How to Rent a Car in Dominica: Everything You Need to Know
Renting a car in Dominica is one of the best ways to explore the island’s lush rainforests, hidden waterfalls, and dramatic coastal roads at your own pace.
If this is your first time renting a car in a different country, don’t fret! We’ve got your back and will help you along the way.
While the process is relatively straightforward, there are a few key things to know before you hit the road.
From driving on the left side to obtaining a temporary local driving permit, being prepared will make your vacation in Dominica less stressful and more fun!
Whether you’re planning to navigate the mountainous terrain or just cruise between coastal towns, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to rent a car in Dominica.
What to Know Before Renting a Car in Dominica

Okay, you’ve booked your trip to Dominica, and now you need to figure out how to rent a car!
From where to pick up your rental car to how much it costs, to frequently asked questions.
Let’s answer all your questions about renting a car in Dominica.
Reasons why you should rent a car in Dominica

A lot of people often ask if renting a car in Dominica is worth it.
Our answer is absolutely YES!
Dominica is a mountainous island that is limited in options for public transportation.
Although you can hire a taxi to take you to most places, you’ll have to consider whether the taxi should wait for you (costing more) or find another taxi for your return trip or to another attraction.
What a hassle!
Renting a car in Dominica will save you time AND money if you’re looking to visit multiple places, especially those that are more remote, such as hiking to Middleham Falls or Boiling Lake.
However, renting a car isn’t for everyone. Here are a few reasons why renting a car in Dominica may not be for you:
- You only want to visit one attraction
- You are taking a tour which more than likely offers transportation
- You do not feel comfortable driving in another country with narrow roads and mountainous terrain
Where can you rent a car in Dominica?

Douglas-Charles Airport
Douglas-Charles Airport is the international gateway to Dominica, making this the most popular area to pick up a rental car.
Several of these car rental agencies operate either at or near the airport, including Avis, Hertz, and Happy Car Rentals.
We rented from Happy Car Rentals and were able to pick up our car within minutes of arriving in Dominica.
The Douglas-Charles airport in Dominica is tiny. So it won’t take you long to grab your bags and head out the door to pick up your car.
Roseau – Capital of Dominica
There are also many local car rental agencies in Roseau, catering to both locals and visitors.
Most visitors rent a car in Roseau if they are visiting Dominica via a cruise line.
Renting a car for a day in Dominica is a great idea to get away from the tourist crowd and see what this beautiful island has to offer.
Portsmouth – North Dominica
Surprisingly, there are quite a few rental car agencies in Portsmouth, Dominica.
You’ll likely want to rent a car here if you are visiting Dominica via a ferry from a nearby Caribbean island such as Guadaloupe, Martinique, or St. Lucia.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Dominica?

Renting a car in Dominica typically costs between $60-$80 per day, depending on the season, type of vehicle, and rental duration.
For context, we rented a Honda CR-V (FWD) for 6 days in Dominica during December and paid about $450 or 1200 XCD (Eastern Caribbean Dollar).
This cost includes the cost for the added Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which will protect you from having to pay any out-of-pocket costs if there is damage to your rental car.
Some credit card companies provide this coverage, but you must reserve the car using the credit card of the person who will be driving the vehicle.
Note: If you utilize your credit card company’s insurance, you will have to pay for the damages to the rental vehicle up front and then will be reimbursed by your credit card company after filing a claim.
In addition to the cost of the rental car, you’ll also need to purchase Visitor Driver’s Permit, which costs an additional $12.
And don’t forget about the cost of gas!
As of 2025, gas in Dominica costs about $1.50 (USD) per liter (or a little over $5 per gallon).
However, Dominica is a relatively small country.
Meaning you can drive from one end of the country to the other within a couple of hours. So we don’t think the price of gas should deter you.
Requirements for renting a car in Dominica

- A valid driver’s license from your home country or an International Driver’s Permit.
- A Visitor Driver’s Permit from the rental car company for $12, which is valid for one month.
- A valid passport.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is required for a security hold. Rarely will they allow a security deposit to be paid by a debit card or cash.
- Must be at least 25 years old and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years.
Tips & Tricks for Driving in Dominica

- Honk when you’re approaching a blind corner
You’ll be honked at more times in Dominica than any day in NYC.
However, these short honks are just a way of communicating to alert other drivers to be aware of you.
The roads in Dominica are very narrow, which means when you approach a blind corner, you’ll need to give a few short honks to notify oncoming traffic that you are there.
It’s also essential to listen for oncoming traffic and alerting honks, as you don’t want to come head-to-head with another car or large truck.
2. Try arriving to your destination before dark
Driving in the dark in Dominica is doable, but it’s not ideal.
The roads are curvy, narrow, and more difficult to navigate in the dark.
The sun sets after 6 pm in Dominica, so as long as you plan to arrive at your destination before that, you should be okay.
3. If you aren’t accustomed to driving on the left side of the road, consider renting an automatic transmission instead of a manual.
Going from driving on the right side of the road to the left side isn’t that challenging.
But adding a factor such as shifting gears with your left hand adds an entirely new level of difficulty.
Final Thoughts
Renting a car in Dominica is one of the best ways to truly experience the island’s natural beauty and hidden gems.
From exploring some of the best waterfalls in Dominica to driving to the Calibishie coast to see the indigenous Kalinago tribe — you’ll be able to set your own pace!
While there are a few things to consider—like cost, purchasing the insurance, or driving on the left side of the road — the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
Let us know if you have any questions that we didn’t get answered for you in the comments below!
FAQs
What side of the road do you drive on in Dominica? The left
Do you need a 4×4 vehicle in Dominica? It depends on what activities you are planning. We had an FWD car and had no problems driving from Roseau to Portsmouth, Calibishie, and Scott’s Head. Some beaches up north will require a 4×4; however, we were able to drive down to Batibou Beach without issues.
What are road conditions like in Dominica? Roads are often narrow and curvy. Most roads are paved and in decent condition.
What is the age restriction for renting a car in Dominica? At least 25 years old and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years.
Do you need a special permit to drive in Dominica? Yes, you will have to purchase a Visitor’s Driving Permit for $12 from the rental car company.
Do you have to purchase insurance (Collision Damage Waiver)? Although it’s not required, it’s highly recommended as you’ll be covered in the event of an accident or damage to the rental car.