Car Hire in Bridgetown
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Car Hire in Barbados
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About Bridgetown
Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of Barbados. The Bridgetown area is located in the parish of Saint Michael, which was formerly called The Town of Saint Micheal. The English settlement of Bridgetown began on July 5, 1628, but on November 30, 1966, Barbados gained its independence.
Bridgetown has a rich history and is never short of activities and attractions for visitors. Bridgetown is a blend of Bavarian culture and the modern world, with lively street vendors and commercial complexes that invite shopping. Downtown Bridgetown was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 and is a must-see on any Caribbean visit.
Basic info and car hire in Bridgetown
- Location: Barbados
- Population: 110,000 (2014)
- Official language: English
- Currency: Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
- Weather: April is the hottest month in Bridgetown with an average temperature of 27°C and the coldest is January with 26°C and the most daily sunshine hours with 10 in March. The wettest month is November with an average of 206 mm of rain. The best month for swimming in the sea is August with an average water temperature of 29°C.
- Holidays in Bridgetown: Barbados is the easternmost island in the Caribbean and Bridgetown is well worth a visit. Sunny days and bright blue skies are the norms and Bridgetown's beaches are numerous and easily accessible, so they are never crowded.
- Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes offer Wi-Fi.
- Road conditions: The road condition in Bridgetown, Barbados, is reasonable, with some bumps here and there. The road signs are not very visible, so it would be good if you are aware of the routes you will be driving beforehand.
- Car hire in Bridgetown: Hiring a car at Barbados Airport at Orbit Car Hire gives you plenty of freedom to travel around Bridgetown. With a wide range of vehicles to choose from, you can be sure to find the one that suits your needs and gives you the most benefit on your trip.
Driving in Bridgetown
Being a small island, it's easy enough to get around Barbados, but it's still a good idea to have a basic knowledge of the rules of the road before you drive here. Most importantly, as a former British colony, left-hand traffic is the rule there. Most roads are in good condition, but watch out for potholes if you are driving in the countryside. Be careful when driving at night, as most roads do not have sidewalks, so pedestrians walk on the side of the road and are hard to see. Some country roads are very narrow, so drive extra carefully and cautiously. Gas stations can be found in and around Bridgetown, on major highways along the west and south coasts, and in most inland communities. Gas stations are open 24 hours a day. In Barbados, honking is often used as a "hello" to a friend or a "thank you" for giving way. When a driver flashes their flashers, it generally means they are giving you the right of way. Otherwise, have fun cruising in the sun.
- Age limits: The age limit is between 21 and 25, depending on the car rental agency and have had a license for at least 2 years. Many agencies will either charge a young driver fee if you are under this age or not allow you to hire the car at all.
- International Driving Permit: Yes, if your driver's license is not clearly identifiable as Driving License, for example, if it is written in a non-Latin alphabet (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Japanese).
- Additional papers: Identification (passport), a valid driver's license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to take out insurance with the car rental company in case your policy does not cover you when driving in Barbados).
- Additional requirements: Warning triangles, spare wheels and a hands-free kit with hearing aids are required if you are talking on the phone while driving.
- Children in the car: All vehicle occupants must wear a seat belt. Children under twelve years of age or over 5 feet tall may ride in the front passenger seat.
- Driving side of the road: Left.
- Lights: Headlights must be on at all times (day and night).
- General speed limits: 80 mph / 130 km/h on motorways, 49 mph / 80 km/h on main roads outside built-up areas and 31 mph/50 km/h inside built-up areas.
- Parking suggestions: Almost all car parks are metered, with the average price per hour being around GBP 1.90/ € 2.20 / $ 2.50
Car hire in Bridgetown
Most popular car hire in Bridgetown
The most selected hire car in Bridgetown is the Volkswagen I10, with the Chevrolet Spark and Suzuki Swift also being a popular options. The most popular car types in Bridgetown are the mini, economy and compact car groups.
