hiring a vehicle or bike

You will need to hire a car if you want to see all that Barbuda has to offer, it’s the cheapest and easiest way to see the amazing beaches as there is no public transport here. However, hiring a car on Barbuda can be difficult; there are not as many vehicles available as in Antigua and cars are often out of action after being damaged on our bad roads – we do not have easy access to spare parts. Our main road is gradually improving but don’t expect international car-hire standards. For some this is an exciting off-road experience, for others it’s a nightmare of flat tyres and batteries! On an older car check the tyres, brakes, windows or a/c, and FWD before you pay for it, and take water and a phone if you are going out for the whole day.

You MUST buy a local driving licence (EC$50) if you don’t have one, which can be bought in Barbuda from the old airport building Monday to Friday. Your international licence does not cover you to drive here but if the office is closed you may still drive, as long as you buy one at the earliest opportunity.

Please book your vehicle directly with the owners who are often happy to meet you with it at the ferry, airport or guest house, so book a few days ahead where possible. On Barbuda we sometimes have delays with the import of petrol/gas/diesel in bad weather, so visit the service station early to make sure you can get fuel during your stay.