Travel alerts & warnings
Antigua and Barbuda driving guide.
Driving in Antigua makes it easy to explore beaches, historic sites and villages, but narrow roads, potholes and limited lighting call for unhurried travel. Barbuda has fewer services and rougher roads, so arrange transport separately there rather than assuming you can take an Antigua rental across.
- Advisory
- Normal precautions
- Drives on
- Left
- Best season
- December to April…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautionin Antigua and Barbuda.
- Antigua and Barbuda is generally a safe destination for travelers.
- Antigua and Barbuda regularly experiences hurricanes. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in Antigua and Barbuda.
- Review our Travel Guidance for Antigua and Barbuda to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Driving there
Your permit in Antigua and Barbuda
- Antigua and Barbuda honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Not party to the 1949 convention; the International Driving Permit is honored.
- Requires presentation to local police and payment of a special registration upon arrival.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Antigua and Barbuda
Road rules and hazards
Wear seat belts, keep left and follow posted signs. Watch for pedestrians, roaming livestock and sudden potholes; avoid unfamiliar rural roads after dark.
Tolls
Neither Antigua nor Barbuda has toll roads. Attraction admission and parking charges may still apply.
Fuel
Refuel around St John's or along Antigua's main routes before exploring quieter coastal areas. Do not assume stations operate overnight; on Barbuda, confirm fuel availability with your rental provider before setting out.
Speed limits
Typical limits are 20 mph (32 km/h) in built-up areas and 40 mph (64 km/h) outside them, unless signs indicate otherwise. Road conditions often require substantially lower speeds.
Rental permits and police checks
Visitors need a temporary Antigua and Barbuda driving permit as well as a valid home driving licence; an IDP does not replace the local permit. Rental agencies commonly arrange it. Carry your home licence, IDP, local permit and rental documents for police checks, and confirm whether unpaved-road driving is covered.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Antigua and Barbuda
Nelson's Dockyard
English Harbour, southern Antigua · Approximately 40–50 minutes from St John's.
Explore restored Georgian naval buildings and the working harbour within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shirley Heights Lookout
Southern Antigua · Approximately 45–55 minutes from St John's.
Enjoy sweeping views over English and Falmouth harbours; take extra care on the winding approach and when returning after sunset.
Devil's Bridge
Indian Town, northeastern Antigua · Approximately 35–45 minutes from St John's.
See a natural limestone arch and powerful Atlantic surf; stay back from slippery edges and do not cross the arch.
Betty's Hope
Near Pares, eastern Antigua · Approximately 30–40 minutes from St John's.
Visit historic sugar-mill remains and learn about plantation life and the island's history of enslavement.
Half Moon Bay
Southeastern Antigua · Approximately 40–50 minutes from St John's.
A scenic crescent beach rewards the rural drive; exposed sections can have strong surf.
Princess Diana Beach
Southwestern Barbuda · Approximately 20–30 minutes from Codrington, Barbuda's main settlement; road conditions can extend the trip.
Visit a broad stretch of pale sand and turquoise water; confirm access conditions and arrange a suitable local vehicle.
Heading to Antigua and Barbuda?
Apply online in about ten minutes. We print and mail your permit, and you can track it the whole way.