Popular Driving Routes
One-way car hire from Bridgetown
Want to rent a car for a one-way trip? No problem. Driving around and exploring new places can be a very exciting option that is also very convenient. One-way car hire is ideal for travelling across town and saves you time by not having to return to your original location.
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A drive from Bridgetown to Christ Church is a great option for you! It's only about 12 km and takes about 24 minutes, and you'll be in a completely different town.
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Are you starting your trip in Bridgetown but flying from Christ Church to another destination? Taking your hired car to Christ Church and dropping it off there is no problem and very convenient.
Start your reservation with Orbit Car Hire and find great options for one-way car hire in Barbados.
Popular day-trips in Bridgetown
Barbados has a lot to offer and there are many day trips and activities that you should definitely consider doing!
- Barbados Catamaran Turtle Snorkel with lunch and open bar. Sail the catamaran Stiletto through the calm, crystal clear waters of the Barbados coast and anchor offshore where you can experience the unforgettable sensation of swimming with and feeding gentle sea turtles and schools of tropical fish, snorkelling coral reefs and shipwrecks, and then relaxing on the deck and enjoying a delicious Bavarian buffet. The bar is always open!
The boat runs with a limited number of passengers so the atmosphere is not too crowded. The duration of the trip is 5 hours - Natural Wonders of Barbados Small-Group or Private Tour with Harrison's Cave. Experience the natural wonders of the island and visit the popular Harrison's Cave. Hop on an electric tram at Harrison's Cave and ride through the winding tunnels before choosing between a visit to Hunte's Gardens or the Flower Forest. Next, stop at Bathsheba, famous for its stunning beauty and roaring surf, and enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant serving local cuisine. The final stop for the day is Barbados Wildlife Reserve, where you can watch the Green Monkeys and a variety of other animals at play. The tours are in small groups of no more than 8 people. If you are travelling together as a family or group, the tour can accommodate up to 12 people. Groups of 8 people or more people will have their own driver, guide and vehicle for their trip. The duration of the trip is 7 hours.
- St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railroad. This is an authentic, historic steam experience for passengers who want the thrill of travelling back to the Victorian era in the tropical setting of this historic 1658 plantation.
The tour may include an optional visit to St. Nicholas Abbey Great House and Rum Distillery, which must be booked in addition to the train ride. The duration of the ride is 45 minutes. - Beautiful Coastal Sightseeing Tour of Barbados. Barbados is an island of great beauty and diversity. Enjoy a scenic sightseeing tour and visit many special places along the coast that make Barbados the jewel of the Caribbean. The itinerary takes you north, south, east and west as you discover the great beauty of Barbados! On this tour, you will see more of the island than on any other tour and receive a complimentary bottle of rum punch. The tours are in small groups of no more than 8 people. If you are travelling together as a family or group, the tour can accommodate up to 12 people. Groups of 8 people or more will have their own driver, guide and vehicle for their excursion. The duration of the excursion is 7 hours.
What to see in Bridgetown
Bridgetown is a historical highlight of Barbados and well worth a visit. With the beautiful beaches of Carlisle Bay and interesting attractions in the city centre, this might even be a place you want to settle down in. Bridgetown was named after the Indian bridge that crossed the mouth of the Constitution River. Today, the river divides Bridgetown in half and is mainly used for small pleasure boats. Large cruise ships dock in a man-made harbour west of town, and it's only a short drive to the historic centre. Bridgetown is steeped in British colonial history and exudes a distinctly English character with a relaxed West Indian feel. Popular activities include browsing the duty-free shops at Broad Street, swimming in the azure waters of Carlisle Bay, snorkelling and sailing tours, and exploring the city's museums.
Be sure to stop by Cheapside Market for the freshest produce and a snack at one of the second-floor shops. Cheapside Street Market is one of the best fresh fruit markets in the entire Caribbean. The market sells colourful, tempting fruits from locals on Thursdays, Fridays and the always busy Saturdays. At the market, you may spot Bajan grandmothers slicing up homegrown coconuts for customers to enjoy, among other Bajan fruit and vegetable specialities. The market is bustling with tourists and Barbadians alike, and it's a great place to immerse yourself in the island's culture and daily life.
