St. Kitts and Nevis: By Car

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By Car

You can get by without a car if you are staying in the Frigate Bay-Basseterre area, but if you are staying elsewhere on the island (and if you wish to get out and dine around), you'll need to rent a car. On Nevis, you may wish to rent a car for a day or two of exploring, but roads are so poorly marked that it's often easier to just take taxis and guided tours.

On St. Kitts, present yourself, your valid driver's license, and EC$50 at the police station on Cayon Street in Basseterre to get a temporary driving permit (on Nevis the car-rental agency will help you obtain a local license for $24 at the police station). The license is valid for three months on both islands. On either island, car rentals start at about $40 per day for a compact; expect to pay a few extra bucks for air-conditioning. Most agencies offer substantial discounts when you rent by the week.

Agencies include Avis, which has the best selection of Suzuki and Daihatsu four-wheel-drive vehicles on St. Kitts. Delisle Walwyn also provides an excellent selection and the option of a replacement car for one day on Nevis if you rent for three days or more on St. Kitts. Agencies such as Noel's Courtesy Garage and Striker's Car Rentals offer a wide variety of cars and jeeps for exploring Nevis. TDC/Thrifty Rentals has a wide selection of vehicles and outstanding service; it offers a three-day rental that includes a car on both islands.

One well-kept main road circumnavigates St. Kitts and is usually clearly marked, making it difficult to get lost, though the northeast can get a bit bumpy, and the access roads to the plantation inns are notoriously rough. The roads on Nevis are fairly new and generally smooth, at least on the most-traveled north, west, and south sides of the island. The east coast has some potholes, and pigs, goats, and sheep still insist on the right-of-way all around the island. Drivers on both islands tend to travel at a fast clip and pass on curves, so drive defensively. Driving is on the left, British-style, though you will probably be given an American-style car.

Information

Avis (S. Independence Sq., Basseterre, St. Kitts. 869/465-6507). Delisle Walwyn (Liverpool Row, Basseterre, St. Kitts. 869/465-8449). Nevis Car Rentals (Newcastle, Nevis. 869/469-9837). Noel's Courtesy Garage (Farms Estate, Nevis. 869/469-5199. www.noelcarrental.com). Striker's Car Rental (Hermitage Rd., Gingerland, Nevis. 869/469-2634). TDC/Thrifty Rentals (Central St., Basseterre, St. Kitts. 869/465-2991. Bay Rd., Charlestown, Nevis. 869/469-5690 or 869/469-1005. www.tdclimited.com/thriftyrentals).