Driving across Antigua lets you discover hidden beaches, local villages, and scenic vistas beyond the resorts. However, to keep your adventure going, you’ll need to know where and how to refuel your rented vehicle. Antigua’s roads are not extensive. You can drive from the north to the south of the island in about 45 minutes, but stations aren’t on every corner. Regardless of the fuel policy of your chosen car rental company, this guide helps you know the locations and operating hours of fuel stations in Antigua to avoid penalties or extra charges at drop-off.
Antigua’s fuel stations (or petrol stations) operate similarly to those in many other countries. Petrol is sold by the litre and is generally of high octane. Most petrol in Antigua is unleaded, supplied by major companies. Diesel is also available at many stations for diesel-engine vehicles.
When you pull into a petrol station in Antigua, the staff will usually help you. You can just say "Full, please" or ask for a certain amount of fuel in EC$. A lot of petrol stations also have a small store where you can buy water, snacks and other things you need while you fill up. Keep in mind that cash is king at Antiguan petrol stations, unlike in some other countries where card payments are common.
Antigua’s fuel stations generally have set operating times and are not universally 24-hour. Many close by evening, and some may even shut unexpectedly due to island conditions or public holidays. A couple of stations in the St. John’s area have extended hours or round-the-clock service on certain days. For example, Dee’s RUBIS station is open 24 hours daily, and Percival’s RUBIS in St. John’s runs 24/7 from Thursday to Sunday. However, always assume that fuel stations might close early in rural areas or on quiet nights, and plan accordingly.
Knowing where to refuel in Antigua is crucial because stations are unevenly distributed across the island. The majority of Antigua’s petrol stations are concentrated in and around St. John’s, while there are fewer options in the central and southern regions. This means if you’re touring the island’s more remote areas, you should plan your fuel stops before leaving the more populated zones. Always check that you have enough fuel before you hit the road into less developed parts.
The north side of Antigua has several petrol stations. In St. John’s, you will find them along major roads such as Friars Hill Road, Old Parham Road, Independence Drive, and Sir George Walter Highway. For instance, there are stations at Friars Hill Road and Independence Avenue, and on Sir George Walter Highway which leads to the airport. These urban stations are convenient if you’re staying in town or arriving/departing via V.C. Bird International Airport. Just outside the city, there are stations on Sir George Walter Hwy and on Old Parham Road.
Moving towards the central part of Antigua, the number of stations drops. There is a petrol station in All Saints Village, which is roughly in the middle of the island. This can be a critical refueling point if you’re exploring villages like Liberta or heading toward the southern coast.
In the south of Antigua, options are fewer. For example, around the popular English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour area, you’ll find St. Paul’s Fuel Dock in Falmouth, which serves both boats and cars. This is a useful stop for those visiting Nelson’s Dockyard or the Shirley Heights lookout. On the southwest coast, near Jolly Harbour and the Johnson’s Point area, there is a station on Valley Road. This is convenient for travellers staying in Jolly Harbour or driving between the many beaches on the west coast. Further southwest, in villages like Urlings or Old Road, you have at least one fuel station. They might have shorter hours or occasionally run low on fuel.
Keep in mind that on Antigua’s east coast towards areas like Willikies, Half Moon Bay, or Long Bay, petrol stations are quite scarce. You might have to detour back towards the center at All Saints or Pares village or north to refuel. So, top up the tank whenever you’re in St. John’s or passing a station, even if you still have half a tank. This ensures you won’t be caught out in a region with no gas station nearby. Also note that some stations in smaller villages may close on certain days.
While prices can change with global oil trends, Antigua’s regulated market mean sudden spikes are rare. Overall, you’ll find that fuel costs won’t break the bank during your Antiguan road trips.
Fuel is affordable becayse the government sometimes subsidizes or caps prices to help consumers. Petrol is cheap enough that even locals will tell you it’s not a major expense. That said, always double-check current rates when you arrive. Prices are typically shown in EC$ per litre, so if you’re more familiar with US dollars, remember this approximate conversion: EC$2.70 ≈ US$1.00. So, if petrol is EC$3.60 per litre, that’s about US$1.33 per litre, or around US$5 per US gallon.
As mentioned earlier, cash is the preferred and the only payment method at Antiguan fuel stations. Some stations will accept US dollar bills as well, especially in tourist areas, but be aware of two things. You will likely get change in EC$, and they might use a slightly less favorable exchange rate if accepting USD. Credit cards are generally not accepted at gas stations in Antigua. Even if a station has a card machine, it might be offline or reserved for local fleet cards.
You usually pay after the attendant has filled your tank. The attendant will let you know how much you owe. Give the attendant your money directly, either in Eastern Caribbean currency or US dollars in small amounts. It's a good idea to have smaller bills on hand, like EC$50s, $20s, or $10s. If you give them a big bill, they might not always have change on hand. You don't have to tip the petrol station attendant, but if they did a great job, like cleaning your windscreen, a small tip of a few EC dollars or some loose change would be nice. You don't have to tip because the price of petrol already includes service.
Fueling up in a foreign country can be an adventure of its own. You’ll often get to interact with local Antiguans at the gas station, who are usually friendly and might even strike up a bit of conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask a local attendant for directions or recommendations while you’re there. With a full tank and a plan, you’re all set to explore every corner of this island paradise.
Rent a car in Antigua with Final Rentals and start your adventure right from V.C. Bird International Airport. With a simple booking process and a fleet of reliable vehicles, Final Rentals makes exploring Antigua comfortable and stress-free. Enjoy transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and 24/7 airport service. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
