The island runs about seventy kilometres from north to south, and its sights are spread out: beaches in the south, volcano and rainforest in the north, the city in the middle. A car changes what the trip can be. This page gathers the four decisions to make before booking — which car, where to collect it, for how long, at what time of year — and points to the detail of each.
Which car for which trip
Three things decide it: how many of you there are, how much luggage, and the gearbox.
- A small car — two people, a beach holiday, easy parking in the villages and at beach car parks.
- An SUV — ground clearance and boot space for inland roads, without a 4x4 being necessary anywhere on the island.
- A seven-seater — we hold a single model: if your trip depends on it, book that first.
- An automatic — the default for North American visitors, and genuinely easier on the winding roads of the north.
- A prestige car — for an occasion or a business trip.
- A van — moving, site work, carrying equipment.
The fleet runs to more than 130 vehicles, serviced by Garage LJC, our own workshop. Model by model, see the vehicles page.
Where to collect the car
Three handover points, and no delivery to homes or accommodation: the team stays at its collection points, which is what makes night-time handovers possible.
- Aimé Césaire airport — free handover, at any hour, seven days a week. Late-arrival fees apply from 6.30 p.m. (terms, art. 8).
- Our Le Lamentin branch — open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- The Fort-de-France cruise port — for a surcharge, convenient on a cruise call.
For how long
For a holiday, the rental follows the trip: the daily rate falls as the rental lengthens, and mileage is unlimited whatever the duration. Beyond a month — relocation, an assignment, a replacement vehicle — long-term rental works out considerably cheaper than a run of short ones.
When to come, and when to book
Météo-France calls the dry season the carême, running “from February to April”, when the trade winds carry less moisture; the wetter season runs from July to October. In terms of visitors, demand concentrates in two windows: the end-of-year holidays and the February school holidays.
- The best time to visit Martinique — the periods compared, with nothing to sell you.
- Renting in high season — the dates of the coming season and the categories that go first.
- The end-of-year holidays and February, during Carnival.
What you need to rent
Eighteen years old and one year's licence at minimum, three original documents — licence, ID, proof of address — and a security deposit, taken as a credit card pre-authorisation, or through the Swikly service, which holds no funds. A young-driver surcharge applies depending on age and licence seniority. The detail, with figures, is on how it works and on deposit and excess; the age rules on young drivers.
What the price includes
Unlimited mileage and the vehicle's insurance, with an excess in case of damage. Optional, shown as you book: excess reduction, an additional driver, a child seat, handover at the cruise port. If budget is the priority, cheap car rental explains what moves the price.
Where to go with the car
The island can be crossed in a day, but it is lived region by region.
- By town: Sainte-Anne, Le Diamant, Les Trois-Îlets, Les Anses-d'Arlet, Saint-Pierre and the north — and eight more, listed in the footer.
- By interest: beaches you can reach by car, exploring the island by car.
- By length of stay: a 7-day itinerary or a two-week one.
- Before you set off: driving in Martinique — rules, road conditions, parking.
Booking
Booking takes a few minutes online, with a deposit, and can still be changed under the terms set out in our terms and conditions. Booking direct means dealing with the branch that will hand you the keys.
Do I really need a car in Martinique?
In most cases, yes. The island is about 70 km from north to south and the sights are spread out; without a car you stay within a small radius of your accommodation and depend on timetables you do not choose.
Which car for four people with luggage?
A compact SUV covers it in the vast majority of cases: the boot takes the suitcases and the ground clearance is welcome on inland roads. For five or more, look at the seven-seater — we hold a single one.
Do I need a 4x4 to get around Martinique?
No. The island's roads are surfaced and the sights are reachable in an ordinary car. An SUV buys comfort and boot space, not technical necessity.
Can I collect the car at the airport at any hour?
Yes — handover at Aimé Césaire airport runs at any hour, seven days a week, and it is free. Late-arrival fees apply from 6.30 p.m., under the bands in article 8 of the terms.
How far ahead should I book?
As soon as your dates are set if you are coming over the end-of-year holidays or the February school holidays, and especially for an automatic or the seven-seater: those are the categories we hold fewest of.
Is mileage capped?
No. It is unlimited on every rental, whatever the duration. You can cover the island without counting.