Cayman Islands: By Car

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By Car

The major agencies have offices to the left as you depart the airport terminal in Grand Cayman; Andy's is to the right. All require that you walk outdoors for a hundred yards. Make sure your luggage is portable, because there's no shuttle; if there are two of you, one can watch the bags while the other gets the car. Many car-rental firms have free pickup and drop-off along Seven Mile Beach so you can rent just on the days you want to tour. Consider security when renting a Jeep that cannot be locked. Midsize cars here often mean subcompact, so you may end up with a car that you wear unless you check the model. McLaughlin is the only agency on Little Cayman, though you probably won't need to rent a car there.

Traffic on the road to Bodden Town in Grand Cayman is terrible, especially during the 7 to 9 AM and 4:45 to 6:30 PM commuting times, since this is the only eastbound throroughfare to and from town. Exploring Cayman Brac on a scooter is easy and fun. You won't really need a car on Little Cayman, though there are a limited number of Jeeps for rent.

Gas is more expensive than in the United States. If you're touring Grand Cayman by car, there's a well-maintained road that follows the coast; it's hard to get lost except in West Bay. Driving in the Cayman Islands is on the left (as in the United Kingdom), so when pulling out into traffic, look to your right and drive defensively.

Grand Cayman Agencies

Ace Hertz (345/949-2280 or 800/654-3131). Andy's Rent a Car (345/949-8111). Avis (345/949-2468. www.aviscayman.com). Budget (345/949-5605 or 800/527-0700. www.budgetcayman.com). Coconut Car Rentals (345/949-4377. www.coconutcarrentals.com). Dollar (345/949-4790). Economy (345/949-9550). Marshall's (345/949-2127). Thrifty (345/949-6640).

Cayman Brac & Little Cayman Agencies

B&S Motor Ventures (Cayman Brac. 345/948-1646). CB Rent-a-Car (Cayman Brac. 345/948-2424). Four D's Car Rental (Cayman Brac. 345/948-1599). Rent-a-Car Ltd. (Cayman Brac. 345/948-1515). McLaughlin Rentals (Little Cayman. 345/948-1000).