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Antigua and Barbuda / Car Rental

Car hire is the easiest way to get around Antigua. There are plenty of excellent beaches to visit and many historical and other sites to see as well. If you are staying in a villa, a car is pretty much essential. Local buses do run certain routes, but they are mainly designed for Antiguans to get to St John’s from outlying villages. It is not possible to get to the airport or Dickenson Bay, but you can get down to English Harbour. Depending on where you are staying, a jeep might be a good option, especially if you are likely to head off the beaten track. Be aware that there are very few road signs on Antigua and despite the island’s small size it is quite easy to get lost, so it is a good idea to get hold of a road map.

A local driving permit costing US$20 is required to drive in Antigua. It can be obtained from the car hire company when you hire the car, or at any police station on presentation of your full national licence. They are valid for 90 days. Demand for rental cars can be heavy at certain times of the year over the winter season and particularly during Antigua Race Week, so you are advised to book it well in advance, otherwise it will be impossible to get hold of one. You must have held a licence for at least two years to hire a car in Antigua and be at least 25 years of age and under 65 years of age.

You may also want to read our article - Essential Notes on Driving in the Caribbean.

Please see below for our recommended Antigua car rental companies and full directory listings.

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Antigua and Barbuda’s weather

Antigua and Barbuda weather chart

When to go and weather

Looking for inspiration?

  1. Visit Nelson's Dockyard, the oldest functioning naval facility in the world
  2. Party at Shirley Heights Lookout on Sunday at sunset followed by barbecue and live music
  3. Stay at the spectacular Jumby Bay
  4. Hop over to Barbuda for stunning beaches and excellent birdwatching
  5. Race a yacht to nearby Montserrat for the day

Antigua and Barbuda Events

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