing unfamiliar rural journeys during daylight.

Heavy rain and hurricane season

Tropical rain can make road surfaces and visibility deteriorate quickly.

  • Reduce speed in heavy rain and increase the gap to the vehicle in front.
  • Be particularly cautious around potholes because standing water can hide their depth.
  • Avoid driving through floodwater when you cannot judge its depth or the condition of the road beneath it.
  • The Caribbean hurricane season normally runs from June to November, so monitor local forecasts during that period.
  • Follow local authority advice if severe weather affects roads or travel.

Driving in St John's

St John's is the busiest driving environment on the island, with more pedestrians, buses, taxis and local traffic than on the quieter coastal roads.

  • Keep your speed low: the general built-up speed limit is 20 mph.
  • Pedestrians: expect people to cross or walk close to the carriageway.
  • Minibuses and taxis: allow space for vehicles stopping to pick up or set down passengers.
  • Busy streets: avoid sudden lane or direction changes.
  • Parking: use a legitimate parking space and check signs rather than simply following where other cars have stopped.

Driving from V.C. Bird International Airport

The airport is close to St John's and is a common starting point for visitors collecting a rental car.

  • Take a few minutes at the rental location before joining the main road.
  • If you normally drive on the right, consciously remind yourself to keep left at the first junction.
  • Set your hotel or accommodation in the navigation system before leaving.
  • Allow for local traffic rather than judging the journey only by the short distance shown on the map.
  • On return, allow enough time for fuel, traffic and the rental company's vehicle check.

Antigua trips where a hire car is particularly useful

English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard

A car gives you flexibility to combine English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour, Shirley Heights and nearby beaches in the same part of the island.

West Coast beaches

Jolly Harbour, Valley Church, Darkwood and surrounding beaches are easy to combine by car without depending on taxi transfers.

Devil's Bridge and the east

Driving is useful for visiting the eastern side of Antigua and combining coastal stops that would otherwise require separate transport.

Half Moon Bay

A hire car gives more flexibility for visiting quieter beaches and areas away from the main hotel districts.

Island exploring

Antigua is compact enough to explore in day trips, but narrow roads and local traffic mean journeys can take longer than the map distance suggests.

Pedestrians and other road users

Roadside conditions are one of the most important differences for visitors driving in Antigua.

  • Pedestrians: expect people to walk along the carriageway where there is no pavement.
  • Bus stops: be ready for pedestrians and minibuses stopping close to the traffic lane.
  • Cyclists: slow down and leave adequate space before passing.
  • Animals: remain alert on quieter roads and reduce speed where livestock or animals are close to the carriageway.
  • Do not assume other drivers will indicate: leave enough space to react if another vehicle turns or stops unexpectedly.

Practical security while driving

  • Keep doors locked while driving.
  • Do not leave bags, phones, cameras or other valuables visible in an unattended hire car.
  • Use secure parking at your accommodation where available.
  • Avoid leaving important travel documents in the vehicle.
  • Official travel guidance advises drivers not to stop for pedestrians attempting to flag down the car.

If you are involved in an accident

Antigua has a particularly important procedure for road collisions: do not simply move the vehicles and exchange details.

  • Stop and switch on the hazard lights.
  • Check whether anyone requires emergency assistance.
  • Call the police.
  • Do not move the vehicle while waiting for the police unless instructed or unless remaining in position creates an immediate safety problem.
  • Contact the rental provider as soon as possible.
  • Take photographs and keep any police or rental documentation.

If the hire car breaks down

  • Move away from moving traffic if this can be done safely.
  • Switch on the hazard warning lights.
  • Keep passengers somewhere safe away from the traffic lane.
  • Call the roadside-assistance number supplied by the rental provider.
  • Do not arrange your own repair unless instructed by the rental provider.
  • For a police, fire or ambulance emergency call 999 or 911.

Antigua and Barbuda are separate islands

A road trip around Antigua should not be planned as though you can simply continue driving to Barbuda. Travel between the islands is by air or sea.

Antigua & Barbuda Tourism states that ferry travel between Antigua and Barbuda takes around an hour and a half, while public transport is not available in Barbuda.

If you are planning to take a vehicle on any inter-island service, confirm in advance that the rental provider permits it. Do not assume that a rental agreement for Antigua automatically allows the car to be transported to Barbuda.

Before returning the hire car

  • Confirm the agreed return location and opening arrangements.
  • Refuel according to the fuel policy attached to your booking.
  • Keep the final fuel receipt if required.
  • Allow extra time for local traffic when returning the car to V.C. Bird International Airport.
  • Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and boot.
  • Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel level at return.
  • Keep your return documentation until the security deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

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Frequently asked questions about driving a hire car in Antigua

Which side of the road do you drive on in Antigua?

Traffic drives on the left in Antigua. Most vehicles are right-hand drive. Visitors accustomed to driving on the right should take extra care after turns and when leaving car parks or petrol stations.

Do I need a temporary driving licence in Antigua?

Yes. Visitors need a temporary Antiguan driving licence in addition to their valid home licence. Rental companies usually assist with the process. Antigua & Barbuda Tourism currently states that the permit costs EC$50.

What are the speed limits in Antigua?

The Royal Police Force states that the general maximum speed for cars is 20 mph in built-up areas, communities and the city, and 40 mph on highways. Follow any lower posted limit.

What are the roads like in Antigua?

Road conditions vary. Potholes and unmarked speed bumps occur, while minor and rural roads can be narrow with blind corners. Lighting can also be limited at night.

Can I use my Antigua rental car in Barbuda?

Do not assume so. Antigua and Barbuda are separate islands and travel between them is by air or sea. Check with the rental provider before planning to transport a hire vehicle between the islands.

What should I do after an accident in Antigua?

Call the police and your rental provider. Official guidance says not to move the vehicle while waiting for the police unless instructed or immediate safety requires it.

Official and practical driving information for Antigua

Driving requirements and road conditions can change. Check current official information before travelling.

Last reviewed: 18 September 2026.