The island of Grenada, with its lush, volcanic landscape, boasts stunning driving routes, from its turquoise southern coast to the misty heights of Grand Etang National Park. To find the true essence of the Spice Isle, you need to explore beyond resort areas, in the vibrant spice markets or at secluded waterfalls.
While local minibuses are available, a rental car offers greater freedom of exploration. The logistics of having your own vehicle, like refuelling, may seem daunting, but Grenada's full-service gas stations provide a more relaxing experience than typical self-service options. With a little knowledge of local customs, you can confidently navigate the island with ease.
As mentioned previously, almost all gas stations in Grenada are full-service. In an era where many nations have shifted toward automated pumps and pre-payment kiosks, the Spice Isle has preserved a system where human interaction and hospitality remain at the forefront. The service is not an expensive luxury but the standard way of life across the tri-island state. Finding gas stations in the capital parish is easy, but as you venture into the interior and coasts, it becomes more challenging.
Saint George Parish, home to the capital city and the primary tourist hub of Grand Anse, serves as the central fuel hub for the island. Here, you will find a high concentration of stations, particularly along the Maurice Bishop Memorial Highway and near the international airport. Because this area is the starting point for most car rentals, it is often where you will have your first and last interaction with the local fueling system.
As you venture beyond the boundaries of Saint George, the frequency of gas stations begins to decrease. If you are planning a day trip to the northern parishes like St. Patrick or St. Andrew, it is highly recommended to fill your tank before you leave the south. While you will find key refuelling checkpoints in coastal towns such as Gouyave, Grenville, and Sauteurs, these stations are fewer and farther between. The interior of the island, particularly the mountainous roads that traverse the rainforest, has no gas stations at all. Therefore, a strategic approach to your fuel gauge is essential when exploring the more rugged parts of the mainland.
The logistics of refuelling extend to Grenada’s sister island, Carriacou. If you take the ferry across with your rental or rent a separate vehicle there, you must be aware that options are significantly more limited. Most refuelling on Carriacou takes place in the main town of Hillsborough or near the yachting hub of Tyrell Bay.
It is also vital to keep in mind the Sunday Rule. While many stations in Saint George on the mainland operate 24 hours a day, stations on Carriacou and in rural mainland parishes often have much shorter operating hours, frequently closing early on Sundays or public holidays. Planning your weekend excursions with a full tank is the best way to avoid being caught short.
The process of refuelling in Grenada is straightforward, provided you observe the local etiquette. To ensure a smooth experience, you can follow these simple steps once you arrive at the gas station.
By remaining in your seat and following these steps, you allow the attendant to manage the technical aspects of the process while you prepare for the next leg of your journey.
One of the benefits of driving in Grenada is that gas prices are government-regulated. This means that you do not need to spend time driving around to different stations in search of a lower price per litre, as the cost will be the same across the entire island. Prices are always quoted in Eastern Caribbean Dollars, which is the local currency pegged to the United States Dollar. While almost all stations will accept USD, the exchange rate used at the pump may not be as favourable as the bank rate, and you will almost certainly receive your change in ECD.
For visitors travelling into the more rural parishes or over to Carriacou, carrying cash is highly recommended. While the larger, modern stations in Saint George almost always accept major international credit cards, smaller stations in the north or on the sister island may occasionally have issues with their card terminals or may prefer cash for smaller transactions. Furthermore, some international cards may require a chip and pin or a specific travel authorisation to work at local terminals. Having a supply of local currency on hand ensures that you will never be stranded, regardless of where your adventures take you.
When you first collect your rental car, the agency will likely explain its fuel policy. The most common arrangement is the full-to-full policy, which requires you to return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel. If you fail to do this, the rental company will charge you for the missing fuel at a significantly higher rate than the market price, often adding a service fee on top. To avoid these unnecessary costs, plan your final refuelling stop carefully. There are several reliable stations located within a five-minute drive of Maurice Bishop International Airport, making it easy to top up the tank just before you drop off the keys.
It is also a very good idea to ask for a printed receipt, especially during your final refuelling stop. Occasionally, a rental agent may dispute whether the tank is truly full if the needle on the dashboard is slightly below the line. Having a physical receipt that shows the date, time, and the amount of fuel purchased provides you with immediate proof of compliance with your rental agreement. This small step can save a significant amount of time and money during the final stages of your road trip.
Refuelling and driving a car in Grenada require a blend of caution and local awareness. To ensure your journey remains safe and efficient, keep these practical tips in mind.
Refuelling a rental car in Grenada is a minor logistical task that provides a window into the island’s polite and service-oriented culture. From the convenience of the full-service pumps in Saint George to the tranquil, slower pace of the stations in Carriacou, the process is designed to be easy for locals and visitors alike. By understanding the payment methods, the etiquette of the pump, and the geographical distribution of stations, you remove a potential stressor of island driving.
The true beauty of Grenada is not found in the lobbies of hotels but in the hidden coves, the mountain overlooks, and the roadside fruit stalls that can only be reached by car. Do not let the small details of logistics, like refuelling, hold you back. Rent a car from Final Rentals today, embrace the freedom of the open road, and set off to discover the many wonders of this Caribbean gem.
