Antigua is famous for its stunning beaches and vibrant harbours, but the charm lies beyond the typical tourist spots. By renting a car, you'll unlock secret bays, charming villages, and breathtaking hilltop views that most visitors never see. This guide is designed to help Canadian travellers navigate Antigua’s diverse roads, plan unforgettable road trips, sample mouth-watering local cuisine, and stay safe while exploring. Ready to embrace the freedom of the open road? Let’s get you prepared for the adventure ahead!
Driving gives you complete freedom. Public minibusses only cover main routes, meaning many beautiful coastlines and rural areas are inaccessible. With your car, you can stop whenever you want, whether for a sunrise swim at Darkwood Beach or to enjoy roti in a quiet village. You’ll also avoid expensive taxi fares and the hassle of rigid transport schedules.
Beyond practical convenience, self-driving lets you see life at a local pace. Spot fishermen hauling lobster pots at Carlise Bay, savour sugar-sweet guava juice from a roadside stall, or pause at a roadside church service on a Sunday morning. You can chase the golden hour to Shirley Heights or head inland to trace colonial sugar-plantation ruins without peering over the shoulder of a driver.
Before heading off to explore Antigua by car, it's important to know the requirements for renting a vehicle. Here’s what Canadian tourists need to keep in mind when preparing to drive on the island:
Finalrentals offers a straightforward booking process that Canadian visitors will appreciate. Choose from a fleet that ranges from fuel-sipping economy models to sturdy SUVs and spacious people-carriers. Each vehicle comes with comprehensive insurance coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can explore without worries.
To reserve, select your pickup dates, review transparent pricing, and complete the online form. You’ll receive instant confirmation and can amend or cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before collection. On arrival, your chosen car will be ready at the airport, port, or central city location—no lengthy queues, no hidden fees.
Our most popular options include compact models—ideal for winding town streets—and mid-sized SUVs with higher ground clearance for rural lanes. Family groups might prefer a seven-seater people-carrier, complete with anchor points for child seats. Finalrentals also offers extras such as GPS units and additional driver cover, all selectable during the simple online booking.
Whether planning to cruise along Antigua’s scenic coastlines or venture into quiet inland villages, Finalrentals makes it easy to find the right car for your trip. With flexible options, transparent pricing, and reliable support, you can enjoy the island on your terms—comfortably, confidently, and completely stress-free. Rent a car with Finalrentals and start your Antiguan adventure with confidence!
This gentle 20 km circuit begins at English Harbour, where the restored Georgian naval base invites a morning wander. Continue along Windward Road, skirting mangrove-lined inlets before arriving at Fort Berkeley. From there, climb the winding access to Shirley Heights, timing your visit for late afternoon. The hilltop panorama—framed by glittering harbours and hills—is even more enchanting when a steel-pan band sets the rhythm at sundown.
Head east from the Devil’s Bridge causeway along Fig Tree Drive, a scenic route lined with towering mahogany and citrus trees. After 12 km, turn onto a narrow track leading to Half Moon Bay’s horseshoe-shaped beach. The calm, turquoise waters are perfect for snorkelling, and there are peaceful picnic spots under casuarina trees. Continue to Green Island, a small islet surrounded by shallow reef flats—visiting here will make you feel like you've found your private lagoon.
A short drive from St John’s takes you uphill through emerald-green farmland to Signal Hill, where sweeping vistas cover Antigua’s entire coastline. Then descend to Betty’s Hope, the island’s first economic plantation. Interpretive panels tell the story of sugar cultivation and its human cost, making this both an enlightening and atmospheric stop. If you arrive on market day, local vendors may be selling homemade cane juice and traditional sweetmeats.
Follow the coastal ribbon past Five Islands towards Ffryes Beach. Here, shallow coral gardens teem with angelfish; bring your mask or rent snorkel gear nearby. Continue west onto Indian Town Point, where wave-worn cliffs plunge into the crystalline sea. Adventurous souls can time their arrival for low tide to scramble across tidal pools or even attempt a modest cliff jump into the surf below.
Antigua’s road network varies, so being prepared can make all the difference. Here’s what Canadian drivers should know before hitting the road:
Petrol stations are mostly found in popular areas like St John’s, Jolly Harbour, and Falmouth, while inland options are few and far between. Fill up whenever you pass a station, especially before heading east or north. Compact vehicles typically achieve 12–15 km per litre on coastal roads, whereas SUVs may average 8–10 km per litre. Factor these figures into your daily budget, alongside insurance and any one-way drop-off fees if you plan to return the car at a different location. Be aware of extra charges that may appear in the booking terms.
Safety should always be top of mind when driving in a new destination. Here are some key tips for staying safe on the roads in Antigua:
Being cautious and prepared will help ensure your Antiguan road trip is both enjoyable and worry-free.
Pack a small first-aid kit, high-visibility vest, and torch in case of roadside stops after dark. A hands-free phone mount will keep your device secure for navigation, and a portable charger ensures you never lose power. Sun protection—wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen—is vital when exploring exposed coastlines. A waterproof bag for valuables will safeguard your camera and electronics when you stop at waterfall pools or beachside bars.
Antigua is the perfect launchpad for a day trip to the stunning island of Barbuda. While ferries depart daily from St John’s, why not upgrade your experience with a scenic charter boat ride from English Harbour? Once you arrive, a thrilling 4×4 tour will take you through Barbuda’s pink-sand beaches and the breathtaking Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Check out Your Complete Guide to Island Hopping and Day Trips to Antigua for all the details.
By driving yourself, you gain the freedom to craft a personalised Antiguan itinerary—whether that means chasing sunrises at Rendezvous Bay, tracing pirate legends in Nelson’s Dockyard, or savouring village life in Bolans. With careful preparation—valid licences and permits, appropriate insurance, local driving knowledge, and a trusty vehicle—you’ll feel at home on every mile of Antigua’s road network.
Ready to uncover the island’s best-kept secrets? Rent a Car in Antigua today and begin your journey into secluded bays, vibrant settlements, and hillside lookouts. Safe travels and unforgettable memories await!
