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St Barthélemy / Car Rental

Most people hire a car in St Barths to visit the beaches by day and the restaurants in the evenings. It may not be necessary for the whole of your visit if you are staying in a hotel, but you will certainly need one if you are staying in a villa. The main reason is that not many taxis are available on the island and they are even harder to come by after dark.

Because of demand you should definitely book your rental car in advance if you are visiting St Barths at Christmas and New Year or at the height of the season in February. Even in the rest of the season it is probably still advisable. All the car hire companies have a booth at the airport and they display the names of people picking up cars that day.

Unlike most Caribbean islands, European visitors to St Barths do not need to get a local licence (St Barths is in the European Community so the regulations are the same). There is no need for American visitors to get a licence either.

The regulations for hiring a car are the same as those in France. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and hold a full driving licence. Different companies may have their own regulations.

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

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

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St Barthélemy’s weather

St Barthélemy weather chart

When to go and weather

Looking for inspiration?

  1. Head to St Jean beach where the hip, beautiful people go to see and be seen
  2. Indulge yourself in some designer retail therapy
  3. Sample the delights of fine French wines and dining
  4. Get pampered at one of the many island spas
  5. Experience a night of cinema under the stars during the annual St Barth Film Festival

St Barthélemy Events

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