Trinidad and Tobago
Driving in Trinidad and Tobago: licences, car rental and road rules
Rent a car if you want flexibility on Tobago or the north coast of Trinidad; bring a valid US/UK licence, drive on the left, expect US$50‑80 per day and watch for potholes and flooding.
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GuideTrinidad and Tobago
Key facts
- Driving side
- Left
- Required licence
- Valid foreign licence (US/UK) plus ID
- Rental costcheck
- US$50–80 per day (2026 estimate)
- Fuelcheck
- Petrol sold by the litre, price ~TT$2.30/L
- Speed limitcheck
- 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on highways
Quick answer
Rent a car for freedom on Tobago or the north coast; bring a valid US/UK licence, drive on the left, budget US$50‑80 per day, and avoid travel during heavy rain.
Cost summary
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car rental (compact) | US$50–80 /day | Includes basic insurance; check for additional driver fees |
| Fuel (petrol) | TT$2.30 /L | ≈ US$0.34/L; price varies |
| Parking | Free‑TT$5 | Most malls and beaches charge a small fee |
| Toll roads | TT$2–4 per segment | Limited; mainly on the north‑west highway |
All prices are 2026 estimates; confirm with provider.
Car rental details
Major agencies (Avis, Budget, local firms) operate at Piarco Airport and in Port of Spain. Book online for the best rate and to guarantee a vehicle during peak periods (Carnival, Easter).
Bring your passport, driver’s licence, and a credit card for the security deposit. Insurance is mandatory; basic coverage is usually included, but you may want excess reduction.
Cars are left‑hand drive; drive on the left side of the road. Expect narrow streets in older towns and occasional potholes on rural routes.
Driving rules and safety
Drive on the left; overtake on the right. Seat‑belts are compulsory for all occupants. Speed limits are posted in km/h: 50 km/h in built‑up areas, 80 km/h on main highways, 100 km/h on limited‑access roads.
Alcohol limit is 0.05 % BAC; police conduct random checks. Use headlights at night and in poor visibility.
Flooding can occur during the rainy season (June‑December); avoid low‑lying roads if water is above wheel level.
Parking is generally free in most towns, but pay at malls and beach resorts. Never leave valuables in plain sight.
Additional notes
- International driving permits are not required for US/UK licences.
- Road signs are in English; metric distances.
- GPS works well; consider a local SIM for data.
- If you prefer not to drive, maxi‑taxis and ride‑hailing apps are widely available.
Questions people ask
What should I know about driving and car rental in Trinidad and Tobago?
You need a valid US/UK licence, drive on the left, expect US$50‑80 per day for a compact car, and watch for potholes and seasonal flooding.
How much does it cost?
Rental rates are US$50–80 per day; fuel is about TT$2.30 per litre; parking fees are usually TT$5.
When should I plan for it?
Book ahead for Carnival, Easter and August; avoid driving during heavy rain (June‑December) if possible.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
No, a valid US or UK licence is sufficient; bring your passport and credit card for the rental.
Is insurance included?
Basic third‑party insurance is typically included, but you may want to purchase excess reduction or additional coverage.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialTourism Trinidad & Tobago
Ask about Trinidad and Tobago
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