The Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) is Grenada’s major airport serving all air traffic, including year-round flights direct from the USA. It is also known as Grenada Airport and Point Salines Airport. Five miles to the north is the capital city, St. Georges.
Known as Spice Island, this small island country is the world’s second-largest nutmeg producer after Indonesia. Grenada is also a significant producer of cloves, cinnamon, mace, and ginger.
The country hit international news in 1983 following a split within the governing party that led to the overthrow and execution of the president—Maurice Bishop. Free elections were instituted in 1984 and have continued since then.
Grenada is a southern Caribbean windward island famous for its lush and mountainous features. The scenery includes rainforests, fertile valleys, and mountain lakes, making Grenada the ideal destination if you are looking for more than sand, sea, and sunshine.
Grenada boasts a large inventory of beautiful and relatively unspoiled treasures by tourist development. Car rental is a popular option for visitors to the island. Renting a car is not only convenient, but it is also cheap and offers the freedom to explore Grenada.
How to Get a Cheap Car Rental in Maurice Bishop Airport, Grenada
The best way to explore St. Georges and Grenada is by renting a car. However, high demand means the supply of rental cars may be lower. This means car rental costs may be expensive.
Fortunately, you don’t have to blow your entire vacation budget on a rental car. Here are tricks to help you score a cheap car rental the next time you land at Maurice Bishop Airport.
Shop Around Online
Maurice Bishop Airport is a major car rental hub with many providers in and around the airport. Some have pickup services at the terminal. Other agencies will call you from airport courtesy phones and organize your shuttle.
Car Booker helps you save money by comparing various car hire deals and promotions. The platform ensures you get an excellent deal on your Maurice Bishop Airport car rental.
Choose Economy Vehicles
Economy automobiles are the cheapest, so they are likely to be booked. Leverage this shortage. Choose the most affordable, smallest vehicle possible for your party. This will allow you to upgrade in case it’s not on the lot when you arrive at St. Georges.
Stick to One Driver
Most car rental companies charge a daily fee for an extra driver. However, some will waive the driver fee for a domestic partner or spouse, but you need to have the same home address. Others will waive the fees for partners, spouses, and immediate family members when you enroll in a membership program.
Tips for Renting a Car from Maurice Bishop Airport, Grenada
Renting a car from Maurice Bishop Airport offers several benefits. The island is home to some spectacular but secluded beaches only accessible with your own transportation. Read on to find useful information about renting a car and driving around Grenada.
Choosing a Car
Consider the vehicle you will need with care. Are you traveling with a lot of gear or with children? An SUV or large sedan may be a better option. You can save money on gas and rental rates if you reserve the smallest model available.
Also, look for something environmentally friendly. Many Maurice Bishop Airport car rental firms offer hybrid cars. Reserve an automatic transmission vehicle if you can’t drive a stick shift.
Know the Pump Prices
Have a realistic idea of how much you will pay to fuel the rental car in Grenada. Drivers in the U.S. pay less at the pump compared to drivers in most countries. That said, leave plenty of room in your budget for gas-related expenses.
Know the Local Road Rules
You will drive on the left side when in Grenada. Approach driving this way by keeping your speed low and staying on your side.
The island opted to keep driving on the left after the British left. Some travelers to Grenada may dread the idea, but left-side driving is not as scary as it sounds. The driver’s side of the car is reversed as well.
Here are tips to help you acclimate and stay safe driving the rental car in the country:
- Get familiar with kilometers, so you know how fast 80 km/hour is;
- When you collect the rental car, take some time to be familiar with the controls and become comfortable with the dash;
- Make sure you are comfortable backing up early on;
- Avoid in-town driving early on;
- Follow the car ahead so making turns and navigating towns becomes easy;
- Chant keep left regularly to yourself and aloud.