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While St. Kitts and Nevis may be one of the smallest nations you will ever visit, securing transportation to take you from place to place is still important while staying on the islands. Renting a car can be a good option for those wanting the freedom to move around at their leisure and to see as much as possible on either island.
Although renting a car can be more expensive than other forms of transportation, a car allows for the freedom to explore as much of the island as you wish, at your own pace. Main roads on both St. Kitts and Nevis are in very good condition. However, drivers who rent cars will need to be aware of poorly lit and poorly marked roads and in some areas will need to avoid the occasional aggressive driver, potholes, and farm animals. Less traveled or remote dirt roads will not be in the same condition as city streets, so those who will be navigating them should consider a four-wheel-drive rental.
St. Kitts and Nevis only gained full independence from the United Kingdom in 1983, and as a result, drivers stay to the left. All visitors to St. Kitts must obtain a local driver's license at the traffic department on Cayon Street in Basseterre for $25(USD). Visitors to Nevis can visit the police departments at Charlestown, Newcastle, Cotton Ground, or Gingerland to obtain a three-month license for $24(USD). Many car rental agencies will assist you in securing this permit, though most agencies require the hirer to be at least 25 years of age.
Rental costs range from $30(USD) to $40(USD) per day for cars and $60(USD) to $80(USD) per day for a jeep or four-wheel-drive vehicle. Most companies will also charge a $10(USD) to $15(USD) per day collision insurance fee with deductibles of approximately $950(USD). Other fees will include a 5 percent government tax, and some companies will ask for safety deposits of $400(USD). Many companies allow for unlimited mileage, but gasoline fees are generally not included. If you want to travel around both St. Kitts and Nevis, consider companies such as Avis or Delisle Walwyn, who offer car exchange services if visiting Nevis.
On St. Kitts:
| Rental Company | Contact Information |
| Avis Rent-A-Car | South Independence Square St. Basseterre 869-465-6507 869-465-1043 (Fax) |
| Caines Rent-A-Car | Princes Street Basseterre 869-465-2366 Fax: 869-465-6172 http://www.cainrent.com/ |
| Courtesy Car Rentals | Wigley Ave. Basseterre 869-465-7804 869-465-0189 (Fax) |
| Delisle Walwyn Auto Rentals | Liverpool Row P.O. Box 44 Basseterre 869-465-8449 869-465-1125 (Fax) http://www.delislewalwyn.com/ |
| G & L Car Rentals | C A P Southwell Ind, l Site Basseterre 869-466-8040 869-466-8045 (Fax) http://www.gandlcarrentals.com/ |
| Huggins Auto Rentals | CAP Southwell Ind'l Park P.O. Box 44 Basseterre 869-465-8449 869-465-1125 (Fax) |
| Sunshine Car Rental | Cnr Cayon & Markets Sts P.O. Box 648 Basseterre 869-465-2193 869-465-7498 (Fax) |
| Thrifty/TDC Car Rentals | West Independence Square St. Basseterre 869-465-2991 869-465-1099 (fax) http://www.tdcltd.com/Thrifty/ |
On Nevis:
| Rental Company | Contact Information |
| Gajor's | Charlestown 869-469-5367 869-469-1439 |
| Hertz | Nelson's Spring 869-469-7467 |
| M & M Rental | Newcastle 869-663-2013 869-469-9798 |
| Nevis Car Rentals | Newcastle 869-469-9837 |
| Noel's | Farm Estate 869-469-5199 |
| Parry's | Pinney's Industrial Site 869-469-5917 |
| Stanley's | Church Ground 869-469-2597 |
| Strikers | Hermitage 869-469-2654 |
| TDC | Charlestown 869-469-5430 |
| Teach | Charlestown 869-469-1140 |
Renting a car in St. Kitts and Nevis is a good option for travelers who prefer to set their own schedules and travel on and off the beaten path at their leisure.
Bicycles and scooters offer exciting transportation alternatives in St. Kitts.
St. Kitts' bus service allows vacationers to travel like locals.
Don't forget about the excellent types of accommodations found in St. Kitts.