By Car in Barbados

By Car

Barbados has nearly 975 mi (1,570 km) of paved roads that follow the coastline and meander through the countryside. A network of main highways facilitates traffic flow into and out of Bridgetown. The Adams-Barrow-Cummins (ABC) Highway bypasses Bridgetown, which saves time getting from coast to coast. Small signs tacked to trees and poles at intersections point the way to most attractions, and local people are helpful if you get lost. Remote roads are in fairly good repair, yet few are lighted at night -- and night falls quickly at about 6 PM year-round. Even in full daylight, the tall sugarcane fields lining both sides of the road in interior sections can hinder visibility.

You can find gasoline stations in and around Bridgetown, on the main highways along the west and south coasts, and in most inland parishes. Although times vary, you can find most open daily with hours that extend into the evening; a few are open 24 hours a day.

Drive on the left, British style. Be mindful of pedestrians and occasional livestock walking on country roads. When someone flashes headlights at you at an intersection, it means "after you." Be especially careful negotiating roundabouts (traffic circles). The speed limit, in keeping with the pace of life and the narrow roads, is 30 mph (50 kph) in the country, 20 mph (30 kph) in town. Bridgetown actually has rush hours: 7 to 9 and 4 to 6. Park only in approved parking areas; downtown parking costs Bds75¢ to Bds$1 per hour.

To rent a car in Barbados, you must have a valid driver's license and major credit card. A local driver's permit, which costs $5, is obtained through the rental agency. More than 75 agencies rent cars, Jeeps, or minimokes (small, open-sided vehicles), and rates are expensive -- about $55 per day for a minimoke to $85 or more per day for a four-wheel-drive vehicle (or $400 to $500 or more per week) in high season, depending on the vehicle and whether it has air-conditioning. Most firms also offer discounted three-day rates. The rental generally includes insurance, pickup and delivery service, maps, 24-hour emergency service, and unlimited mileage. Baby seats are usually available upon request.

Information

Coconut Car Rentals (Bay St., Bridgetown, St. Michael. 246/437-0297). Courtesy Rent-A-Car (Grantley Adams International Airport, Christ Church. 246/418-2500). National Car Rentals (Lower Carlton, St. James. 246/426-0603). Sunny Isle Sixt Car Rentals (Worthing, Christ Church. 246/435-7979). Sunset Crest Car Rental (Sunset Crest, Holetown, St. James. 246/432-2222).