Antilles : transport > within the islands : iles Saint Lucia, Guadeloupe, Sint Maarten ...

The English have left their mark... We still drive on the left. Be alert and use caution when driving on the roads because they are above all those of our Saint Lucian friends, and they know them better than we do.

Formalities

Temporary driving permits are issued by the immigration authorities at the two airports upon presentation of a foreign or international driving licence. The rate is 20 US$ or 40 EC$. Several car hire agencies can issue these temporary driving licences directly at their counter.[...]

In order to be permitted to drive in the West Indies, you must hold a national driver’s license, similarly to Metropolitan France. The road network, however, is not suitable for driving at the 90 km/h you are used to on the mainland. Roads are narrow, towns are at a close range and are not well signposted, and animals wander around without care for traffic, it is thus necessary to be prudent. Locals tend to drive extremely fast and we would suggest that you respect the speed limits and drive as carefully as possible.

Speed bumps are[...]

In order to be permitted to drive in the West Indies, you must hold a national driver’s license, similarly to Metropolitan France. The road network, however, is not suitable for driving at the 90 km/h you are used to on the mainland. Roads are narrow, towns are at a close range and are not well signposted, and animals wander around without care for traffic, it is thus necessary to be prudent. If you choose to rent a car, you will soon be confronted with the fact that locals tend to drive extremely fast, in spite of the narrow roads or even of[...]

There is no such thing as public transport on Anguilla, though hitchhiking does tend to work, sometimes.

Anguillians drive on the left. Temporary driving permits are obligatory, and can be purchased on presentation of a foreign or international driving licence. Validity of these permits is three months and they can be acquired at the police station in The Valley, Road Bay of the port of Blowing Point.

Before construction of the island’s unique road (built in 1950 with[...]

Collect your IGN (National Geographic Institute) map on arrival to Fort-de-France airport in the baggage reclaim area, or later on the island in any car rental shop.

Water flowing through the roads is a typical problem in the rainy season, though in certain towns locals have dug ditches to avoid the flooding of the roads. Climate is harsh on the bitumen, and local bridges and pavements must endure a permanent clash of elements, many roads are thus under construction all year round. All in all, however, thanks to[...]

A licence must be purchased (30 EC$/ 12€) and you must show your driving licence to the car hire company. This will allow you drive for three months on the island. Be wary of the bad condition of the roads and also driving, especially drivers of shared taxis. They are more often in the middle of the road rather than on the left and drive rather fast. Use your horn when approaching a curve with no visibility! Even if the government is trying to improve the road conditions, tropical storms and lorries take care of deteriorating the roads on a[...]

Saint Vincent transport is essentially based on cars, taxis or minibuses, pay attention to roundabouts, though, as they drive on the left. Minibuses run with regular timetables, but if you prefer to feel free, we suggest you rent a car. A local driver’s licence is to be purchased at a cost of 50 $EC, on presenting your national driver’s licence at the police station of Bay Street. Motorbike and bicycle rentals are also at your disposal.

Prudence, smile and courteousness are the three laws to respect on Saint Barth’s streets. Roads are scarce and narrow, and you are rarely permitted to surpass 45 km/h, so do your best to forget the 4th gear. When two cars meet, their drivers often say hello, as it is usually done in villages all over the world. As a result, be prepared to reach your destination rather slowly, and do not honk your horn if drivers stop awhile and engage in a short chitchat: this is just the done thing here. If you are late for your plane, smile[...]

A multitude of minibuses take you from one village to another, though they are by no means centralised, which accounts for the fact that each transporter determines his own tariffs and timetables. Minibuses are a fun way to discover the island and especially its inhabitants : you’ll meet many a local jammed between blankets, children, shopping bags and a good humoured atmosphere swinging to the interminable rythms of zouk.

Buses leave when they are full, so be prepared to wait your time. Though they are more than[...]

On Terre-de-Haut, you can choose between renting a scooter (this option not particularly well-seen by locals) and discovering the island on foot. Don’t expect to find a car-rental shop, as roads on the island are scarce: a mere 5 kilometres of path are suitable for motor vehicles. But never mind! Choose the adventure of walking around on foot, and you will stumble across places maybe even the locals have never seen.

Scooter rental

Scooter rental shops are easy to find around the port. Be careful[...]