St. Lucia: By Car

• Sights & Beaches
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Entertainment
• Shopping
• Activities
• Travel Tips
• Features

By Car

To rent a car you must be at least 25 years old and provide a valid driver's license and a credit card. If you don't have an international driver's license, you must buy a temporary St. Lucian driving permit at car-rental firms, the immigration office at either airport, or the Gros Islet police station. The permit costs $22 (EC$60) and is valid for three months. Car-rental rates are usually quoted in U.S. dollars and range from $45 to $80 per day or $250 to $425 per week, depending on the car. Car-rental agencies generally include free pickup at your hotel and unlimited mileage.

St. Lucia has about 500 mi (800 km) of roads, but only about half (281 mi [450 km) are paved. All towns and villages are connected to major routes. The highways on both coasts are winding and mountainous -- particularly on parts of the West Coast Road. Driving in St. Lucia is on the left, British style. Observe speed limits, particularly the 30-mph (50-kph) limit within Castries. Respect no-parking zones; police issue tickets, and penalties start at about $15 (EC$40). Wear your seat belts. Gasoline is expensive.

Information

Avis (Vide Bouteille, Castries. 758/452-2700. Rodney Bay. 758/452-0782. Vieux Fort. 758/454-6325. Vigie. 758/452-2046). Budget (Castries. 758/452-0233. Vieux Fort. 758/454-5311). Cool Breeze Jeep/Car Rental (Soufrière. 758/459-7729. www.coolbreezecarrental.com). Courtesy Car Rental (Bois d'Orange, Gros Islet. 758/452-8140. www.courtesycarrentals.com). Hertz (Castries. 758/452-0679. Vieux Fort. 758/454-9636. Vigie. 758/451-7351).