Car Rental in Saint Vincent - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Saint Vincent is highly recommended for tourists wanting to explore beyond Kingstown. The island's mountainous terrain, scenic coastal roads, and remote beaches are best accessed with your own vehicle, offering the flexibility to discover hidden waterfalls, hiking trails, and local villages at your own pace. Car rental is ideal for countryside exploration, visiting the Botanical Gardens, reaching the La Soufrière volcano trailhead, and touring the leeward coast. However, skip the rental if you're staying primarily in Kingstown, where narrow streets, limited parking, and compact distances make walking more practical. Saint Vincent drives on the LEFT side of the road (British system), which requires adjustment for visitors from right-hand driving countries. Road conditions vary significantly—main routes are generally paved but can be narrow and winding, while rural roads may be steep with sharp curves and occasional potholes. Mountain driving requires confidence with hairpin turns and limited guardrails. A temporary local driving permit is required alongside your home license. For current rental rates and vehicle availability, check the booking options below.

Local Driving Permit

Saint Vincent requires visitors to obtain a temporary local driving permit upon arrival. This is typically arranged through your car rental agency at the airport or their office.

Valid Driver's License

You must present a valid driver's license from your home country. This will be used along with the temporary local permit to legally drive in Saint Vincent.

Minimum Age

Most rental agencies require drivers to be at least 21-25 years old. Check specific age requirements with your chosen rental company as policies vary.

Credit Card

A valid credit card in the driver's name is typically required for the security deposit. Debit cards may not be accepted by all rental agencies.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is usually included in rental rates, but coverage levels vary. Consider purchasing additional collision damage waiver (CDW) or comprehensive coverage for better protection.

International Driving Permit

While not always mandatory, an IDP is recommended as a supplement to your home license. Verify current requirements with your rental agency before travel.

Rent from E.T. Joshua Airport (SVD) upon arrival for convenience, as most international agencies and local operators have desks there - book ahead during peak season as the island has limited rental inventory.

Before driving off, verify you have the temporary local driving permit (required for foreign licenses), check the vehicle thoroughly for existing damage, and confirm whether you're driving a right-hand drive vehicle on the left side of the road.

GPS coverage can be limited in rural areas - download offline maps beforehand and ask your rental agency for a local map, as many destinations are best found using landmarks rather than street addresses.

Fuel stations are primarily located in Kingstown and main towns, so fill up before heading to remote areas - for parking, use designated areas in Kingstown as street parking is limited, and always secure your vehicle.

Return the car with the agreed fuel level and allow extra time for the inspection process - confirm the return location with your agency as some accept returns outside business hours with prior arrangement.

Mountain roads in Saint Vincent are narrow, winding, and often lack guardrails, with steep drop-offs and limited visibility around curves - drive slowly and use your horn before blind corners as locals do.

Roads can become hazardous during and after rain due to poor drainage, landslides, and slippery surfaces, particularly on hillside routes - avoid driving in heavy rain if possible and watch for debris on roadways.

Driving is on the left side of the road (British style), and many rental vehicles have right-hand drive - allow extra time to adjust if you're accustomed to driving on the right, especially on narrow mountain roads.

Livestock, pedestrians, and minibuses stopping unexpectedly are common road hazards - remain alert in villages and rural areas where animals may wander onto roads and local transport makes frequent unannounced stops.