The Caribbean island of Saint-Barthélemy covers an area of just under 21 square kilometers. A main road covers most of the island’s coastline. To explore the island, car hire is essential, as there is no public transport. Renting a car is therefore the best choice.
You could of course rely on the island’s few cabs, but even a short journey can quickly become expensive, not to mention that they’re not always available when you need them. That said, if you don’t want to drive during your vacation, you could also opt for a private car service.
Let’s take a look at the best types of vehicle to book to get around Saint-Barthélemy. If you like adventure and lighter vehicles, you might also consider renting a motorcycle, scooter or ATV instead of a car to get around. It’s also a great way to discover the hidden corners of this French West Indies paradise. We’ll talk about that in this article.
What do you need to rent a car in Saint-Barth?
A valid driver’s license from your home country is all you need to drive in Saint-Barthélemy (provided you are over 18). It is strongly recommended that you reserve your vehicle in advance to ensure availability.
To be sure of getting the right model, use a local rental company rather than a franchise of a national company or a travel aggregator like Kayak.
We recommend Hertz, Toploc or Maurice car rental…
If you’re visiting Saint-Barthélemy during the December vacations, you should be aware that most rental companies require a minimum booking of 10 days. They may also impose penalties if you cancel 30 days or less before arrival.
Why choose a private car rental at the airport or in Gustavia?
Renting a car offers you by far the most freedom and flexibility. Saint-Barthélemy’s small size, combined with a well-maintained road network, makes it very easy to get around by car.
The main road starts from the capital Gustavia. It then passes the airport and follows the coast to Toiny, allowing you to pass most of the island’s villages and discover its most beautiful beaches.
We advise you to choose a small car, as the island’s roads are often narrow and windy (parking spaces can be tight). Whenever possible, opt for a four-wheel drive vehicle, as the island has some very steep hills that you’ll need to climb on your travels.
The most popular small vehicles for getting around the island are the Mini Moke. Quite simply, it’s Saint-Barthélemy’s most iconic car, as is the Mini Cooper. But there are plenty of other options, including the Suzuki Jimny, Kia Picanto and K-Roc.
Depending on the time of year and the model chosen, car rentals range from around €40 to over €150 per day. In Saint-Barthélemy, rental companies require a minimum seven-day reservation to benefit from a weekly rate, which reduces the average price per day.
Is it a good idea to book a scooter, motorcycle or quad bike instead of a rental car at Saint Barts?
To get around Saint-Barthélemy, we clearly recommend renting a car rather than a motorcycle, scooter or off-road vehicle.
It’s not always easy to get around on the island’s narrow, winding roads. And it’s much more dangerous on two wheels than in a car. However, it’s quite possible, and scooters in particular are very popular on local roads.
Rates for motorcycles or scooters vary, but are often between €25 and €40 per day.
Is there a bike rental agency on Saint-Barthélemy?
There are no real bicycle rental facilities on Saint-Barthélemy. If you want to cycle on the island, you’ll need to bring your own. If you can’t find any bikes to rent, it’s not by chance.
The island’s roads are very narrow, with no relief lanes or cycle paths. So there’s not much room for bikes. The island’s steep terrain when driving around the island is quite a deterrent!!!!
Some tips for driving your rental car in Saint Barthelemy
Driving in Saint-Barthélemy is easy enough, but you still need to choose the right vehicle. Smaller cars are preferable, as the island’s roads are all narrow two-lane tracks.
The advantage: short journeys, as Saint-Barthélemy’s dimensions are such that it’s unlikely you’ll have to drive more than 20 or 30 minutes between two destinations.
In Saint-Barthélemy, don’t forget that we drive on the right-hand side of the road, in compliance with the French highway code.
Most rental cars are equipped with automatic gearboxes, but manual gearboxes are available on request. Given the island’s terrain, automatic gearboxes are the best choice here.
On the main island, the speed limit is 50 km/h. Some roads are limited to 30 km/h.
But you’ll soon realize that, given the terrain and the nature of the roads, you’ll find it hard to go any faster. You’re on vacation in a dream location, so adopt the rhythm of your Caribbean adventure, slow down and enjoy the view!
The scenery is quite impressive from most points on the island. On the main coastal road, you’ll pass St Beach, Lorient Beach, Marigot Beach and the “Côte Sauvage” at Toiny. Although there is no roadside parking on Saint-Barthélemy, most beaches have small parking areas where you can stop and admire the view.
Surprisingly, there are no traffic lights on Saint-Barthélemy. Intersections are marked by stop or rotary signs to manage right-of-way. And be careful, as soon as you leave the capital Gustavia, there are no more traffic signs. So it’s essential to have a good map or GPS.
Another important note: keep an eye on your fuel gauge! Saint-Barthélemy has only two service stations: one at Gustaf III airport and the other at L’Orient. Both stations are closed on Sundays.
