Everything you need to know before renting a car in the Caribbean — island by island.
Last updated: May 2026 | By: CaribCar AI
Renting a car in the Caribbean gives you freedom that taxis and tours can't match. You control the schedule, discover hidden beaches, and explore at your own pace. But each island has different rules, road conditions, and costs. This guide covers all 14 Caribbean islands served by CaribCar AI.
Most former British colonies drive on the left. Most former French, Spanish, and Dutch islands drive on the right. Here's the breakdown:
| Drive on LEFT | Drive on RIGHT |
|---|---|
| Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, Belize | Puerto Rico (US), US Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, French Guiana, Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire |
In most Caribbean islands, your home country driver's license is valid for up to 90 days. However, some islands require an International Driving Permit (IDP):
An IDP costs about $20 USD and is available from AAA (US) or the Post Office (UK). Always carry your physical license.
| Island | Drive | Currency | Economy/day | SUV/day | Minivan/day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamaica | LEFT | JMD | J$3,500 ($22) | J$7,000 ($45) | J$10,000 ($64) |
| Barbados | LEFT | BBD | Bds$120 ($60) | Bds$180 ($90) | Bds$280 ($140) |
| Bahamas | LEFT | BSD | B$85 ($85) | B$130 ($130) | B$200 ($200) |
| Trinidad & Tobago | LEFT | TTD | TT$350 ($52) | TT$600 ($89) | TT$900 ($134) |
| St. Lucia | LEFT | XCD | EC$180 ($67) | EC$260 ($96) | EC$380 ($141) |
| Cayman Islands | LEFT | KYD | CI$65 ($79) | CI$95 ($116) | CI$140 ($171) |
| Dominican Republic | RIGHT | DOP | RD$1,800 ($31) | RD$2,500 ($43) | RD$5,000 ($86) |
| Puerto Rico | RIGHT | USD | $45 ($45) | $65 ($65) | $120 ($120) |
| Aruba | RIGHT | AWG | AWG 120 ($67) | AWG 180 ($100) | AWG 300 ($167) |
| Curaçao | RIGHT | ANG | ANG 120 ($67) | ANG 180 ($100) | ANG 280 ($156) |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | LEFT | XCD | EC$150 ($56) | EC$220 ($81) | EC$350 ($130) |
| Antigua & Barbuda | LEFT | XCD | EC$140 ($52) | EC$200 ($74) | EC$320 ($119) |
| St. Maarten | RIGHT | ANG | ANG 130 ($72) | ANG 190 ($106) | ANG 300 ($167) |
| St. Vincent & Grenadines | LEFT | XCD | EC$160 ($59) | EC$230 ($85) | EC$360 ($133) |
Prices include basic insurance and taxes. Peak season (December–April) may add 20–30%.
All CaribCar rentals include:
Optional extras:
Fuel is more expensive in the Caribbean than in North America. As of 2026:
Cars are typically returned with a full tank. Gas stations are widely available in tourist areas but sparse in rural zones.
| Best for | Island | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time Caribbean driver | Barbados | Well-maintained roads, clear signage, short distances |
| Adventure & off-road | Jamaica | Mountain roads, rural tracks, need an SUV |
| Luxury & smooth driving | Cayman Islands | Excellent roads, light traffic outside George Town |
| Budget travelers | Trinidad | Lowest fuel prices, cheap daily rates |
| Scenic drives | St. Lucia | Dramatic coastal roads, Pitons views, winding mountain passes |
| Family trip | Bahamas | Easy navigation, good infrastructure, short drives |
| Beach & relaxation | Aruba | Easy driving, flat terrain, well-signed roads |
| Culture & history | Dominican Republic | Colonial cities, diverse landscapes, excellent highways |
| US drivers (no adjustment) | Puerto Rico | US territory, drive RIGHT, no passport needed for US citizens |
| Sailing & islands | St. Vincent & Grenadines | Island-hop by ferry, rent on each island |
| Beach clubs & dining | St. Maarten | French/Dutch fusion, Maho Beach, compact island |
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