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
$20 USD — usually handled at rental pickup
Best way around
Rental car
Ideal for beach hopping
Fuel tip
Fill early
Especially before remote exploring
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.
Drive on the left and take extra care at turns, roundabouts, and parking exits.
All visitors need a temporary driving permit ($20 USD) before driving in Anguilla.
A rental car makes beaches, restaurants, and scenic areas easier to reach on your own schedule.
Fill up in The Valley or main areas before remote beach trips or longer island drives.
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.
Use these three cards as your practical checklist before renting a vehicle or planning a beach-hopping day.
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.
All visitors must obtain a temporary Anguilla driving permit before driving locally. It costs $20 USD and most rental agencies process it for you when you collect your vehicle.
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.
Anguilla's roads are manageable, but visitors should drive slowly, stay alert, and respect local road conditions.
Most drives in Anguilla are uneventful, but it's worth knowing the basics before you're on the road.
Insurance terms vary by agency. Ask what's included versus what costs extra, and note the deposit and excess amount before you drive off.
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.
Lighting is limited outside The Valley and main villages. Drive cautiously after dark, especially on unfamiliar beach access roads.
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
Use these guides to compare rentals, prepare for left-side driving, and plan beach-hopping routes.
Compare rental companies, prepare for left-side driving, and plan your beach stops before you arrive.
No international permit is required. Visitors need a valid driver's license from home plus Anguilla's own temporary visitor driving permit, which costs $20 USD and is usually arranged by your rental agency at pickup.
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.
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.
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.
Written & verified by
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. All guides are written from firsthand experience or reviewed against verified local sources. Editorial policy →
