By Car in St. Barths

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By Car

Most travelers to St. Barths rent a car. The new St. Barth Shuttle service can be convenient and much less expensive than a taxi if you are just one or two people, but it still doesn't completely negate the need for a car.

You'll find major rental agencies at the airport. You must have a valid driver's license and be 25 or older to rent, and in high season there may be a three-day minimum. During peak periods, such as Christmas week and February, be sure to arrange for your car rental ahead of time. When you make your hotel reservations, ask if the hotel has its own cars available to rent; some hotels provide 24-hour emergency road service -- something most rental companies don't offer.

Roads are sometimes unmarked, so be sure to get a map. Instead of road signs, look for signs pointing to a destination. These will be nailed to posts at all crossroads. Roads are narrow and sometimes very steep, so check the brakes and gears of your rental car before you drive away, and make a careful inventory of the existing dents and scrapes on the vehicle. Maximum speed on the island is 30 mph (50 kph). Driving is on the right, as in the United States and Europe. St. Barths drivers often seem to be in an unending grand prix and thus tend to keep their cars maxed out, especially and inexplicably when in reverse. Parking is an additional challenge.

There are two gas stations on the island, one near the airport and one in Lorient. They aren't open after 5 PM or on Sunday, but you can use the one near the airport at any time with some credit cards, including Visa, JCB, or Carte Blanche. Considering the short distances, a full tank of gas should last you most of a week.

Information

Avis (0590/27-71-43). Budget (0590/27-66-30). Europcar (0590/27-74-34. www.st-barths.com/europcar/index.html). Gumbs (0590/27-75-32). Hertz (0590/27-71-14). St. Barth Shuttle (At the Mangliers, St. Jean. 0590/29-44-19). Turbe (0590/27-71-42. www.saint-barths.com/turbecarrental/).