Away from the major highways in Trinidad, road conditions can be patchy and not so well-maintained so if you are driving to more remote areas, consider a suitable vehicle such as a 4x4 to cope with the terrain as you may encounter a lot of substantially large potholes. Roads can also be badly lit in some places so it is advisable to have a vehicle with a high clearance to avoid damage to your hire car which will incur you extra charges on your return. A GPS system may well be an advantage as road signage can be limited.
Seat belts are a mandatory requirement in Trinidad. It is not uncommon to see hand signalling being used by local drivers. Presume that you should slow down if it is unclear and you are unsure of their intention as they may be turning off somewhere, just to be safe.
Drink and drug driving is illegal in Trinidad with the drink driving limit of 80mg to 100ml blood. Always adhere to the law even if others seem to ignore regulations as you are much more likely to get stopped in a rental car than a local. Punishment for the offence can be severe, involving hefty fines and prison terms even for first offences. You should also always carry your driving documents and insurance details in your vehicle just in case you are stopped for any reason.
Petrol stations in Trinidad generally open from 08:00 to 20:00 daily and you will be able to find several stations dotted around the island. If you need to refill your fuel tank before you return your car hire to the airport, you can find the Airport Gateway Gas Station on the grounds which is open 24 hours.
Book your car hire in Trinidad at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Economy car hires in Trinidad are around 28% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Trinidad
Hiring a car in Trinidad is a great option for exploring the Caribbean Island of Trinidad as you will be able to discover a variety of landscapes, rainforest, and beautiful coves and beaches in the comfort of your own vehicle. The advantages of driving will enable you to access more remote locations which have limited or crowded public transport and you will have the freedom to make your own itinerary. Rental vehicles can be hired directly from Trinidad Piarco Airport (POS) which will help you get on your journey quicker and you can reach the vibrant capital city of Port of Spain in just a half hour drive from the airport along Churchill Roosevelt Highway. From the airport, you can also access the northern coast easily, where the island’s most popular beaches and bays are situated. You can reach the southern coast in around two hours.
Driving is on the left in Trinidad, and you can access a good network of toll-free multi-lane highways. The Beetham Highway is the major route in Trinidad which runs from Barataria and connects with the Churchill Roosevelt Highway to Port of Spain which runs from the east to the west of the island. Local driving conditions can seem fast and more aggressive than what you may be used to, so drive with caution and try to avoid night-time driving for safety as drink-driving is not uncommon. Be especially careful in cities. Taxi drivers can be notorious for suddenly stopping without warning and pedestrians seldom take notice of traffic lights, so be alert and on your guard to navigate the streets safely. Local drivers can be very laid-back and road rage is rare with horn beeping generally used as a courtesy gesture.
To rent a car in Trinidad, you must be at least 21 years old and have held your driving licence for at least two years. Some companies, however, may stipulate a minimum age of anywhere up to 25. You must have a full UK driving licence which you can drive with in Trinidad for up to 90 days. If you wish to drive for longer than this, then an International Driving Permit will be required.
Economy (Hyundai Accent or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Trinidad.
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire company in Trinidad is Alamo (8,7, 50 reviews).
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.