Driving in Anguilla...
Don't be intimidated, it's easy and rewarding!

 
 

By: Kristin Bourne

If you've made the wise and exciting decision to visit the island of Anguilla, you will have to determine how will you be transporting yourself and any travel mates once your reach Anguilla's soil…

If you've already done your research and have chosen Anguilla because of the ease of getting around - give yourself a pat on the back. It is simpler to get around in Anguilla than many other islands.

Driving in Anguilla allows you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Click 'play' on the video below to see us drive east to west...

Driving in Anguilla is not a big challenge but an educated approach doesn't hurt.

If you have no interest in driving yourself, click here, and you can rely on some of Anguilla's finest taxi drivers to get you around in a fun and safe way.

For those who understand the beauty of freedom in driving yourself around, the rest of this page is for you.

Driving in Anguilla

To reiterate, driving in Anguilla is not challenging. Of course that's all relative to your driving skills and where you're coming from but in general, it's not difficult driving.

Here's what to expect:

Stay Left

Driving is on the left. If you're used to driving on the left, there is very little to adjust to. If you normally drive on the right, it may take a little getting used to. Coming from the United States, I found driving on the left in Anguilla to be surprisingly easy and enjoyable.

What may feel more unusual is driving a rental car with the steering wheel on the right. I found I got used to it fairly quickly, but when booking your rental, it doesn't hurt to request which side you want the steering wheel on.

Note: To rent a car in Anguilla, you generally need to be at least 25 years old. You will also be required to get a temporary driver's license, which your car rental will arrange.

Flat Lands

If you are getting hung up with the left side driving, here's another positive point to factor in… Anguilla is mostly flat.

The Valley Road

Unlike more mountainous islands with steep, winding roads, Anguilla's roads are generally easy to navigate.

Anguilla has a few main paved roads stretching across the island, along with smaller roads that cut across. Some are smoother than others.

Signs, Speed Limits and More

The speed limit signs encourage safe speeds.

As for the rest of the roads, you find a mix of everything. In addition to newly paved, there are sandy, rocky, dirt and patched pavement roads.

Savannah Bay Road

It's a small island, about 16 miles long and 3 miles wide at it's widest point. The people here are mostly friendly and helpful so if you need to ask a question, don't hesitate.

The last bit of Anguilla driving that some people get hung up on, amused by or otherwise, is the roundabouts.

There are 5 roundabouts on Anguilla. They are straightforward once you get the hang of them, and if you miss your turn, simply keep going around and try again.

In Anguilla it will also be much less conspicuous than Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold in a London roundabout!

Sandy Hill Roundabout

Anguilla's modern roundabouts are derived from a design to promote safety.

There are also dish drains and speed humps in Anguilla. These are not uncommon in the world and the dish drains are marked with signs.

There are just a few other interesting points you may notice as you drive in Anguilla…

Although I have not seen a "goat crossing" sign, there are plenty of goat crossings. Please be kind and let the goats have the right of way.

Goats Crossing in Blowing Point

There are plenty of loose dogs and cats on the island, so be mindful of them.

You'll also see plenty of people walking along the roads. In places where there isn't much room on the roadside, please give them plenty of space and avoid crossing into oncoming traffic.

You may also see walkers gesture for "a lift." Many people who don't drive use this as a way to get to work or run errands. You are not obligated to pick anyone up, so only do so if you feel comfortable.

Lastly, driving in Anguilla is a wonderful way to see the island. You may discover places you weren't expecting and find yourself lingering a little longer than planned.

Murals by the Roadside of Anguilla

That's part of the fun of exploring Anguilla.

For more on exploring the roads of Anguilla, click 'play' on the video below...

Thanks for reading, be safe and happy exploring!