Car Travel in Cayman Islands

Driving is easy and usually enjoyable on Grand Cayman. Most visitors, especially if they're staying along Seven Mile Beach, are content taking taxis or a one-day tour to see the sights rather than renting a car. Traffic on the road from Seven Mile Beach to George Town then onto Bodden Town in Grand Cayman is terrible, especially during the 7 to 9 AM and 4:30 to 6:30 PM commuting periods, despite construction of a bypass road. Fortunately, roads are generally well marked and well maintained. One major coastal highway circumnavigates most of the island (remember that no shortcuts divide the extensive East End), though you can get lost in the tangle of side roads in primarily residential West Bay. Exploring Cayman Brac on a scooter is fun and straightforward. You won't really need a car on Little Cayman, though there are a limited number of jeeps for rent; bikes are the preferred mode of transport.

In the Cayman Islands, drive on the left, British style. Be mindful of pedestrians and, in the countryside, occasional livestock walking on the road. When someone flashes headlights at you at an intersection, it means "after you." Be especially careful negotiating roundabouts (traffic circles). Observe the speed limit, which is conservative: 30 mph (50 kph) in the country, 20 mph (30 kph) in town. George Town actually has rush hours: 7 to 9 AM and 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Park only in approved parking areas.

In Grand Cayman, you can find gasoline stations in and around George Town, the airport, and Seven Mile Beach. Although times vary, most are open daily with hours that extend into the evening; a few remain open 24 hours a day. There are two gasoline stations on Cayman Brac and one on Little Cayman. Prices are exorbitant, even compared to the Unites States and most of the Caribbean.

Grand Cayman Agencies

Ace Hertz (Owen Roberts Airport, Grand Cayman. 345/949-2280 or 800/654-3131. www.acerentacarltd.com). Andy's Rent a Car (325 Owen Roberts Dr., Owen Roberts Airport, Grand Cayman. 345/949-8111. www.andys.ky). Avis (Owen Roberts Airport, Grand Cayman. 345/949-2468. www.aviscayman.com). Budget (345/949-5605 or 800/527-0700. www.budgetcayman.com). Coconut Car Rentals (Owen Roberts Airport, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104. 345/949-4037 or 800/941-4562. www.coconutcarrentals.com). Dollar (Owen Roberts Airport, Grand Cayman. 345/949-4790. www.dollarlac.com). Economy (Owen Roberts Airport, Grand Cayman. 345/949-9550. www.economycarrental.com.ky). Marshall's (210 Owen Roberts Dr., Owen Roberts Airport, Grand Cayman, NONE. 345/949-0550. www.marshalls.ky). Thrifty (Owen Roberts Airport, Grand Cayman. 345/949-6640 or 800/367-2277. www.thrifty.com).

Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Agencies

B&S Motor Ventures (West End, Cayman Brac, KY2-2101. 345/948-1646. www.bandsmv.com). CB Rent-a-Car (Gerrard-Smith Airport, Cayman Brac, KY2-2101. 345/948-2424. www.cbrentacar.com). Four D's Car Rental (Spot Bay, Cayman Brac, KY2-2401. 345/948-1599). McLaughlin Rentals (Airport Village Square, Little Cayman, KY3-2501. 345/948-1000).