Cayman Transportation
Cars are available to purchase on Island with few restrictions on size. There are many reputable car dealers on Island selling used and new cars.
Driving is the most common mode of transport in the Cayman Islands and it is easy to purchase or rent a car once you arrive. The island is small and easy to navigate, and we drive on the left! Cycling is also increasingly common, although not all roads have cycle lanes at the moment. You can purchase a second-hand car from rental companies, dealerships or directly from owners through websites like EcayTrade or on Facebook Marketplace. It is advisable to have the car fully inspected by a mechanic before purchasing. New cars, including hybrid and electric cars, are available to purchase and charging stations are readily available.
Upon arriving in Cayman, you are allowed to drive on your existing Driver’s license for a maximum of six months. You will then be required to take and pass a written exam to obtain a Cayman license, which is required to drive on Cayman roads. Many international drivers’ licenses can be exchanged at the Department of Vehicle & Driver Licensing (DVDL).
The driver’s license fee is between CI$85 and $205, depending on the class and duration of the license. The DVDL has two locations in Grand Cayman:
990 Crewe Road, Red Bay (next to First Baptist Church and near Grand Harbour).
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30-4pm
Phone: 345-945-8344
9 Reverend Blackman Road (across from the West Bay Police Station)
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-6pm and Saturday, 9am-4pm
Phone: 345-949-7231
You will not be able to complete the transfer of a car from another owner until you obtain car insurance. Driving without insurance is considered a serious offence in Cayman and can results in the loss of your license and a fine.
All vehicles on-island are required by law to be inspected and licensed annually by the DVDL. Vehicle inspections are offered by most established mechanics. Once your vehicle has passed inspection, you are required to renew the registration at the Vehicle & Licensing Department.
| Vehicle | Annual License fees | |
|---|---|---|
| Four-seater car | CI$215.00 (CI$180 registration and CI$35.00 inspection fee) | |
| SUV exceeding 2500cc | CI$235 | |
| Hummer | Ranges from CI$535 to over CI$1,000 |
- In Cayman, you drive on the lefthand side of the road.
- Always drive around a roundabout in a clockwise direction and give way to traffic approaching from the right.
- Turning left on a red light after a full stop is allowed and legal.
- At four-way stop junctions, the rule is that whoever gets to the stop first, proceeds first.
- The speed limit varies between 25mph-50mph. Be mindful to stay within the required speed limits to avoid incurring hefty finds.
- It is illegal to text or use a mobile phone (unless hands-free) while driving.
Bikes & Scooters
Both bikes and scooters are popular on-island. As with cars, you can find bikes and scooters available from dealers or second-hand on Ecaytrade. Helmets are required to be worn at all times. If you are already licensed to drive a motorbike in your home country, then it is a simple process to switch over to a Cayman license.
Public Transportation
Cayman has a public bus transport system that connects all districts of the island. There are some bus stops along major roads, but you can also flag down passing buses at any point. Each bus is marked to indicate which route it takes. The main bus depot is situated in central George Town. Although you will find several designated bus stops throughout Cayman, the best way to catch a bus is to simply flag one down from the side of the road! The usual fare if CI$2-$3. Most of the bus routes are along main roads around retail areas, but there are some scheduled buses that run along South Church Street, South Sound Road, Walkers Road, Fairbanks Road, Industrial Park, and Owen Roberts Drive.