Car rental at the Hewanorra International Airport

As the larger of two airports in St. Lucia, Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) is ideally situated in the town of Vieux Fort, on the southern tip of the island. Most international flights, especially those from the United Kingdom, land here. It's about an hour's scenic drive to the capital, Castries.

2. Car Rental at Hewanorra

Several car rental services operate at the airport, providing a selection of vehicles to suit your needs and budget. You'll conveniently find these services in the arrival hall. Remember, driving is on the left side here, like in the UK, but most cars are left-hand drive, unlike in Britain.

2.1 Car Class Recommendations

Given the island's hilly terrain and somewhat rugged roads, consider renting a 4x4 or SUV for a more comfortable ride. If you're sticking to major roads and city driving, a compact car will do just fine.

3. Fuel Stations and Accessibility

There's no need to worry about refuelling your rental car. Fuel stations are accessible and spread generously across the island, including near the airport. Interestingly, you'll find both petrol and diesel priced similarly, unlike in the UK.

4. Getting to and Around St. Lucia with Your Rental Car

English is the official language, but road signs are usually in both English and French. Major roads are in good condition but be prepared for the narrower, winding roads around the more rural areas.

4.1 Driving Routes

Driving from Hewanorra to other key points of interest is quite straightforward. Here are some driving times to get you started:

1. Hewanorra to Soufrière: ~1 hour
2. Hewanorra to Rodney Bay: ~1.5 hours
3. Hewanorra to Marigot Bay: ~1 hour

5. Money Matters

The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), but US dollars are widely accepted. Card payments are also common, though we recommend having some cash handy, just in case.

6. Weather to Expect

Like the rest of the Caribbean, St. Lucia enjoys a tropical climate, so don't forget your sunscreen and hats. It's warm all year round, but if you're not a fan of tropical showers, avoid the rainy season from June to November.

Let your St. Lucia adventure begin at Hewanorra International Airport. It's going to be a great trip!