15 Things to Know BEFORE Driving in Antigua

Thinking about driving in Antigua? You’ve come to the right place.

Driving in Antigua is more than a way to get from point A to B, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

From the scenic coastal roads to the lively streets of the capital St. John’s, I found that the charm of Antigua is better enjoyed by renting a car.

But there are some things you should know before you book your rental car that I wish I had known.

Let’s get right into everything you need to know before driving around Antigua.

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15 Things to Know Before Driving in Antigua

When planning my Antigua itinerary, I found it cheaper to rent a car than take taxis everywhere. I was hopping around the island every few nights and had many activities planned, including snorkelling at Galleon Beach, hiking Shirley Heights, and swimming at Jolly Beach.

With a rental car, you have the freedom to explore as much as you want, whenever you want, without worrying about how to call a taxi.

Figure out what you want to do while in Antigua and see if the cost makes sense for you.

While you don’t necessarily need a 4×4, don’t pick a rental car too low to the ground. Within St.John’s, a lot of the side streets have dips when driving over sewers and you don’t want to hit the bottom of your car with them.

I rented a Kia Vitz and it was a great car to get around Antigua in. If you want something more comfortable, go with an SUV or a 4×4.

3. Know How to Find the Best Car Rental Price

Now that you know that car rentals in Antigua are pricey, you will want to find the best price.

Here are tips to find the best car rental price:

• Book your car rental far in advance for the best selection and pricing
• Check DiscoverCars and Expedia for the best price
• Choose a smaller vehicle to pay less
• Travel outside of winter and holiday weekends to not pay premium pricing

The additional insurance not only gives you peace of mind while exploring the island but also covers any unexpected costs from damages. So you can enjoy your driving experience in Antigua without worrying about a repair bill.

I didn’t get the extra insurance, so I had to pay $200 USD out-of-pocket when someone hit my car while it was parked overnight. I was not happy.

If you have good car rental insurance on your credit card, you can use that instead. But make sure you are covered.

5. An International Driver’s Permit Won’t Work

You can leave your International Driver’s Permit (IDP) behind because they don’t accept them in Antigua.

Unlike many destinations where your IDP works, in Antigua and Barbuda, you need a temporary Antiguan permit to drive.

Your rental car company will take care of this for you and you pay upon picking up your vehicle.

It starts at $20 USD and is valid for 3 months. So whether you stay for that long or if you return within that time period, it’s still good.

The key is to stay alert, especially at intersections and roundabouts.

In St.John’s, there are dedicated right-turning lanes at major intersections. Roundabouts enter on the left, going clockwise instead of counterclockwise.

When in doubt, follow the car in front of you. We found it much easier to drive outside of St.John’s and got the hang of it well before our 1-week trip was over.

Get an automatic vehicle if you aren’t used to driving on the left side, to not have to learn two things at once.

It’s a lot slower than driving in Canada, but you’ll understand when you see it.

The roads are busy in the towns, the streets are narrower, and the roads zig-zag (especially in St.John’s).

Most are small and relatively harmless, but others are large and can damage your rental car.

Keep an eye out and leave yourself space from other vehicles to have more time to react and navigate around the potholes.

Our driving motto is: take your time, enjoy the scenery, and mind the potholes.

Watch out for pedestrians especially when driving through towns and around corners. Both locals and tourists walk on the roads.

10. Driving at Night is Dark

Driving at night in Antigua is a very different experience, due to the lack of street lighting.

Without the street lights, it’s pitch black out and makes it harder to see what’s coming up on the road.

Drive slower, use your high beams (when there isn’t oncoming traffic), and keep a lookout for unexpected obstacles like pedestrians, parked cars, and potholes.

If you can, drive the route first during daylight hours so you can more easily travel back in the dark.

Driving back from Shirley Heights on a Sunday night feels a lot longer than driving there in the day.

Wait, then slowly drive away if you see donkeys, cows, or cats. We saw a herd of cows crossing the road near Fort James and waited for them to cross.