In the heart of St. Thomas, you will discover Harrison's Cave, one of the most beautiful wonders of Barbados. This cave is home to growing stalagmites, stalactites and clear streams of crystal clear flowing water that cascades down waterfalls forming deep emerald pools. Be sure to stop here as it is one of the most popular destinations in Barbados to explore or even get married!
Go further north and you will find another cave, Animal Flower Cave. However, this cave is under the rocks directly parallel to the North Atlantic Ocean. The terrain is a bit rocky and bumpy, but the view of the cliffs is an impressive sight. On the left side, you can have lunch and overlook the sea and on the right side you can see the lush "Mother Sally". Follow the path and pull out your camera because you definitely need to capture the moment the water hits the rocks! This is definitely a place you should have on your Barbados bucket list!
Not too far from Animal Flower Cave, you will find the Flower Forest. Its picturesque beauty and panoramic views of the east coast are magnificent sights. Take a walk through the gardens and admire the many palm trees, colourful shrubs and tropical flowers. After enjoying the majestic views, head to the café for a drink, light lunch or tea. Flower Forest is the perfect place for special events and weddings. Take a trip and see for yourself!
The Chamberlain Bridge is a swing bridge located just inside the city centre of Bridgetown. Named after Joseph Chamberlain, the former British Secretary of State for the Colonies, the bridge was built between 1865 and 1872. In 2006, the swing bridge was converted to a lift bridge, although some of the original bridge sections remain today. The southern entrance to Chamberlain Bridge is the Independence Arch, a monument celebrating the island's independence from the English colonies. Today, the bridge is one of the most popular places for photos and family pictures to commemorate holidays in Barbados. Adjacent to Chamberlain Bridge is a wooden promenade full of Bavarian souvenir shops and restaurants, which is also part of the charm of the area.
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Where to stay in Bridgetown
Courtyard by Marriott Bridgetown
Business travellers need not be tied to their desks at this modern hotel in the centre of Bridgetown, just 14 km from Grantley Adams International Airport. When duty calls, there are pre-bookable meeting rooms and ergonomic workstations in the hotel's business centre, but you can also just unwind in the hotel's fitness room and pool. There's also a restaurant in the lobby that serves breakfast and dinner. Shops and a beautiful sandy beach are just a short walk away, so you can enjoy some downtime.Island Inn Hotel
Island Inn Hotel is a charming 24-room property on the south coast of Barbados, just steps from Pebbles Beach. Located in the Garrison Historic Area, the hotel was built in 1804 as a military rum warehouse but has now traded in the barrels for a 24-hour lounge, a pool with a soothing fountain in the background, a bar and a restaurant. The all-inclusive package includes three daily meals, traditional afternoon tea and live entertainment. The staff will even pack you a picnic if you want to spend the day on the beach.Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
When you stay at the three-star hotel Radisson Aquatica right in the centre of Bridgetown, you do not have to look for a good beach. The hotel is right on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach on the island, so you can tantalise your friends back home with photos of vanilla sand and crystal clear water. If you can tear yourself away, there's also a pool with sea views, a snack bar, a restaurant and a fantastic cocktail bar with a daily happy hour.Coconut Court Beach Hotel
Do you prefer the personal touch? Owned and managed by the Blades family since 1975, the Coconut Court remains renowned for its warm hospitality, with many guests returning year after year. The spacious rooms have private balconies overlooking palm trees and the Caribbean Sea and are equipped with a fridge, microwave and toaster to make you feel right at home. There are also apartments if you prefer self-catering accommodation. Otherwise, you can enjoy the freshwater swimming pool, the weekly entertainment programme and the nearby South Coast Boardwalk with its shops, bars and restaurants. -
Enjoy the culture in Bridgetown
Where to eat, drink, and party in Bridgetown
Typical Barbadian dishes include fried flying fish and cou cou, which is made from cornmeal and okra in a similar way to polenta. Barbadian cuisine has influences from around the world, for example, Creole, Indian and British culinary traditions. Other famous dishes include pepper stew, fish cakes and pumpkin cakes. Bridgetown offers a wide range of affordable and upscale restaurants - and if you are not in the mood for Bajan food, you'll find international cuisine there, too.
