North Caicos & Middle Caicos Getting Around & Transport
Transportation options on North Caicos and Middle Caicos are currently limited to car and jeep rentals and taxis. There is no public transport of any kind. The main attractions are spread out over both islands, so it’s highly recommended to rent a vehicle for the duration of your stay. Taxis are available, yet can be tardy and expensive.
Due to the low population, light traffic, and the fact that the main roads are paved, most find driving on North Caicos and Middle Caicos to be easy and stress-free. Be cautious, however, when driving on unpaved and poor-quality roads. In many low-lying areas, flooded potholes on dirt roads may be deeper than they initially appear.
Navigation on North and Middle Caicos is generally linear and not difficult. The lack of proper signage can make it easy to miss some attractions, such as Cottage Pond, Flamingo Pond Overlook, and Indian Cave, so it's best to carry a map (such as our North Caicos and Middle Caicos maps).
The speed limit is 40 mph (64 km/h) on highways and 20 mph (32 km/h) through settlements. Please drive slowly and carefully when traveling through settlements.
Some hotels and villas offer complimentary bicycle use for guests. Due to the heat and longer travel distances, bicycles aren't recommended as a main means of transportation.
Car Rental Companies
The main car rental companies are located on North Caicos and typically have vehicles waiting for guests at the Bellefield Landing ferry terminal. While it's often possible to rent a car upon arrival at the port, it's best to reserve your vehicle beforehand.
Options range from compact cars to vans and Jeep Wranglers. At this time, no rental companies offer scooters.
The minimum age for renting a vehicle on North Caicos and Middle Caicos is 25, and companies require a valid driver's license to book. Technically, an international driver's permit (IDP) is required for visitors who hold a non-US or non-Commonwealth (for example, Canada, the UK, and Australia) driver's license. However, in practice, valid driving licenses from any country are generally accepted by the local car rental companies, without the need for an IDP or other additional documentation.
Exploring Off-Road
North Caicos and Middle Caicos feature many scenic yet unpaved roads, which can be quite fun to explore. It’s best to have a high-clearance vehicle when venturing on some of these routes.
Keep in mind that the environment of the Turks and Caicos is sensitive. Please stay on established roads and do not drive on the beaches, mud flats, or wetlands.
North Caicos—Middle Caicos Causeway
A 1-mile-long (1.6 km) causeway connects North Caicos to Middle Caicos.
The causeway was built in 2007, yet was heavily damaged in 2008 by Hurricane Hanna (which washed off the asphalt paving in sheets and generally reduced the width to a single rough track). After the storm, the causeway was repaired and repaved.
The causeway is currently open for traffic and suitable for all vehicle types.
Fuel
North Caicos has three gas stations: two in Major Hill and one in Bottle Creek. Gasoline prices tend to fluctuate and are usually a bit high compared to Providenciales. The current average is about $7.45 a gallon (2025 price).
Middle Caicos does not have any operational gas stations.
Key Points
- Traffic drives on the left.
- Many drivers do not exercise due care and attention, especially operators of taxis (both legal and illegal).
- Don’t pick up hitchhikers or provide assistance to other motorists. If you think they need help, call the police on 911.
Typical Rental Requirements
- The minimum rental age on North Caicos and Middle Caicos is 25.
- An international driver's permit (IDP) is technically required for visitors who hold a non-US or non-Commonwealth driver's license (though in practice, local car rental companies usually accept valid driving licenses from any country).
- A valid passport and credit card may be required.
