Europe > 🇬🇬Guernsey
Should You Hire a Car in Guernsey? This can be broken down into two similar questions - do you need a car in Guernsey (in other words, will your holiday be ruined without one), and is it worth hiring a car in Guernsey - i.e. is a car better value than using public transport? We'll weigh up both questions and give you a response generated by Chat GPT, together with our own curated opinion before finally giving a yes or no verdict at the end.
Should You Rent a Car in Guernsey? 🚗🌊
Guernsey, the second largest of the Channel Islands, offers a blend of British charm and French flair, with rugged cliffs, quiet lanes, and stunning coastal views. Many visitors wonder: should you rent a car in Guernsey? The answer depends on how much exploring you want to do — and how confident you are driving on narrow country roads with very low speed limits.
Guernsey’s road network is small and slow-paced, with most roads limited to 35 mph (56 km/h) and some lanes even tighter. Still, renting a small car gives you freedom to reach hidden bays, hilltop viewpoints, and rural villages at your own pace.
🚶 When You Don’t Need a Car
If your visit centres on St Peter Port, you won’t need a car at all. The capital is compact, walkable, and full of shops, museums, and seafront cafés.
| Area | Why a Car Isn’t Needed | Best Option |
|---|---|---|
| St Peter Port | Easy to explore on foot | Walking, local buses |
| Herm Island | Car-free paradise | Ferry from Guernsey |
| Sark Island | No cars allowed | Ferry + bicycle/horse cart |
| St Martin’s & South Coast cliffs | Well-connected trails | Bus or walking routes |
The island’s public bus system is excellent — flat fares, scenic routes, and reliable service to nearly every parish. It’s also a great way to meet locals and enjoy the relaxed island pace.
🚗 When Renting a Car Makes Sense
A rental car is ideal if you want to explore all corners of the island or stay outside the capital. Driving lets you visit Pleinmont Headland, L’Eree Bay, Vazon Bay, and Petit Bot, where bus services are less frequent in the evenings.
| Benefit | What You Can Explore |
|---|---|
| Coastal freedom | Hidden coves and beaches |
| Rural charm | Small villages and farms |
| Historic interest | WWII bunkers and museums |
| Convenience | Travel on your own schedule |
Compact cars are best, as roads can be extremely narrow and bordered by stone walls. Parking is free but often limited in busy summer months.
🚕 Alternatives
Guernsey’s buses, taxis, and e-bikes cover the island easily. You can even circle the entire island by bus on the 91/92 coastal route for just a few pounds.
| Transport | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus network | Budget sightseeing | Reliable and scenic |
| E-bikes | Active travellers | Hilly terrain, but rewarding |
| Taxis | Short transfers | Limited availability after dark |
| Walking | Coastal trails | Breathtaking views |
Can you rent a car in Guernsey and take it on the ferry to Jersey?
The short answer is: no, you generally cannot take a Guernsey rental car on the ferry to Jersey (or vice versa).
Here’s how it works 👇
Most local rental companies — such as Europcar Guernsey, Value Rent-a-Car, and Go Guernsey — do not allow vehicles to leave the island. The ferries between the Channel Islands (operated by Condor Ferries and Manche Iles Express) aren’t set up for one-way car hires, and insurance coverage is limited to Guernsey only.
Even though ferries do carry cars, the hire car’s insurance and registration restrictions prevent it from being driven or even transported elsewhere. The Channel Islands, while close together, are treated as separate jurisdictions, each with its own vehicle licensing and hire regulations.
If you want to visit both Guernsey and Jersey, the best option is to:
-
Return your hire car in Guernsey,
-
Take the ferry as a foot passenger, and
-
Hire another car when you arrive in Jersey.
It’s a simple switch, and both islands have compact, scenic road networks that make short-term car hire very easy.
🧭 Conclusion
Guernsey is one of those places where you don’t need a car to enjoy the essentials, especially if you’re staying in or near St Peter Port. However, a small rental car adds freedom for exploring remote bays, historic sites, and countryside lanes at your own pace. The island’s gentle traffic, low speed limits, and relaxed rhythm make it a pleasant — if slightly snug — place to drive.