Cuz's Fish Shack has the best fish sandwiches you'll ever get on a beach. They are so good that tour drivers often bring visitors to Carlisle Bay just for this little blue shack right next to the Hilton Barbados. Locals also come here from all over Barbados to grab a bite before they run out of fresh fish. Be sure to try the fish sandwich - called a cutter - served with a cold beer. It's a destination that's hard to beat.
Zaccios is a traditional restaurant and an expert in good Bajan cuisine. In addition to signature dishes like Bajan-style chicken curry, there are also American dishes like pizza, burgers, and fries for the picky eaters in the group. While dining, you'll have a fantastic view of the ocean and beach, but make sure you get there early because it gets crowded fast - with or without ships in port.
Bridgetown offers a variety of different cafes and lunch spots serving Bajan or international cuisine.
Coffee Barbados Cafe offers typical cafe food: homemade cakes, pastries, sandwiches and salads. They pride themselves on their Caffe Torelli beans, from which they brew speciality coffees. If you like, you can even buy a bag of beans (also online). The café is located in the historic George Washington House in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a nice atmosphere with lots of plants.
Some call Bridgetown one of the Caribbean nightlife capitals because it really does have it all: opulent nightclubs, lively beach bars and local pubs. When visiting Bridgetown, be sure to try the island's signature drink - rum. Harbour Lights at Carlisle Bay functions as a beach club during the day and a nightclub at sunset. Expect Caribbean Dinner shows, various DJs and a boisterous atmosphere in one of Barbados' most famous clubs. Wednesday and Friday's nights are peak times for open-air parties at Harbour Lights.
How do you make a booking with Orbit Car Hire?
You can easily book your vehicle with Orbit Car Hire. First, you must choose the date and location of your rental in our booking form. In the next step, you can pick the vehicle you want from the list. After filling out the personal information form, there is a step where you choose the payment method and fill in your credit card information. Finally, you can print out your voucher needed at pick-up time.
What are the charges for security deposits?
Every car rental has a security deposit policy. You will find the information about the security deposit while booking the vehicle or on your voucher.
What if I would like to change my booking?
If you need to change the booking you made through Orbit Car Hire. Don't hesitate to contact our customer support team at customerservice@orbitcarhire.com or by phone at +44 20 8089 0089. You can cancel your booking free of charge at least forty-eight hours before your rental is due to start. For further information, please read the Terms of Use.
How do I cancel my booking?
You can cancel your booking free of charge at least forty-eight hours before your rental is due to start. For further information, please read the Conditions of Use. Our customer service team will address your requests in due time:
- Phone:+44 20 8089 0089
- Email: customerservice@orbitcarhire.com
When do I pay for the rental car?
You pay a small deposit when making the booking as a guarantee. The remaining balance is paid when you pick up your rental vehicle. Please keep in mind that the payment at the counter is paid in local currency.
What is included in the price?
Most of the reservations made by Orbit Car Hire include unlimited mileage, local tax, mandatory fees, and collision damage waiver. In steps 1 and 2 in the booking process or on your voucher, you can see all the details about your booking inclusions.
Are there any hidden fees?
There are no hidden charges! All mandatory surcharges and fees are presented in the 3rd step of the booking process and our Terms and Conditions. Please note that additional charges may apply for some rentals in the case of:
- Out-of-hours surcharge (when picking up the vehicle outside of office hours),
- One-way fee (when returning the vehicle at a different location),
- The service charge for fuel (prepaid fuel policy),
- Young/senior driver fee (the car hire company sets this condition and is usually not about the regulation of the specific country),
- Excess and deposit amount (before hiring, you need to ensure your credit card limit is high enough for the deposit amount to be blocked, which usually equals the excess amount or higher).
