North America > 🇰🇾 The Cayman Islands
The city by city Car or no Car advice for The Cayman Islands can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in The Cayman Islands; 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 The Cayman Islands?
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 The Cayman Islands?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in The Cayman Islands
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| George Town | GCM |
🏝️ Should You Rent a Car in the Cayman Islands? 🚗🐠
The Cayman Islands are famous for luxury living, world-class diving, Seven Mile Beach, Stingray City, and easy island vibes. With three islands—Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman—your transport needs depend heavily on where you stay and what you plan to do. So, should you rent a car in the Cayman Islands? Let’s break it down island by island to help you choose confidently.
🚫 When You Might Not Need a Car
If you’re staying in a resort along Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman and plan to relax, dive, and dine nearby, you can get around easily without renting a vehicle.
✅ Car-Free Situations
| Location | Why You May Not Need a Car | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Seven Mile Beach area | Resorts, restaurants, and beaches are walkable | Taxi, shuttle, walking |
| Cruise ship visitors | Attractions are close to port | Guided excursions |
| Little Cayman | Tiny island with just one paved road | Bicycle or golf cart |
➡ If your trip is mostly about relaxing, diving, or staying in one area, taxis and shuttles will cover your needs.
🚗 When Renting a Car Makes Your Trip Better
To explore beyond your hotel, especially on Grand Cayman or Cayman Brac, a rental car gives you independence and access to hidden beaches, local restaurants, scenic blowholes, hiking trails, and quiet coastal roads.
✅ Reasons to Rent a Car
| Benefit | What You Can Experience |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | Visit Rum Point, East End, and local food spots |
| Scenic freedom | Drive to blowholes, caves, and viewpoints |
| Cost-effective | Cheaper than multiple taxi rides |
| Island hopping | Cayman Brac requires a vehicle to explore fully |
🚙 Best Islands for Renting
| Island | Driving Experience | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Cayman | Great roads, lots to see | ✅ Yes, best explored by car |
| Cayman Brac | Nature trails and caves | ✅ Yes, essential |
| Little Cayman | Tiny and quiet | ❌ No, bike or golf cart only |
🚦 Driving in the Cayman Islands
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You drive on the left-hand side
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Roads are well-maintained
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Roundabouts are common
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A temporary driving permit is issued when you rent a car
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Parking is free in most areas
🚕 Alternatives to Renting
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Short trips | Convenient but can be pricey |
| Hotel shuttles | Resort transfers | Often included in packages |
| Bicycles/golf carts | Little Cayman | Perfect for slow travel |
| Guided tours | Stingray City, caves | Transport included |
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Traveller Type | Car Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Seven Mile Beach visitor | ❌ No | Everything is nearby |
| Nature and culture explorer | ✅ Yes | Best way to see Grand Cayman’s east coast |
| Cayman Brac visitor | ✅ Yes | Distances are too far to walk or taxi regularly |
| Little Cayman guest | ❌ No | Small island; bike or golf cart is ideal |
| Family traveller | ✅ Yes | Renting is more economical than multiple taxis |
How do you travel between the three islands?
To travel between the three Cayman Islands—Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman—you primarily use inter-island flights. There are no passenger ferries operating between the islands, and car ferries do not exist, so flying is the only practical way to move between them.
✈️ Main Way to Travel: Inter-Island Flights
Cayman Airways Express operates short, frequent flights between the islands using small Twin Otter aircraft—often just 15–19 seats.
| Route | Flight Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Cayman → Cayman Brac | ~40 minutes | Several times daily |
| Grand Cayman → Little Cayman | ~35 minutes | Several times daily |
| Cayman Brac → Little Cayman | ~10 minutes | Limited daily service |
➡ Flights are quick, scenic, and the only viable scheduled transport option.
🚫 Are There Ferries?
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No public passenger ferries operate between the islands.
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No car ferries exist, so you cannot transport a rental car.
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Some private charters or yachts may offer transport, but this is not a standard travel option.
🚁 Private Charter Options (Luxury / Groups)
You can charter:
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Light aircraft
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Private helicopters
These offer flexibility, but come at a much higher cost and are usually booked for special occasions or business purposes.
🧳 How Travelers Usually Do It:
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Fly between islands using Cayman Airways Express
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Rent a separate car on each island if needed
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Stay a few days per island rather than day-trip between them
✨ Final Takeaway
So, should you rent a car in the Cayman Islands?
👉 Yes, if you want to explore beyond the resort areas and see the real beauty of Grand Cayman or Cayman Brac.
👉 No, if you’re staying in one spot or visiting Little Cayman, where bikes and golf carts are part of the charm.