North Caicos & Middle Caicos Car & Jeep Rentals
A rental car or Jeep is the best way for most visitors to get around North Caicos and Middle Caicos. This holds true for overnight stays as well as day trips from Providenciales.
There are several car rental agencies on North Caicos that collectively offer a full range of vehicles, from compact cars to vans, Jeeps, and SUVs. Most rental companies offer pickup directly from the ferry dock at Bellefield Landing.
North Caicos and Middle Caicos do not have any type of public transport, and—as the largest islands in the country—are not walkable. While there are a few taxis on the islands, rental cars tend to be the least expensive way to get around for solo travelers, couples, and smaller groups. Taxis can, however, be a great choice if you want a guided tour of the islands.
North Caicos and Middle Caicos are fairly easy to navigate, as most attractions are located along the long paved road that passes through both islands. For an idea of distances and routes, see Maps of North Caicos and Middle Caicos.
The North and Middle Caicos Causeway
North Caicos and Middle Caicos are connected by a 1-mile (1.6 km) paved causeway, which allows both islands to essentially function as one. The causeway is safe, easy to transit, and highly scenic. There is no toll to use the causeway.
What Type of Rental Car Is Best?
Compact cars have lower rental fees than larger vehicles. Inclusive of taxes and fees, cars generally start at $75 per day, small SUVs rent for around $90 per day, and Jeeps and full-size SUVs are about $200 per day (2025 prices). Most rental cars have working air conditioning and automatic transmissions.
A paved road spans almost the entirety of North Caicos and Middle Caicos, starting at Sandy Point and passing through Whitby, Bottle Creek, the causeway, Mudjin Harbour, Conch Bar, and Bambarra before terminating at Lorimers. Most beaches, sights, and attractions are either found on or near a paved road, so it's not typically necessary to rent a 4x4.
The exception is if you want to explore the back roads and remote coasts, such as Wild Cow Run and Cedar Point, or the Caicos Pine Yard Trail. These destinations require a high-clearance 4x4 or Jeep to navigate.
During the wet season, some roads may have puddles that are too deep for small cars to safely cross. These routes include the old King’s Road that leads past Conch Bar Caves and the Mud Hole Pond Road near Pumpkin Bluff.
Reservations and Policies
It’s generally simple to rent a car on North Caicos, as the main car rental companies have websites where you can reserve your vehicle online. Alternatively, you can simply call or email the car rental agency to make your booking. Payment can be made in advance via credit card or usually by cash or card at the time of pickup.
The minimum age to rent a car on North Caicos is 25. Drivers must present a valid driver's license upon pickup.
Taxes and Fees
North Caicos car rental companies must charge 12% Government Tourism Tax on top of the base rental price. This fee is typically included at the time of booking. Some companies also require that you purchase third-party liability insurance from them before renting a vehicle from their fleet (often included in the total rental cost).
Rental Car Pickup and Drop-Off
Confirm where you want to pick up and drop off your vehicle in your reservation. The default pickup and drop-off location for most rental companies is Bellefield Landing, which is where the ferry lands.
Gas Stations
All of the working gas stations on the two islands are found on North Caicos. There are usually three operating: two near the Major Hill settlement and North Caicos Airport (NCA), and one near Bottle Creek Village. Some gas stations close on Sundays.
Car rental companies typically require that you return the rental vehicle with the gas tank full or at its original level. The Texaco on King's Road (just past the North Caicos Airport if you're driving west) is the closest fuel station to the ferry port and your last chance to refuel before returning your rental car.
Key Points
- Check and note the fuel level upon pickup. Rentals should typically be returned with the same amount of fuel.
- Inspect and take note of any vehicle damages with your rental agent before departing.
- Hire a 4x4 if you plan to explore remote beaches. It’s not advisable to drive cars on poor-condition roads and tracks.
- Stay on the road. Please do not drive on the beach or on the mud and wetland flats, as this can cause environmental damage that lasts for decades. The mud and tidal flats in Turks and Caicos tend to have a deceptively hard surface over high-salinity silt. It is very easy to get capable 4x4s and Jeeps stuck, and it’s also very expensive to recover them.
- Traffic drives on the left, as is the case throughout the Turks and Caicos.
