- Apart from your driving licence, you’ll also need a visitor’s driving permit in Barbados. It costs BDS$10 (around £3.50) and you can buy it through your car hire company or at a police station.
- Keep petrol topped-up when heading to the north and east of the island. Petrol stations are plentiful but you may find slightly fewer options in the quieter regions.
- Seatbelts are compulsory for both drivers and passengers. Children under the age of five will require a child seat, which you can hire from the car rental company. Do this in advance to ensure you get the correct seat, or take your own.
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Search for the best car hire deals in Barbados
Opting for car hire in Barbados in 2017 has some distinct benefits. One is the feeling of complete freedom to explore this idyllic island as the will takes you, making discoveries for yourself along the way.
Another big plus of Barbados car hire is you’re not tied to timings, as you might be on a tour. If you fall head-over-heals for the golden sands of Gibbes Beach, or the vibrant buzz of Mullins, you can settle down and stay there all day.
Another big plus of Barbados car hire is you’re not tied to timings, as you might be on a tour. If you fall head-over-heals for the golden sands of Gibbes Beach, or the vibrant buzz of Mullins, you can settle down and stay there all day.
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Where should you explore?
Taking a mini road trip along the rugged north and east coasts is one of the highlights of Barbados car rental. Drive out to Fryers Well or Maycock’s Bay in the north, and Cattlewash Beach on the east coast. While you’re here, head up to St John’s Church for glorious views.
Bottom Bay and Foul Bay on the southeast coast are local favourites, or catch sunset from Miami Beach on the south coast. Folkestone Marine Park on the west coast is a good bet if you want to spend a day snorkelling and sunning.
Picnics and plantations
With Barbados car rental you can also take advantage of the island’s other natural attractions. Pack a picnic and drive out to fresh and leafy Welchman Hall Gully, once part of a plantation and now a tropical forest cave, and Barbados Wildlife Park for the chance to see tortoises and green monkeys.
Inland Barbados is great to explore by car – visit the impressive Harrison’s Cave, and the working plantation houses of St Nicholas Abbey and Sunbury Plantation House amid sugar cane fields.
Or drive up to Mount Hillaby, the highest point on the island, and be rewarded by panoramic views. Hike Barbados, an initiative from the Barbados National Trust, organises free hikes; check their website for dates, start points and where to park.
Find out more about the island’s attractions on our “What to do in Barbados” page.
Take a swing on the island’s golf courses
Golfers choosing car hire in Barbados can take a swing on the island’s golf courses at leisure. These include Barbados Golf Course, Royal Westmoreland Golf & Country Club and the three courses at Sandy Lane Hotel, which includes the exclusive 18-hole Green Monkey.
Where can you hire a car from?
The vast majority of holidaymakers collect their Barbados car rental at the airport. There is also the option of hiring a car part-way through your holiday, either in Bridgetown or by having it delivered to your hotel.
What’s it like to drive in Barbados?
While some routes are narrow and winding, the island’s network of roads is good. Driving is on the left and most cars are right-hand drive.
Observe the speed limit, which is 45mph on motorways, 37mph on country roads, and 20mph in cities, and don’t worry too much about getting lost. It’s really not a big place. Make sure you’ve got a good map or sat-nav if you prefer, or simply ask the locals.
It’s wise to remember that Barbados basks in tropical temperatures year-round - a vehicle with air-conditioning is a definite plus.
Top tips for Car hire in...
Barbados
Want to know what the other transport options are on the island? Take a look at our Getting around Barbados page.