Car rental in Martinique

Martinique: A Summer Traveler’s Paradise

Martinique’s tropical climate offers the traveler plenty of opportunity to melt away any residual winter cold. The country is a haven of beaches, rainforest, and waterfalls cascading down from the volcanic mountains. Arrive in Fort-de-France and plan your trip by car to have the freedom to explore all.

Martinique is a well-developed, Caribbean department of France. As such, the capital city of Fort-de-France is a great place to land and acclimate to the mix of culture and warm climate. Here travelers will have an opportunity to dive into the French, Creole, and traditional cuisines of the island.

Upon arrival at the airport, travelers can secure a rental and begin their travels. Driving into the city, visitors may stop at the island’s largest mall of Galleria to pick up any needed items. Afterwards, drive around to the many distilleries to sample any of the famous rums of the island. Be sure to take a bottle, as the driver will not be able to indulge and drive. In Martinique, the blood-alcohol restriction is low.

A short drive north or south will take drivers through tropical terrain to the beaches. Tour north and plan a day or two among the rainforest, camping and hiking. On the coast, park your rental for the time being and set your sights on the black volcanic sands of the beaches.

Maybe you want a more typical beach experience. If so, travel south and hop from coastal town to coastal town. Camping is not a free-for-all. You will need to get more information at the tourist office as there are designated places for camping, and these require a small fee.

The language of the country is that of French and Creole. These are considered to be nonstandard dialects. If you speak French, be sure to inform whomever you speak with of your level, as they may speak quickly. Otherwise, someone nearby will surely speak some English.

Martinique have adopted the euro as their official currency. Major currencies can be exchanged in banks, as these will provide the best rates. Also, Martinique is technically a part of France; the country is part of the European Union, so European visa requirements are applicable, and US citizens can stay for up to 90 days without a special permit.

Season for Travel

Martinique is located in the Caribbean, so do not plan to visit in September, as tropical thunderstorms and hurricanes occur during this time. It is best for your budget and safety to plan a trip during May to July. Most tourists from Europe, the US, and Canada will visit when the weather is not so nice in their native countries, between the months of December and April.

How to Save on Rentals

Prices for auto rentals, hotels, food, and other related tourist purchases will almost double during the peak season between December and April. Plan to pick up your auto at the airport, where you will be met by a representative, or receive transport to the pick-up location.

During the month of May, prices for rentals start at just under $20 per day. This is less than half the price of a rental during the high season of tourist travel, based on a rental over a 7-day period. Plan to rent a car for at least one week to receive discounted prices. Here are some of the deals you could find:

1. Renault Twingo or similar (mini class) – $53/day
2. Suzuki Ignis or similar (economy class) – $54/day
3. Peugeot 308 or similar (compact class) – $67/day
4. Dacia Duster or similar (intermediate class) – $70/day
5. Kia Sportage or similar (standard class) – $98/day

The cheapest and most convenient pick-up location is at the airport of Fort-de-France. Plan your arrival and departure in such a way as to drop the auto at the same location you received it. There is an added fee to leave the car at a location different than where it was collected.

Use the search engine to optimize your time and budget. For example, the size of the car, the age of the driver, and whether the rental is a manual or automatic can affect the price. Refine your search using the filters provided above. Check for companies like Thrifty, Europcar, and Sixt for some of the cheapest rentals offered through our site.

Facts and Tips

• Drive on the right side of the road.
• All driver’s licenses are accepted in Martinique.
• Roads in the urban area are 50kmph (30 mph) unless otherwise state. Those in the rural area are set at 90kmph (55 mph). Highways allow for 100kmph (62 mph). There are no toll roads.
• Many rent-a-car companies require the driver to be at least 25 years of age.
• Seat belts are to be worn by every person in the car while it is moving.
• Roads in Martinique are a pleasure; in excellent condition.
• Do not drive after drinking alcohol. The legal limit is 50mg per 100ml of blood. Even one drink can cause the person to drive illegally. Hire a taxi or have another registered driver.
• Parking is unrestricted in most areas, with most fees occurring in Fort-de-France. Be polite. The country of Martinique sees a lot of tourists. Speaking a minimal amount of French or Creole will go a long way, especially when receiving service in a restaurant or hotel. Also, impoliteness is almost certain to have a negative result.