Sunday July 06, 2008

Travelers may find rental cars the most convenient way to see the Virgin Islands

Rent A Ride

On the larger Virgin Islands, renting a car means being able to explore the area without sharing a cab with strangers or deciphering complex bus schedules. Rates vary greatly, depending on the island and the type of the car you want. Daily rates should fall somewhere between $50(USD) and $80(USD); weekly rates should be between $300(USD) and $500(USD).

The age requirement for renting a car is 25, although some companies may be willing to rent to drivers over the age of 21 for an additional daily surcharge. All of the agencies on the Virgin Islands adhere to these rules.

Roadways on both the British Virgin Islands and their U.S.-owned counterparts should be approached from the left, in the European fashion. Cars, however, are generally imported from America and retain the driver's seat on the left hand side. Plenty of one-way streets keep drivers on their toes, but the local drivers tend to be courteous and patient, and serious accidents are not frequent. Local law states that seat belts should be worn on all of the islands.

British Virgin Islands

Visitors planning on driving in the British Virgin Islands must obtain a British Virgin Island drivers license. A valid license issued by a travelers' home country and $10(USD) are needed to procure a BVI permit.

On Anegada

Company Name Telephone Number
ABC Car Rentals 284-495-9466
Anegada Reef Hotel 284-495-8002
D. W. Jeep Rentals 284-495-9677

On Tortola

Company Name Telephone Number
Avis 284-494-3322
Hertz 284-495-4405
Itgo 284-494-2639
National 284-494-9387

On Virgin Gorda

Company Name Telephone Number
Hertz 284-495-5803
L & S Jeep Rental 284-495-5297
Mahogany Rentals & Taxi 284-495-5469
Speedy's Car Rental 284-495-5240

U.S. Virgin Islands

Visitors may operate a vehicle in the U.S. Virgin Islands for up to 90 days on a valid drivers license issued by their home country. For time periods longer than 90 days, travelers should get an International Drivers License.

On St. Croix

Company Name Telephone Number
Avis 340-778-9355
Budget Rent-A-Car 800-227 3359
Centerline Car Rentals 888-288-8755
340-778-0450
Hertz 888-248-4261
340-778-1402
Judi of Croix 877-903-2123
340-773-2123
Olympic Rent-A-Car 888-878-4227
340-773-8000
Skyline Car Rental 877-719-5990
340-719-5990

On St. John

Company Name Telephone Number
Conrad Sutton Car Rental 340-776-6479
Courtesy Car & Jeep 340-776-6650
Hertz 340-693-7580
Paris Car Rental 340-776-6171
Sun & Sand Car Rentals 340-776-6374

On St. Thomas

Company Name Telephone Number
Avis 800-331-0184
Budget Rent-A-Car 800-626-4516
Dependable Car Rental 800-522-3076
Hertz 800-654-3001

When planning your budget for a rental car, don't forget to factor in additional costs such as gasoline. Parking difficulties should also be carefully considered. Although most of the islands are not crowded, it is not always easy to find a parking space in the largest towns.

However, the independence that rental cars afford travelers can be invaluable, and the convenience of having a vehicle at your own disposal is undeniable. Overall, the expense is probably comparable to that of using taxis as a primary mode of transportation.