Practical information
Where to rent a car in Barbados?
The island nation of Barbados is a part of the British Commonwealth, and is located in the eastern Caribbean. Its capital city is Bridgetown, which is home to attractions such as Harrison's Cave, George Washington House, and the Barbados Museum and Historical Society. The country's international airport is Grantley Adams International Airport, located in the parish of Christ Church; Barbados is also a popular cruise ship destination, and many visitors may arrive on the island by boat as well as by air.
Looking to rent a car and explore the beautiful island of Barbados by car? Car rental agencies operating in Barbados include Alamo Rent a Car, Hertz, Sixt and BC Car Rentals; branches can mainly be found at Grantley Adams International Airport. For many visitors, traveling by car is the best (and only) way to explore the island of Barbados, and see all the country has to offer.
What are the driving rules in Barbados?
In Barbados, driving is on the left hand side of the road, and seatbelts must be worn at all times. Cell phones are not to be used while driving, and drivers must pay attention to speed limits when driving in Barbados. These are usually 40km/h in urban areas; 60km/h on rural open roads; and 80km/h on the freeway, however look out for road signs as speed limits can vary. Barbados does not currently have a legal limit as to the amount drivers can drink before getting behind the wheel. However, it is highly recommended not to drink and drive – and to be aware of other drivers on the road.
When parking your car in Barbados, be sure to look out for a P sign indicating available parking spaces in urban areas. Alternatively, look out for paid parking lots in which to park your car. Be sure to lock your car when you park it, and if possible park in a secure, well lit area.
Road trips in Barbados
Thanks to its small size, rental car is a great way to explore as much of Barbados as time allows. From beautiful beaches to colonial architecture, vibrant cities to peaceful natural landscapes, join us as we explore three Barbados road trips to take on your island vacation.
Bridgetown
Bridgetown, the capital city of Barbados can be found on the southwest coast of the island nation. Barbados is a former British Colony, and remnants of its past as such can be seen in Bridgetown – British colonial architecture is evident throughout the city. Top attractions in Bridgetown include George Washington House, the Garrison Savannah horse racing track, and the Barbados Museum & Historical Society – not to mention beautiful beaches such as Carlisle Bay! Once you've explored Bridgetown, drive your rental car north for around 9 miles to Harrison's Cave. A limestone cave accessible to visitors, who can tour the cave by tram or on foot, it's a popular tourist destination in Barbados and a great day trip by rental car from Bridgetown.
Holetown
Found on the west coast of Barbados, Holetown was the first British settlement in Barbados. A small, relaxed town, it's the perfect place to get away from it all. There are plenty of places to eat in Holetown, while the town's boardwalk is a great option for scenic coastal strolls. From Holetown, road trip options include a day trip to Bridgetown, which is just an 8 mile drive away; and the beautiful Animal Flower cave, which can be found just over 13 miles away by car.
A road trip around Barbados
Thanks to its small size, visitors with a little more time to enjoy a vacation in Barbados can opt to enjoy a road trip around the entire island! Kicking off in Bridgetown, drive to beaches such as Bottom Bay and Mullins Beach; see areas of natural beauty such as the stunning Flower Forest botanical park and garden in central Barbados; and visit colonial sites such as the centrally located Tyrol Cot Heritage Village, a museum which also served at the birthplace of Barbados' first Prime Minister, Grantley Adams.