And if you don’t see donkeys roaming around, you can pet and feed them at the Donkey Sanctuary like I did.

When driving to Stingray City to swim with stingrays, my GPS told me to turn down a hill but it wasn’t down the hill and was a block away.

When searching for an ice cream shop in St.John’s, I ended up finding it by mistake 3-4 blocks away after I gave up looking for it.

But places like the airport, Fort James, and Nelson’s Dockyard are all marked properly.

This is great for adventurers short on time or who want to try multiple activities in one day.

Whether you want to scuba dive in English Harbour, relax at Dickenson Bay, swim with stingrays, or see the historic area of Nelson’s Dockyard, you’ll find your next adventure is a short, scenic drive away.

And it doesn’t matter where you stay on Antigua if you have a car, because you don’t have to worry about staying at a certain hotel for pickup for a snorkel tour or other island tour. You can just drive to the pickup or tour start location.

This means you will need to have money with you before heading off on your road trip adventure.

But, don’t worry because both US Dollars and East Caribbean Dollars are accepted.

The gas attendant said there was one gas station in St.John’s that accept credit cards but I wasn’t able to find it.

Also, fuel stations are somewhat sparse in rural areas, so fill up when you can.

Everywhere and anywhere, in front of any restaurant or business.

And with most streets being wide enough for only 2 vehicles, this turns driving into an obstacle course.

But all parking is free from my experience on the island, which is nice.

While driving, you will have to yield to oncoming cars if the parked car is on your side of the road.

Driving in Antigua FAQs 

Can Tourists Drive in Antigua?

Yes, tourists can drive in Antigua. Tourists are allowed to drive in Antigua, but they need an Antiguan driving license. The temporary license is valid for 3 months and can be bought from your rental car company upon renting a car.

Which Side of the Road Do They Drive in Antigua?

They drive on the left side of the road in Antigua. This is a big mental adjustment if you are used to driving on the right side like I am. This means entering roundabouts on the left and having a dedicated left turning lane instead of a right.

Is it Safe to Drive in Antigua?

Yes, it can be safe to drive in Antigua as long as you follow the rules of the road. Avoid potholes, drive during daylight, mind the speed limit, keep to the left side of the road, and keep an eye out for pedestrians and wildlife.

How Long Does it Take to Drive Around Antigua?

To drive around Antigua non-stop it takes 3 hours, starting and ending in St.John’s. But I don’t recommend driving around Antigua non-stop. There are too many places worth stopping for along the way, including beautiful beaches, historical sites, and restaurants.

What’s the Best Way to Get Around Antigua?

The best way to get around Antigua is with a rental car. You can explore at your own pace, swim at less touristy beaches, find hidden gems, and have the best adventures. Mind the potholes and drive during the day for the best Antiguan driving experience.

How Easy is it to Drive Around Antigua?

Driving in Antigua is no more difficult than driving around other Caribbean countries like Barbados. It is a hilly island, but the manual cars handle the hills well. Be prepared to take a wrong turn once or twice, but it’s all part of the adventure.

Is a Car Needed in Antigua?

A car is not needed in Antigua, but it does help a lot. The island is small but buses don’t go everywhere and stop running early. If you plan to stay in one spot, you won’t need a car. If you want to see more of the island, rent a car.

Can You Get Around Antigua Without a Car?

Yes, you can get around Antigua without a car, but you can’t get everywhere. The bus system is pretty reliable for short trips around St.John’s, but they don’t cover the whole island. And taxi costs can add up quickly.

Final Thoughts on Driving Around Antigua

Travelling through the scenic Antiguan landscapes behind the wheel is exciting. 

Driving in Antigua lets you experience the island at your own pace. You have the flexibility to explore hidden gems, soak in local culture, and make spontaneous stops along the way.

While it does present some challenges such as potholes and winding roads, the overall driving experience is manageable and comparable to driving in other Caribbean destinations.

Exploring Antigua in a rental vehicle offers you a unique, unrestricted adventure that’s well worth the effort.