St. Barthélemy / St. Barth / St. Barts Car Rental, Getting Around
Car Rentals
To fully explore St. Barthélemy (St. Barts, St. Barth), a rental car is highly recommended. A valid driver's license is required. All major rental car companies and numerous local companies operate on the island.
Reservations in advance are suggested, especially in winter. Various types of vehicles are available, including tiny Smart cars and MiniCoopers plus other small sedans. Jeep-type vehicles to deal with the hilly terrain are popular and essential for some locations. Luxury cars are also available, as well as small SUVs and mini-vans for larger groups.
The island is crisscrossed with about 25 miles of narrow, winding, cliff-hanging roads, so cautious driving is essential. If you have an extra drink, please leave the driving to someone else. Also, do not select a stick-shift vehicle unless you normally drive one. The steep hillsides of this island are not a good place to reacquaint yourself with a standard transmission! The general speed limit is 45 km/h (28 mph).
There are two gas stations on the island, one near the airport and one in Lorient. Both are closed on Sundays, so plan ahead. There is an automated/credit card pump at the airport station, but most US credit cards without a "chip," as is common in Europe, do not work.
Taxi
There are two taxi stations in St. Barts, one at the airport and one in Gustavia. The Tourist Office can provide current information and phone numbers.
Bikes / Scooters
Motorbikes, mopeds and scooters are plentiful. They can be hazardous on the twisting roads and hilly terrain. Local law requires that you wear a helmet (casque). A motorbike or driver's license is required.
The island is crisscrossed with about 25 miles of narrow, winding, cliff-hanging roads, so cautious driving is essential. If you have an extra drink, please leave the driving to someone else. Also, do not select a stick-shift vehicle unless you normally drive one. The steep hillsides of this island are not a good place to reacquaint yourself with a standard transmission! The general speed limit is 45 km/h (28 mph).
There are two gas stations on the island, one near the airport and one in Lorient. Both are closed on Sundays, so plan ahead. There is an automated/credit card pump at the airport station, but most US credit cards without a "chip," as is common in Europe, do not work.
Taxi
There are two taxi stations in St. Barts, one at the airport and one in Gustavia. The Tourist Office can provide current information and phone numbers.
Bikes / Scooters
Motorbikes, mopeds and scooters are plentiful. They can be hazardous on the twisting roads and hilly terrain. Local law requires that you wear a helmet (casque). A motorbike or driver's license is required.
Car Rentals
To fully explore St. Barthélemy (St. Barts, St. Barth), a rental car is highly recommended. A valid driver's license is required. All major rental car companies and numerous local companies operate on the island.
Reservations in advance are suggested, especially in winter. Various types of vehicles are available, including tiny Smart cars and MiniCoopers plus other small sedans. Jeep-type vehicles to deal with the hilly terrain are popular and essential for some locations. Luxury cars are also available, as well as small SUVs and mini-vans for larger groups.
The island is crisscrossed with about 25 miles of narrow, winding, cliff-hanging roads, so cautious driving is essential. If you have an extra drink, please leave the driving to someone else. Also, do not select a stick-shift vehicle unless you normally drive one. The steep hillsides of this island are not a good place to reacquaint yourself with a standard transmission! The general speed limit is 45 km/h (28 mph).
There are two gas stations on the island, one near the airport and one in Lorient. Both are closed on Sundays, so plan ahead. There is an automated/credit card pump at the airport station, but most US credit cards without a "chip," as is common in Europe, do not work.
Taxi
There are two taxi stations in St. Barts, one at the airport and one in Gustavia. The Tourist Office can provide current information and phone numbers.
Bikes / Scooters
Motorbikes, mopeds and scooters are plentiful. They can be hazardous on the twisting roads and hilly terrain. Local law requires that you wear a helmet (casque). A motorbike or driver's license is required.
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French Caribbean International has been the premier guide to the French West Indies since 1994. We provide a wealth of helpful travel information for visitors to the Caribbean islands of St. Barthélemy (St. Barts, St. Barth, St. Barths), St. Martin / St. Maarten, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Les Saintes and Marie-Galante.