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Driving a car or motorcycle in Antigua can be a great option for making your way around the entire island. Visitors should use extreme caution when driving, keeping in mind that conditions and procedures on the road will not always be familiar. Being aware of local regulations and dangers will increase your safety while on the road.
Visitors to Antigua can obtain a temporary six-month license with a valid driver's license and a fee of $20(USD). Drivers stay to the left side of the road, so Americans and most Europeans will need to adapt to this significant change. Permits can be obtained from the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board (268-460-8300 or 268-460-8301) or from rental companies. Major international rental companies are generally safer to rent from. Motorcycles, for rent in Jolly Harbour, can be risky on Antigua's unpredictable roads, but they are also a great way to dart from place to place.
Large main
roads in Antigua are in relatively good condition, but smaller roads
may be more rugged and undeveloped. Slow-moving vehicles and animals
often crowd roads that already have significant numbers of potholes
and bends. There is a 40 mph speed limit that is generally not
enforced or regulated, and drivers should always be on the defensive
for damaged roads or aggressive and fast drivers.
Most roads lack signposts or directional guides, so drivers will want to study maps and ask for directions. Many vehicles may also lack functioning signal and brake lights, and buses are generally crowded and move quickly through traffic. Travelers going to remote locations should secure the rental of a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The Bureau of Consular Affairs has posted its general road safety guidelines.
While car rentals and gasoline can be expensive and roads unpredictable, renting a car or motorcycle can still be a good way of getting around Antigua. Those who choose to take this route should educate themselves about the local terrain and exercise caution while on the road.
From bicycles to taxicabs, there are a number of options for seeing the sites on Antigua.
Smart travelers know that making good travel plans can help you design the vacation of your dreams.
Once you've decided to set sail for Antigua on your own, be sure to consult this informative article.