We advise our clients to read the Terms and Conditions carefully before the rental to avoid surprises. Our knowledgeable customer service agents will gladly help you with any questions via phone, email, or live chat during our opening hours.
What is a voucher, and why do I need it?
A voucher is a document that confirms your booking, the price, and the payment of your booking. Having your voucher with you at the time of pick-up is mandatory. If you do not have the voucher at the pickup, the vehicle provider may refuse to release the vehicle to you or change the rental price.
What is an airport or premium location fee?
A Premium location/airport fee is a fee that covers the location service costs. This fee is usually included in the price but may still occur at some locations and is charged locally.
What is Premium Coverage, and how does it work?
Premium Coverage is an optional service by Orbit Car Hire that, if accepted, covers your financial accountability for damage or theft to the hired vehicle. This is not insured with a car hire company that reduces the excess amount, but a cover refunds you if the car hire company charges you for damage or theft. With this option, you will be reimbursed up to 3000 EUR. You can read the Terms and Conditions or contact us for more information.
How do I find cheap car hire online?
Prices vary frequently. Booking a car 3 to 8 weeks before your desired pick-up date is best - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire.
How many countries do you compare to?
We at Orbit Car Hire compare car hire prices in over 140 countries, including popular destinations within Europe such as Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Iceland, Croatia, Malta, France, Slovenia, and Germany.
What currency should I use to pay for the car?
You can pay the confirmation fee on Orbit's page in EUR, GBP, ISK and USD. When you pick up your car hire, you will pay the remaining balance in the currency of the pickup country.
Can I rent a car from inside the terminal?
You can hire a car from inside the terminal. When you compare our offers, you can filter "In Terminal" to see all the offers we have that are inside the terminal.
What is the cheapest car to rent?
The cheapest car to rent is the Fiat 500, Volkswagen Up and Fiat Panda.
Can I add a driver to my booking?
You can always add a driver to your booking when finding your car hire deal on Orbit Car Hire. If you have already made a booking, you can contact us to add the additional driver. You can also add a driver to your booking when you pick up the vehicle.
What payment methods are accepted?
You can pay with a debit and credit card when booking with Orbit Car Hire. We accept Mastercard and Visa.
Can I drop off my car at a different location?
Yes, you can. When you look for car hire deals on our webpage, you can press "Yes" to "Different drop-off location" and see all the best deals for one-way car hire.
How can I add a flight number to my booking?
You can add a flight number on our webpage when booking. If you already have a booking, email us at customerservice@orbitcarhire.com, and our customer service will add your flight number to the booking.
Do I have to pay for toll roads?
If you drive where toll roads are required, you are responsible for paying for the toll roads on which you drive the rental vehicle.
What does deductible mean?
If a rental car is damaged or even stolen while on rent, there will be a limit to how much the renter has to pay to repair or fix it. Excess (also known as deductible) is a name for the amount that has to be paid. This excess is different between countries and car rental companies in each country. Depending on the car rental company, this can include fire, vandalism, theft, or loss of use while the car is being repaired. You can read more about deductibles right here.
What is a Collision Damage Waiver?
Collision Damage Waiver, or CDW, is a basic car rental insurance offered to renters by a car company. CDW limits your financial liability in case of damages to the body of the hired vehicle with an excess. The driver is responsible for paying for the excess, but the car rental company waives the rest of the cost. This excess can be different between rent a car company.
What is Theft Protection?
Theft Protection is a car rental insurance that car rental companies offer. It protects the renter up to a certain amount from the risk of stealing the rental car or somebody trying to steal it. An excess, also known as a deductible, comes with each Theft Protection. This excess is the limit to what the renter would have to pay if the car is stolen or if somebody tries to steal it.
Which brands can I compare with Orbit?
With Orbit Car Hire, you can compare car hire with all the major car rentals like Europcar, Enterprise, Alamo, Sixt and Budget. You can also compare over 100 local companies from all over the world.
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