North America > 🇲🇸Montserrat
Should You Hire a Car in Montserrat? This can be broken down into two similar questions - do you need a car in Montserrat (in other words, will your holiday be ruined without one), and is it worth hiring a car in Montserrat - 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.
Montserrat, known as the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean,” is one of the most unique destinations in the region. Lush, quiet, and deeply marked by its volcanic history, it offers visitors a mix of tropical calm and dramatic scenery. But given its small size and limited infrastructure, you might wonder — should you rent a car in Montserrat?
🚗 Getting Around — Why You Might Rent a Car
Driving in Montserrat follows British rules, on the left-hand side, and roads are generally in good condition in the north where most people live. They’re narrow and steep, but traffic is minimal. This makes driving calm and easygoing, even for less experienced drivers.
You can rent a car directly at John A. Osborne Airport (MNI) or nearby in Brades and Salem, with local providers like 44 Rentals and Prestige Rentals. Prices are reasonable, and cars are usually small and automatic. To drive legally, you’ll need to buy a temporary Montserrat driving permit (around US $20), available from police stations or rental agents.
That said, the island is so compact that hiring a car for just a day or two is often enough. You can use it to circle the northern half of the island, visit the Volcano Observatory, and explore the island’s rainforest walks and black-sand beaches.
🚐 Public Transport and Taxis
Public transport is extremely limited. Shared minibuses operate irregularly during the day between villages such as Brades, St John’s, and Salem, but there are no fixed timetables and few services after dark.
Taxis, on the other hand, are reliable and often double as friendly, informal tour guides. If you’re visiting for a short time — for example, arriving by ferry from Antigua — a taxi or guided excursion might make far more sense than renting a car.
🌋 Visiting the Volcano Observatory and Exclusion Zone
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) is open to visitors between 9:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., offering hourly self-guided tours with informative displays and views over the Soufrière Hills Volcano. Access to the observatory is easy with any rental car or taxi from the northern resorts, taking about 15 minutes from Brades.
However, the Exclusion Zone (Zone V) — including the old capital of Plymouth — remains under strict government control. Entry is prohibited without a permit and authorised guide, due to ongoing volcanic risks. Driving into this area independently is not allowed under any circumstances. A few licensed operators offer guided tours into the edge of the zone, and these must be prearranged.
🚙 Driving Around the Island
The main loop road around northern Grand Terre (the inhabited part of the island) can be comfortably driven in under two hours, even with stops. Expect steep climbs, lush mountain views, and sudden glimpses of the ash-grey southern landscape. Because Montserrat is so photogenic — from its green hills to the haunting silhouette of the volcano — you’ll want to stop frequently for pictures.
Fuel stations and facilities are limited but sufficient, and distances are short enough that even a small tank will last for days.
🏝️ Tourism and Accessibility
Tourism in Montserrat remains low-key, which is part of its charm. Most visitors come from Antigua via the short ferry or 20-minute flight. There are no direct flights from mainland Europe or North America. Because of this, hiring locally — either at the airport or in Brades — is usually easier than booking online through major platforms.
If you prefer not to drive, the entire northern region can still be explored by taxi, with drivers offering full-day island tours that include viewpoints, beaches, and the observatory.
🧭 Summary
✅ Yes — if you want independence. Renting a car lets you explore Montserrat’s scenic northern half at your own pace and visit the Volcano Observatory easily.
🚫 No — if you’re only visiting for a day or two. Taxis and guided tours cover the same highlights with less hassle.
In short, should you rent a car in Montserrat?
Yes — but only for a short time. The island’s size, relaxed pace, and striking volcanic contrasts make it ideal for slow exploration. A car gives you flexibility, but it’s not essential to experience what makes Montserrat unforgettable.
