On Antigua you can circle the island by road, from St Johns to English Harbour and Shirley Heights, passing sugar mill ruins and lush bays. Short drives lead to Half Moon Bay and Darkwood Beach.
With a hire car you choose your own snorkelling spots and sunset lookouts, and can explore quieter villages and beaches far from cruise ship crowds.
At a glance
Drives onLeft
Motorway tollCheck locally
CurrencyE. Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Min. rental age21 years
Good to know before you drive
The essentials for a smooth, ticket-free trip.
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Speed limits
Town50 km/h
Open road90 km/h
Motorway130 km/h
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Parking
Paid short-stay zones in city centres — buy a ticket and display it.
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Alcohol limit
Typically 0.05% blood-alcohol limit; lower for new drivers.
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Vignette / tolls
Check whether a motorway vignette or tolls apply — many rentals include one.
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What drivers say about Antigua and Barbuda
★★★★★★4.5
★★★★★★3.5
"We liked the small car and easy pickup, but the counter wait was long and the signs at arrivals were confusing."
S
Shanika
Antigua and Barbuda
★★★★★5
"I booked online and everything went as planned. The car was clean, fuel policy clear, and the staff at the airport desk were patient with my questions. Returning the vehicle took minutes and my deposit came back quickly. Would happily rent again on my next visit."
D
Dwayne Henry
Antigua and Barbuda
★★★★★5
"I travelled with a friend and we were pleasantly surprised at how smooth the whole rental was. The staff explained the insurance clearly, gave us tips for driving around the island, and the car was spotless and reliable. Drop‑off at the airport was quick, so we had no stress before our flight."
For travel in Antigua and Barbuda, it is wise to book a rental car at least 3 to 4 weeks before arrival, especially for the high season from December to April and around major sailing events. Last minute bookings are sometimes possible, but choice of smaller 4x4s and automatic cars can become very limited on both Antigua and Barbuda.
Most local suppliers in Antigua and Barbuda pre-authorise a security deposit on your card when you collect the vehicle. This hold is usually released within 3 to 10 working days after you return the car without new damage or fines, though some banks can take a little longer to show the funds as available again.
The excess is the maximum amount you must pay towards damage or theft, even when insurance is included. In Antigua and Barbuda it often ranges from about XCD 1,000 to XCD 4,000, depending on the car class. You can usually lower or remove this amount by purchasing additional collision damage waiver or excess reduction cover at booking or pick-up.
Many rental companies in Antigua and Barbuda still prefer a major credit card for the security deposit. Some suppliers accept debit cards, but may require extra identification or insurance. A few local partners and special offers provide no-deposit or no-credit-card deals, usually on smaller vehicles and with stricter mileage or usage conditions.
Average daily rates in Antigua and Barbuda for a small automatic car typically range from about XCD 130 to XCD 220 in the cooler months, with prices rising in peak season. SUVs, convertibles and jeeps cost more. Rates usually include basic insurance and limited mileage, with extras like child seats or GPS charged separately.
Bookingcar lets you compare prices from many car hire companies in Antigua and Barbuda on one screen, so you can quickly see which deal is cheapest or best suited to you. You avoid checking individual websites, can filter by car type and insurance, and easily spot promotions, helping you secure a better overall rental price.
If you return the car late in Antigua and Barbuda, most rental firms charge an extra fee based on the hourly or daily rate, often adding an entire extra day once you are more than 1 hour overdue. You may also lose any pre-agreed discounts. Always contact the rental office as soon as you realise you will be delayed.
Typical speed limits in Antigua and Barbuda are:
Urban and built-up areas: around 20–30 mph (about 30–50 km/h)
Open roads and rural areas: around 40 mph (about 64 km/h)
Near schools and busy village centres: often lower, with signed limits
Always follow posted signs, as limits can vary on particular stretches, especially on winding coastal or hilly roads.
Traffic fines in Antigua and Barbuda vary by offence. Common penalties include fixed fines for speeding, illegal parking and not wearing seat belts, which can increase if unpaid. More serious offences, such as dangerous driving, drink-driving or accidents causing injury, may lead to higher fines, court appearances, licence suspension or, in extreme cases, imprisonment.
Antigua and Barbuda follows strict drink-driving rules. The legal blood alcohol concentration limit is generally 0.08 percent for private drivers, but any sign of impairment can still lead to penalties. Police have the power to conduct roadside checks, and offences can result in heavy fines, disqualification from driving and possible imprisonment, especially after accidents.
Fuel prices in Antigua and Barbuda change periodically, but petrol is often around XCD 3.50 to XCD 4.50 per litre, with diesel sometimes slightly cheaper. Prices can vary a little between stations and islands, and remote areas may be higher. Most rental cars use petrol, so check the fuel type on the filler cap and rental agreement.
There are no toll roads or motorway vignettes in Antigua and Barbuda. You can drive freely on the island road networks without paying per-use tolls. Your main driving costs will be fuel, any parking fees in popular tourist or town-centre areas, and standard charges from your rental agreement, such as insurance or additional driver fees.
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