North America > Antigua-Barbuda > Antigua (St John’s) (ANU)
The Car or no Car advice for Antigua (St John’s) can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Antigua (St John’s) ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Antigua (St John’s) ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Antigua (St John’s)?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🚶 Why You Don’t Always Need a Car
First of all, many visitors come to Antigua to relax. If you’re staying in a resort area, you may be perfectly happy staying local.
🌟 Go Car-Free If:
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You’re staying in an all-inclusive resort
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You plan to spend most days on the beach
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You prefer using taxis for short, occasional trips
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You’re happy joining organised excursions to places like Shirley Heights
Because many resorts include shuttles or have taxis waiting outside, a car isn’t essential for a slow-paced holiday.
➡ In short: beach-based travellers can skip the car.
🚕 Taxis Are Easy to Use
Antigua’s taxis are regulated, and drivers know the island well. They are widely available at:
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Hotels
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The airport
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Cruise terminals
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Major beaches
Prices are fixed within zones, but longer trips can cost more than many expect.
➡ Taxis offer convenience, especially for travellers who prefer not to drive on the left.
🚌 Public Transport Is Limited for Tourists
Minibuses run between St. John’s and a few local villages. They’re cheap and lively, but they rarely reach:
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Resort areas
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Viewpoints
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Remote beaches
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National parks
They’re designed for locals, not visitors carrying beach bags or day-trip gear.
➡ Most tourists won’t rely on public buses.
🚗 When Renting a Car Improves the Trip
However, Antigua shines when you get beyond the resort. A rental car makes it easy to explore hidden beaches and historical sites at your own pace.
A Car Helps If You Want To:
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Visit Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbour
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Drive up to Shirley Heights outside tour hours
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Spend a day at quiet spots like Half Moon Bay
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Explore the island’s interior viewpoints
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Try different beaches each day (there are 365 of them!)
Roads are generally safe, and driving on the left becomes easy after a few minutes.
➡ For exploring the entire island, a rental car is ideal.
🌊 Do Most Tourists Stay in St. John’s?
No — most visitors stay outside the capital.
Popular areas include:
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Dickenson Bay
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Runaway Bay
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Jolly Harbour
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English Harbour
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Hodges Bay
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Half Moon Bay
Since St. John’s is mainly a shopping and cruise port stop, very few tourists base themselves there. And because resorts are spread out, even short distances can feel long without independent transport.
➡ The island’s geography naturally pushes many travellers toward renting a car.
🧭 Quick Decision Table
| Your Plan in Antigua | Car Needed? |
|---|---|
| Resort stay with beach days | ❌ No |
| Occasional short taxi rides | ❌ No |
| Visiting one or two major attractions | ❌ No |
| Beach-hopping around the island | ✅ Yes |
| Exploring English Harbour + Shirley Heights freely | ✅ Yes |
| Seeking remote coves and viewpoints | ✅ Yes |
🎯 Conclusion: Should You Rent a Car in Antigua?
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🚫 Skip the car if you want a simple beach holiday and plan to rely on taxis or tours, especially when staying in a major resort.
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🚗 Rent a car if you want to explore Antigua’s beaches, harbours, lookout points, and historic areas at your own pace, because the island spreads out more than people expect.
