Grenada is a beautiful country with a lot to offer. However, the transportation there is often not ideal if you want to see all the hidden gems and nooks. If you’re traveling there, you’re probably wondering whether you need to rent a car or not.
Do you need a car in Grenada? You don’t need a car in Grenada, but renting will make getting around the island much easier. There are some caveats to driving in Grenada that may cause you to reconsider renting a car and instead, take the bus, hail a taxi or walk to your destinations.
If you’re on the fence about renting a car during your stay in Grenada, this article should help you make an informed decision. Read on to learn everything you’ll need to know about choosing the right form of transportation in Grenada.
Should You Rent a Car in Grenada?
It depends. If you can afford to rent a car in Grenada, are comfortable driving on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right, enjoy the thrill of other drivers going super fast on hairpin turned and steep roads, dodging pedestrians walking where ever they please, yes you should rent a car in Grenada. If any part of that driving scenario makes you uncomfortable, maybe you shouldn’t rent a car.
Still, there are some good reasons to at least consider renting a car in Grenada:
- Busses in Grenada don’t go to all the places where a car could. They can be quite crowded, and you might have to wait for a bus for a while.
- Taxis are expensive, and most won’t take you from one side of the island to the other.
- A rented car gives you the unique opportunity to stop when you feel like it and explore something you would have missed if you were on a bus or taxi.
However, renting a car can turn out to be expensive on this island. The average car rental rate is about $70 per day, which is quite a hefty price compared to car rentals in many other locations.
Another potential issue is the driving situation, as mentioned earlier. For people who learned to drive in countries where the steering wheel is on the left side, it can be difficult to get used to a different position. The roads are also quite narrow and tumultuous. If you are not a confident driver, renting might not be the best option.
In the end, it all depends on how you prefer to travel and what your needs are. To help you make an informed decision, let’s dive into the specifics of transportation in Grenada.
Transportation Options When in Grenada
There are several forms of transportation in Grenada, and each of them is worth looking into. From taxis to rented cars to buses or even ferries and planes when you want to visit the sister islands, there is a wide range of options available.
Renting a Car
Renting a car costs about $70 per day. To rent it and drive it, you will need a local license, which you can easily obtain simply by showing the rental company your regular driver’s license and paying for a Grenadian one. The cost of that is $25.
It’s best to book in advance to get the car that you want. Try to get a 4WD vehicle, as not all roads are in good condition. You will also have to get used to driving on the left side, with the steering wheel on the right.
To get around the island without making mistakes, you will need a map or a GPS. You can also ask for directions from locals if you find yourself without a cell connection.
When I visited Grenada, I took taxis and the bus to get around. I walked a bit as well. While riding on the bus and taxi, I decided I would never rent a car in Grenada. In the US, we drive on the right and steer on the left – the complete opposite of Grenada. If those were the only challenges to deal with, I might consider renting, but the driving style over there tipped me over the edge. Most drive fast and rarely signal when turning. Also, pedestrians tend to wander across the street, paying no attention to the drivers. Way too much stress for me!
But, there are plenty of visitors who rent cars in Grenada. If you’re up for it, you can rent a car at the airport as soon as you arrive or rent in one of many car rental stores located along the Grand Anse beach and throughout St. George’s.
The maximum time you can stay in Grenada without a visa is three months. Of course, renting a car for all of that time would put a serious dent in your budget, so you could rent only for those days when you need a car. For example, 4-5 day arrangements are common.
Some car rental companies will bring the car to your hotel, although it depends on the service. You can ask about this at the car rental service that you choose.
Renting a car is generally safe in Grenada, with sturdy, durable options. Roads can be challenging, which is why it’s recommended to drive during the daylight and avoid driving through the night. Be careful, especially if you’re there during the rainy season, since roads can be in bad condition then.
Parking space is generally ample, even at local restaurants and bars. However, it’s good to arrive at events early to avoid getting stuck. Make sure the hotel or resort you’re staying at has parking available.
If you’re planning to spend a few days in Carriacou or Petite Martinique, car rental services exist there, too.
Riding With Taxis
Taking a taxi is another option in Grenada. There are so many of them that you won’t be able to miss them — especially at the airport and around Grand Anse Beach. The rates are fixed, and no matter what taxi you choose, they will remain the same.
For instance, it will cost you around $13 to get from St. George’s to Grand Anse Beach. They usually work best for shorter routes, not as a way to visit attractions that are further away. Especially because using a taxi to get around can be expensive.
On Carriacou and Petite Martinique, the rates are not as expensive but still sufficient to affect your budget.
There are water taxis that you can use to get around on the water and get from one coastal attraction to the other. However, this doesn’t solve all of your problems.
There’s no Uber in Grenada, but taxis are generally reliable and easy to find. You can see the taxi fares on an official airport price list.
Going by Bus
For people not willing to rent a car or spend a fortune on taxis, a viable option is to use the bus for transportation. Usually, these are minibusses, and they can take you all over the island. The cost of going by minibus is about $1 to $5 EC, depending on the distance you have to travel.
You’ll find them on Melville Street, near the cruise terminal. They will take you to the towns in Grenada, Grand Anse Beach, and some other places, depending on what your agreement is. Make sure to ask about the fare before you get in.
The problem with minibusses is that they can be quite limiting. For example, they don’t run before 7 am and after 7 pm. They also don’t work on weekends — at least, most of the services don’t.
Still, it’s an amazing way to get around while getting to know the locals and learning about the culture and history of Grenada. It can be a fun adventure, and you know that your life is in the hands of an expert — they drive those roller-coaster roads every day, so they know best.
Make sure that you are specific about where you want to go. In some cases, especially if there’s no one else on the bus, they will take you to the specific place you want to see, but it will cost you a bit more.
Getting To Carriacou
Visiting the sister island, Carriacou is a great adventure and one worth taking. To get to the islands, you have different options – take the ferry or fly.
Take the ferry to Carriacou. One of the better services is Osprey Express, and you can find it on Carenage. The trip will take around an hour and a half and cost you about EC $180 for a return trip to Carriacou. It’s cheaper for children. You can check out their schedule on their website since it changes.
Fly to Carriacou. SVG Air flies to and from Carriacou once a day. A ticket for this trip will cost you around $185 EC each way. The flight from Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) in Grenada to Lauriston Airport (CRU) in Carriacou is very short, only around 20 minutes long. Always check their current schedule pricing and book in advance.
Happy Planning!
