The Cayman Islands are a tropical paradise made up of three distinct islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Each island offers its own unique attractions, from pristine beaches to striking natural landscapes. Exploring by car lets you travel freely, make unplanned stops, and discover hidden gems that public transport can’t reach. Renting a car in the Cayman Islands is the simplest way to fully experience each island, whether you’re visiting just one or traveling between all three. Here’s everything you need to know to drive confidently and enjoy the islands to the fullest.
Before you hit the road, it’s important to understand how the three islands relate to each other and what driving actually means in this context. Grand Cayman is the largest and most developed of the three, with the capital, thriving resorts, shopping, and the best network of roads. Cayman Brac is smaller and more laid-back, with scenic drives through nature and fewer crowds. Little Cayman is the smallest, quietest, and most remote of the trio, appealing for its simplicity and natural pace.
You cannot simply drive between the islands because there are no bridges linking them. If you plan to explore more than one island, you will travel by plane or ferry between them, and then rent a car on each island. Once you land on an island, the roads are well-maintained, the signage is clear, and driving is quite straightforward. The main benefit of a rental car is that you’re free to stop when you want, explore side roads, and set your own pace. For families or groups, this flexibility is especially helpful.
You can’t drive directly between Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, so plan your inter-island travel. Short flights are the easiest and most reliable option, allowing you to land, collect your rental car, and continue exploring right away. While a ferry sometimes runs between Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, its schedule is limited, so flights are generally better.
When you arrive, make sure your car pick-up time matches your flight to avoid delays, especially if you’re travelling with children or a full itinerary. Have your driving licence and credit card ready, and check if your rental company requires a local driving permit. Once that’s done, you’re ready to hit the road and enjoy your island adventure.
Before renting a car in the Cayman Islands, it’s important to know what to expect and how to prepare. Following these tips ensures a smooth experience on each island and helps you enjoy your trip without unnecessary stress.
For more details on renting a car in the Cayman Islands, check out A First-Timer's Guide to Renting a Car in the Cayman Islands.
Grand Cayman has the most extensive and easiest-to-navigate road network of the three islands. Roads are well-paved with clear signage, and hiring a car at Owen Roberts International Airport lets you start exploring quickly. Popular routes include the coastal drive from George Town to Seven Mile Beach, the East End Loop to the Blow Holes, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, and Rum Point, as well as the northern coast, which offers mangroves, quiet villages, and scenic viewpoints.
Parking is generally easy and often free, and fuel stations are plentiful. Carry water and snacks for remote drives, and allow extra time for mornings or beach stops. The islands move at a relaxed pace, so enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Cayman Brac offers a quieter and more scenic driving experience than Grand Cayman. The island is about 12 miles long, with winding roads through limestone hills and lush vegetation. A rental car allows you to explore freely, stopping for parrot-watching, dramatic cliff views, or village life.
A memorable route is the drive to The Bluff, offering sweeping Caribbean Sea views, and the Parrot Reserve, home to the rare Cayman Brac parrot. Roads can be narrower and less trafficked, so remain alert. Fuel and rental options are limited, so check levels before longer drives, and take your time to enjoy fruit stands, local chats, or spontaneous detours.
Little Cayman is the smallest of the three islands, offering a calm and relaxed driving experience. With quiet roads, short distances, and minimal traffic, renting a small car or golf-cart-stle vehicle is ideal for exploring at your own pace. Popular drives include the route to Point of Sand for a beach picnic, the Booby Pond Nature Reserve for seabird spotting, and the sandy lane to South Hole Sound for snorkelling or kayaking. Services are limited, so bring essentials like water, sunscreen, and snacks, and enjoy the simplicity and peaceful pace of the island.
Driving in the Cayman Islands is straightforward, but following local rules ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. Keep these key tips in mind before you hit the road.
Parking in the Cayman Islands is generally very visitor-friendly. On Grand Cayman, many beaches, resorts, and shops provide free or inexpensive parking. In George Town and some busy areas, you might see paid parking zones, but these are rare. Fuel stations are plentiful on Grand Cayman, fewer but still adequate on Cayman Brac, and minimal on Little Cayman, so make sure you refuel when the opportunity arises. Fuel prices tend to be higher than in larger countries, but the short distances make consumption very manageable.
Choosing the right vehicle matters. For Grand Cayman, a standard compact or mid-sized car is more than adequate. For Cayman Brac, you might prefer an SUV if you plan many stop-offs or nature drives. On Little Cayman, a small car or a golf-cart-stle vehicle is enough. In any case, ensure the car has air conditioning because the sun can be warm, and check that the rental includes unlimited mileage for peace of mind.
Having your own car transforms travel around the Cayman Islands. Public transport is limited, tours follow fixed schedules, and taxis can become expensive if you visit multiple sites. Renting a car gives you the freedom to stop when you want, explore hidden bays, photograph the coastline, visit local villages, and reach remote viewpoints.
This flexibility is especially useful for families or anyone wishing to go beyond the main tourist spots. Whether chasing sunsets on Grand Cayman, spotting parrots on Cayman Brac, or exploring quiet lanes on Little Cayman, a rental car lets you enjoy the islands and create memorable experiences.
Booking a car can make your trip much easier and more enjoyable. Final Rentals offers practical options for getting on the road quickly and confidently.
Travelling in the Cayman Islands with children or as a family group is easier and more enjoyable when you have a rental car. A car provides flexibility to adapt to your family’s needs and make the most of each day on the islands.
Driving between Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman is more than moving from one place to another. It is about discovering the islands at your own pace and enjoying the freedom to explore their unique landscapes, villages, and hidden spots. Coastal drives, rainforest paths, sea views, and quiet beaches are all within reach when you rent a car in the Cayman Islands with Final Rentals.
Plan your routes, allow for spontaneous stops, and soak in everything each island has to offer. Your adventure begins the moment you pick up your car, and the islands are yours to explore!
