Car Rental in Antigua and Barbuda (2026) - Driving Guide
Explore hassle-free car rentals in Antigua and Barbuda-your key to discovering clean beaches and top hotels at your own pace.
Driving Requirements
Antigua and Barbuda requires visiting drivers to obtain a local temporary driving permit in addition to their home country license. This permit is typically arranged through the car rental agency or obtained from the local licensing authority upon arrival.
A current, valid driving license from your home country must be presented alongside the local temporary permit. The license should generally have been held for a minimum period, check current requirements with your rental agency.
Most rental agencies in Antigua and Barbuda typically require drivers to be at least 25 years old. Some agencies may accept drivers between 21, 24 but may apply a young driver surcharge, verify with your specific provider.
Third-party liability insurance is generally required, and CDW is strongly recommended to cover vehicle damage. Check whether your credit card or travel insurance policy provides coverage before purchasing additional cover from the rental agency.
Rental agencies typically require a major credit card (not debit card) to hold a security deposit at the time of collection. The deposit amount varies by agency, check current deposit policies when booking.
Antigua and Barbuda follows left-hand traffic (vehicles drive on the left side of the road), consistent with other former British Commonwealth territories. Drivers from right-hand traffic countries should familiarise themselves with this before driving.
Helpful Tips
V.C. Bird International Airport is the primary hub for car rental agencies in Antigua, both international brands and local operators generally have desks there, making airport pickup the most convenient option upon arrival; city-based agencies in St. John's are also an option if you're already settled.
Before leaving the lot, thoroughly photograph all existing scratches, dents, and damage with timestamps, and confirm the rental agreement reflects these, also note that Antigua and Barbuda drives on the LEFT side of the road (a legacy of British rule), so if you're from a right-hand-drive country, take a moment to orient yourself before merging into traffic.
Visitors are generally required to obtain a local driving permit in addition to their home-country licence, rental agencies typically arrange this for you at an additional fee, so check current requirements with your chosen agency before booking.
Antigua is a relatively compact island (roughly 108 square miles), so navigation is manageable; GPS apps generally function well. But road signage can be limited outside of St. John's and major tourist corridors, so downloading an offline map of the island is a practical precaution.
Return the vehicle with the fuel level specified in your agreement and leave extra time for the return inspection, documenting the car's condition on a shared checklist at drop-off, and keeping your copy, protects you from disputed damage charges after departure.
Driving Warnings
Antigua and Barbuda follows left-hand traffic (British driving convention), which can be disorienting for visitors from North America or continental Europe, take extra care at roundabouts and unmarked intersections where instinct may conflict with local rules.
Roads outside St. John's are frequently narrow, poorly lit, and affected by potholes and speed bumps that are often unmarked. Reduce speed significantly when driving in rural areas or at night to avoid vehicle damage or loss of control.
Free-roaming livestock, goats and cattle, commonly cross roads island-wide without warning. This hazard is pronounced on secondary roads and during early morning or dusk hours when animals are less visible.
During hurricane season (generally June through November), heavy rainfall can cause sudden flash flooding and severely reduced visibility; low-lying coastal roads are vulnerable and may become impassable, check local conditions before travelling in wet weather.