With a car in French Guiana you can follow the RN1 from Cayenne to Kourou and Sinnamary, stopping at mangrove viewpoints and beaches. It is also the easiest way to reach the Guiana Space Centre and nearby nature reserves on flexible day trips.
Driving the RN2 towards Saint Georges lets you explore rainforest rivers and small Creole towns at your own pace. Public transport is sparse, so self drive gives you freedom to detour to Kaw marshes, coastal trails and remote villages.
At a glance
Drives onRight
Motorway tollCheck locally
CurrencyEuro (€)
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 French Guiana
★★★★★★4.5
★★★★★4
"We came to French Guiana with the kids and the car was perfect for driving between Cayenne and the beaches. Child seats were ready and clean, and pick-up was quick. Only downside was returning the car took a bit longer than expected, but staff stayed friendly and helpful."
M
Mélissa
French Guiana
★★★★★4
"Nice car and easy pick-up for our weekend, just wished the desk opened a bit earlier in the morning."
K
Kévin
French Guiana
★★★★★★3.5
"We hired a car to explore Kourou and the surrounding rainforest with friends. Vehicle was reliable and the air con strong, which mattered in the heat. Prices were fair, but the deposit refund took longer than we were told at the counter."
For French Guiana, especially around Cayenne and Kourou, it is wise to book your hire car at least 3 to 6 weeks ahead. In peak periods such as French school holidays or space-launch events in Kourou, cars can sell out, so earlier booking helps secure better rates and a wider choice of vehicles.
The deposit is usually blocked, not taken, on your card when you collect the car. After you return it in good condition, most French Guiana suppliers release the hold within 3 to 7 working days, but your bank may take up to 10–14 days to show the funds as fully available again.
The excess is the maximum amount you pay towards damage or theft before the insurer covers the rest. In French Guiana, typical excesses range from about EUR 800 to EUR 1,800 depending on vehicle type. You can usually reduce this cost substantially, sometimes close to zero, by purchasing additional excess-reduction or full-cover options when you book.
Most rental firms in French Guiana prefer a major credit card in the main driver’s name to secure the deposit. Some partners may accept a debit card or offer reduced-deposit or occasional no-deposit, no-credit-card deals, usually on specific car groups and with extra checks. Always read the payment conditions before booking.
Prices vary by season, demand, and vehicle size, but a small car in French Guiana typically costs around EUR 40–65 per day when booked in advance, with higher rates during holidays or for SUVs. Longer rentals often bring the daily price down, while one-way or young-driver fees can increase the total cost.
Bookingcar compares prices from multiple car hire companies in French Guiana, allowing you to see deals from international brands and local suppliers in one search. You can quickly filter by vehicle type, mileage, fuel policy, and insurance options, making it easier to find and book a competitively priced offer that suits your plans.
If you return your car late in French Guiana, rental companies may charge an extra day once you exceed the grace period, often 29–59 minutes. Further delay can add multiple extra days at the prevailing daily rate, and may affect insurance coverage. Always contact the rental office in advance if you expect to be late.
Standard speed limits, unless otherwise signed, generally follow French rules:
Built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas (main roads): typically 80–90 km/h
On dual carriageways where allowed: up to 110 km/h
Always follow local signs, as limits may be lower near schools, works, or in bad weather.
French Guiana applies French traffic law. Fines for speeding, mobile phone use, or not wearing seat belts can range from about EUR 90 to several hundred euros, with higher penalties for serious offences. Excessive speeding or dangerous driving may lead to on-the-spot fines, licence suspension, or, in severe cases, court action.
As in mainland France, the legal blood alcohol limit in French Guiana is 0.5 g/l (0.05%). For novice drivers with a probationary licence, stricter limits may apply. Police carry out roadside checks, and exceeding the limit can result in heavy fines, licence suspension, and, for higher levels, criminal charges.
Fuel prices in French Guiana are regulated and updated regularly. As a rough guide, recent typical prices have been around EUR 1.70–1.90 per litre for unleaded petrol and slightly less for diesel. Prices can change with government decisions and global markets, so check local stations or news for up-to-date rates before travelling.
There are no motorway-style toll roads or vignettes in French Guiana. The main routes, including the RN1 between Cayenne and Kourou and the RN2 towards the Brazilian border, are free to use. You only pay for normal running costs such as fuel, parking in some towns, and, if chosen, optional extras from your rental company.
