Car Rental in Grand Cayman

From our travel guide

Grand Cayman car rental is concentrated around Owen Roberts International Airport in George Town. The companies below are the international brands Hertz, Avis, Budget, National and Europcar, and two local firms, Andy's Car Rental and Marshall's Rent-A-Car. This page compares them by where they are based, using our listings and each company's own site.

Airport pickup or an office in town

Every company on this page is on or near Owen Roberts Drive beside the airport, so for most visitors pickup at the airport is the default. Budget works from 7 Breezy Way, which it describes as the center of the main car rental area of the airport, with its own pick-up and return lot. National is at Airport Plaza on Owen Roberts Drive, and its site points arriving visitors to the nearby car rental plaza. After-hours pickup with National needs an email at least 24 hours ahead. Marshall's is at Airport Rental Plaza on Owen Roberts Drive. Hertz, Avis and Europcar are also listed at the airport or on Owen Roberts Drive. Confirm the exact counter and its hours when you book, especially if your flight lands late.

Andy's is the only company here that lists offices away from the airport. Besides its airport office on Owen Roberts Drive, it has an office on West Bay Road on Seven Mile Beach and one at Morritt's Shopping Centre on the East End. Andy's says it has been a local family-owned business since 1987, and its fleet includes small Kia cars and the Jeep Wrangler. Marshall's lists everything from compact cars to SUVs and vans that seat 7 to 12.

Driving on the left

Cayman drives on the left. The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism notes that many cars on the island are left-hand drive, so the driver sits on the left side of the car while traffic keeps to the left. Marshall's lists some models in either left-hand or right-hand drive, so say which you want when you book. Carry your driving licence and a copy of the car insurance whenever you drive.

Licence and age rules for visitors

Visitors do not need to buy a separate visitor driving permit. The Department of Vehicle and Drivers' Licensing (DVDL) asks visitors who rent a car to first make sure their home licence is valid for the class of vehicle they will drive, and its FAQ gives visitors six months on a foreign licence before it has to be exchanged. If you are not sure your licence qualifies, ask DVDL on 345-945-8344 before you travel. Renters also need a credit card and generally have to be over 21. Renters under 25 may get limited cover or be refused, depending on the company.

When to book

Demand for rental cars is highest from January to March, inside the December to April high season. Book before you fly, and confirm the pick-up place and time if you land late.

For taxis, minibuses and how much you need a car at all, read our guide to getting around Grand Cayman. For repairs, parts and dealerships, see auto services.