Guadeloupe enjoys relatively well-maintained roads, and Guadeloupe car rentals are a popular way to get around the archipelago. Although Guadeloupe is an island nation, the two main islands, Grande Terre and Basse Terre, are quite large and share a good network of roads. It is possible to explore most of Grande Terre and Basse Terre by car, making Guadeloupe car rentals an excellent option for transportation during your vacation.

If you are coming from North America, you are in luck, as drivers keep to the right side of the road in Guadeloupe. Infrastructure is good, and roads are well paved and maintained, making driving and cycling popular modes of transportation here. Road signs and symbols are similar to what they are in France, and English-speaking drivers should be aware that signage will be in French.

Drivers looking for Guadeloupe car rentals will need a valid driver's license from their home country if they are staying in Guadeloupe for fewer than twenty days, though an international driver's license is required for longer stays. Car rentals are generally quite reasonably priced, and you should be able to get a better deal if you rent a car for a week or longer. Be aware that many rental companies may require a minimum age of 25 in order to rent a car, so before looking for where to rent a car in Guadeloupe, check that you are eligible.

Guadeloupe Map

Many secluded resorts and attractions in Guadeloupe are only accessible by taxi or by rental car, such as many trails in the mountainous areas of Basse Terre. Taxis operate by meter, so if you are planning to do extensive traveling in Guadeloupe, a car rental may be your best option.

If you're looking for where to rent a car in Guadeloupe, the most popular and convenient location is at the airport in Pointe-a-Pitre. Several car rental companies operate at the Le Raizet airport, allowing you to pick up the car when you arrive and drop it off when you leave. Some tour companies even offer the services of a tour guide, if you should desire a guided tour of the island. From Pointe-a-Pitre you can easily explore most of the heavily touristed areas of Grande Terre, and you can cross the Riviere Salee into the wilder regions of Basse Terre. Basse Terre is a wonderful place to explore by car, as a well maintained road follows the coast for the entire loop around the island.

After you have found where to rent a car in Guadeloupe, be careful of your safety while driving. Keep a road map in the car, as less heavily-trafficked roads may not be well marked. Be aware that drivers in Guadeloupe are more aggressive than you may be used to, and that roads may not be well-lit at night. Do not keep valuables in the car, as petty theft is quite common. Be cautious when driving in stormy weather, particularly in the hurricane season of June to November, as well as when driving in mountainous areas.