Driving in Anguilla
Everything visitors need to know about driving in Anguilla: left-side driving, visitor permits, road rules, fuel stops, rental cars, and beach-hopping tips.
Driving side
Left side
Main adjustment for visitors
Visitor permit
Required
$25 USD, usually handled at rental pickup
Best way around
Rental car
Ideal for beach hopping
Fuel tip
Fill early
Especially before remote exploring
Driving in Anguilla is simple once you adjust to the left.
Anguilla is a small, relaxed island that is easier to navigate than most larger destinations. The biggest adjustment for most visitors is driving on the left side of the road and taking extra care around roundabouts, turns, villages, and beach access lanes.
A rental car is one of the best ways to explore Anguilla at your own pace, especially if you want to visit multiple beaches, restaurants, and scenic spots. There is no public transportation on the island, so your choices are a rental car or taxis.
Main adjustment
Drive on the left and take extra care at turns, roundabouts, and parking exits.
Permit required
All visitors need a temporary driving permit ($25 USD) before driving in Anguilla.
Best for exploring
A rental car makes beaches, restaurants, and scenic areas easier to reach on your own schedule.
Fuel before exploring
Fill up in The Valley or main areas before remote beach trips or longer island drives.
Remember: Anguilla drives on the left
If you normally drive on the right, your first few turns are where you need the most focus. Slow down, follow the road flow, and take extra care when entering or leaving parking areas and driveways.
What Visitors Need to Know
Use these three cards as your practical checklist before renting a vehicle or planning a beach-hopping day.
Drive on the left
Anguilla follows left-side driving. If you normally drive on the right, take your first day slowly and stay extra focused at turns, junctions, and roundabouts.
- Stay left after turning
- Slow down near roundabouts
- Use extra care when leaving parking lots
- Give yourself time to adjust on day one
Temporary driving permit
All visitors must obtain a temporary Anguilla driving permit before driving locally. It costs $25 USD, is valid for 3 months, and most rental agencies process it for you when you collect your vehicle.
- Bring your valid home driver's license
- Ask your rental agency to process the permit
- The permit costs $25 USD and is valid for 3 months
- Keep your permit and home license with you while driving
Rental car freedom
A rental car is one of the easiest ways to explore Anguilla because beaches, restaurants, ferry areas, and villages are spread across the island with no public transportation.
- Best for beach hopping and day trips
- Helpful for families carrying beach gear
- Useful for dinner and sunset plans
- More flexible than relying on taxis all day
Rules of the Road
Anguilla's roads are manageable, but visitors should drive slowly, stay alert, and respect local road conditions.
Speed Limits
- 30 mph (48 km/h) is the common general limit
- 20 mph (32 km/h) near villages and schools
- Slow down near pedestrians, animals, and narrow roads
- Do not rush even when roads feel quiet
Roundabouts
- There are only about five on the island, so each one is worth taking slowly
- Look right and yield to traffic already in the roundabout
- Enter when clear and go round clockwise. Do not rush
- Signal clearly when exiting into the left lane
Road Conditions
- Main roads are generally paved and manageable
- Some beach access roads may be rough or unpaved
- Remote beaches may require a higher-clearance vehicle
- Avoid unfamiliar remote roads after heavy rain
- The Jeremiah Gumbs Highway from Blowing Point to The Valley is one of the smoothest stretches
- On narrow sections, slow down and keep off soft shoulders, especially after rain
Staying Left
- Keep yourself closer to the center line than the curb. That's where you belong
- Most mistakes happen after turns and when pulling out of parking, so say "stay left" until it sticks
- Most rental cars are left-hand drive automatics, so only the road side changes
- Ask a passenger to call out junctions and check your lane position
Driving at Night
- Main roads are lit; side roads and dirt tracks get dark quickly
- Pedestrians, cyclists and animals are harder to see than you expect
- Arriving late? Keep the first drive short and stick to main roads
- Set your navigation before you move, not while driving
Permit, Age & Pickup
- Make sure your temporary permit is issued before you drive off the lot
- Most agencies require drivers to be 25+; some rent to 23–24 with a young-driver fee
- Video the car's exterior and note existing scratches before leaving the lot
- Check for a spare tire and jack, and ask what insurance is included
Insurance, Breakdowns & Accidents
Most drives in Anguilla are uneventful, but it's worth knowing the basics before you're on the road.
Confirm coverage upfront
Insurance terms vary by agency. Ask what's included versus what costs extra, and note the deposit and excess amount before you drive off.
Breakdown or accident
Call your rental agency first for roadside guidance. For accidents, also notify local police. You'll likely need a report for insurance or deposit purposes.
Night driving caution
Lighting is limited outside The Valley and main villages. Drive cautiously after dark, especially on unfamiliar beach access roads.
Fuel up before remote exploring
Anguilla is small, but it is still smart to refuel before long beach days, East End drives, or remote beach exploring. Fuel stations are concentrated in The Valley and main areas, so do not wait until your tank is almost empty.
Hidden beach guide →Fuel stations are available in The Valley and other main areas
Some stations may have limited hours. Do not leave refueling too late
Carry some cash just in case card payments are unavailable
Fuel prices tend to be higher than many visitors are used to
Fill up before East End drives or remote beach exploring
Keep Planning Your Anguilla Drive
Use these guides to compare rentals, prepare for left-side driving, and plan beach-hopping routes.
Rent the right car and explore Anguilla at your own pace
Compare rental companies, prepare for left-side driving, and plan your beach stops before you arrive.
Driving in Anguilla FAQ
Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Anguilla?
No international permit is required. Visitors need a valid driver's license from home plus Anguilla's own temporary visitor driving permit, which costs $25 USD and is usually arranged by your rental agency at pickup.
What happens if I break down or have an accident?
Contact your rental agency first. Most have a number for roadside issues and will advise on next steps. For accidents, also notify local police, since you'll likely need a report for insurance or deposit purposes.
Is insurance included with rental cars in Anguilla?
Coverage varies by agency. Confirm what's included in your rate versus what costs extra, and check the deposit and excess amount before you drive off. See the car rental guide for what to compare between agencies.
Are roads well-lit for night driving?
Lighting is limited outside The Valley and main villages. If you're not used to driving on the left, it's worth being extra cautious (or avoiding) unfamiliar roads after dark, especially near beach access lanes.
About the author
Jahmal RichardAnguilla Local
Jahmal Richard is a born-and-raised Anguillian who regularly uses the Blowing Point ferry crossing for personal and business travel. He built Anguilla Ferry Times to give travelers clear, locally verified ferry schedules, practical planning tools, and honest island guidance. Read Jahmal’s background · Editorial policy →