Car rental in Guadeloupe: our complete review 2026 (+ promo code)

Why rent a car in Guadeloupe?

Looking for an honest review of car rental in Guadeloupe? After two weeks spent on the archipelago (December 2-15, 2025), here's our complete experience.

If you want to rent a car in Guadeloupe, this guide is for you. We tested two local rental companies – JumboCar for mainland Guadeloupe and Cubix Location for Marie-Galante – and we share here our detailed review, our practical tips and the traps to avoid.

Whether you're planning a road trip in Guadeloupe for a few days or two weeks, a car is essential to explore the butterfly island.

Guadeloupe has a characteristic butterfly shape: two distinct "wings" – Grande-Terre to the east (white sand beaches, sugarcane fields) and Basse-Terre to the west (tropical forest, La Soufrière volcano) – connected by a narrow natural land passage at Pointe-à-Pitre. Without a car, you're stuck in your tourist area or paying a fortune in taxis.

⚠️ Important: All information in this article is based on our real experience (December 2025). We recommend verifying current rates and conditions directly with rental companies.

Travel Differently Promo Code: JUMBOTD25
5% discount on your JumboCar rental

⚡ Quick answer: the essentials in 30 seconds

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Car rental Guadeloupe prices 2026

Forget the ads promising car rental in Guadeloupe at $10/day. If you're looking to rent a car in Guadeloupe at the best price, here are the real market prices by season:

Average public rates 2026

Prices at reputable rental companies (JumboCar, ADA), Pôle Caraïbes airport, 7+ days, basic insurance included.

💡 Public rates shown before any discount. With JUMBOTD25 (-5%), save $20-40 on a SUV for 1 week!

Our real budget (12 days of rental)

Here's what we actually paid for our Guadeloupe car rental:

💡 Real savings: Without discount, we would have paid ~$520 at JumboCar. With JUMBOTD25 (-5%), you already save $20-30 on these rates.

💡 Good to know: Gas price in Guadeloupe is regulated and identical at all stations (about $2/liter in December 2025). No need to shop around!

How to save on car rental Guadeloupe?

1. Book 2-3 months in advance: Prices skyrocket close to vacations
2. Use our promo code JUMBOTD25 (5% discount)
3. Prefer low season (May-November): up to 50% cheaper
4. Choose 7 days vs 6: sometimes the full week is cheaper
5. Avoid insurance traps: we explain below

🗺️ Our strategy: 3 rentals for 2 weeks

Here's how we organized our car rental in Guadeloupe over 2 weeks. This strategy was optimized to avoid paying for the ferry with a car (very expensive!) and to have the right vehicle at the right time.

Our actual itinerary

👇 View our itinerary on the interactive map below

Why 3 different rentals?

The trap to avoid: ferry with car

Many travelers think about keeping the same car and taking the ferry to Marie-Galante. Bad idea:

• 🚢 Ferry price with car: $80-130 round trip (vs $44 per person without)
• ⏰ No guaranteed space: vehicles must be booked in advance
• 🚗 Oversized car: a compact is plenty for Marie-Galante

Our solution:

1. First rental (JumboCar): Pick up at airport → Explore Basse-Terre → Return in Pointe-à-Pitre before ferry
2. Second rental (Cubix): Larry waits for you at the ferry in Marie-Galante → Return at ferry on departure
3. Third rental (JumboCar): Pick up at airport after return ferry → Explore Grande-Terre → Return before flight

💡 Budget tip: This strategy saved us about $65 compared to a single car + ferry with vehicle.

⏰ Critical timing: plan ahead before the ferry!

This is THE most important advice in this entire article. Here's what happened to us:

We had to return our Yaris Cross before 4pm to catch the 5:15pm ferry to Marie-Galante. We left Deshaies at 2pm... and almost missed the ferry because of Pointe-à-Pitre traffic jams (45 minutes stuck at the Gabarre bridge!).

Our recommendations:

• Plan +1.5 hours extra for any trip to Pointe-à-Pitre
• Return the car at least 1.5 hours before the ferry
• Avoid departures between 4pm and 6pm (traffic jams)

Our review: JumboCar Guadeloupe

Why we chose JumboCar?

On forums (Routard, TripAdvisor), JumboCar regularly appears among the best-rated local rental companies in Guadeloupe. After two rental periods, we understand why – and here's our complete review.

Compared to major international brands (Hertz, Sixt, Europcar), JumboCar offers:

• ✅ Prices 15-25% cheaper for equivalent vehicles
• ✅ Less waiting at the counter (vs endless lines at major brands at the airport)
• ✅ Responsive customer service (we dealt with Guillaume, Alix and Vanessa: impeccable)
• ✅ Unlimited mileage included
• ✅ Free cancellation up to 48h before

Why not major international rental companies? They're reliable, but often 20-30% more expensive with counter wait times that can exceed 45 minutes during peak hours.

👉 Book at JumboCar: www.jumbocar-guadeloupe.com

Comparative review: JumboCar vs other Guadeloupe car rental companies

To help you choose your car rental in Guadeloupe, here's our comparative review of different rental companies:

Our verdict: JumboCar offers the best value for money for car rental in Guadeloupe. Ideal for exploring Le Gosier, Saint-François, or even going all the way to Deshaies. The majors are more expensive with more waiting, budget options are cheaper but with sometimes older vehicles.

Vehicle 1: Toyota Yaris Cross automatic (December 2-9)

Our first vehicle: a Toyota Yaris Cross automatic, perfect for Basse-Terre's winding roads.

What we liked:

• 🚗 Automatic transmission: essential on mountain roads (your calves will thank you)
• ⛽ Minimal fuel consumption: about 6L/100km – we did all of Basse-Terre with 3 tanks
• 📦 Decent trunk: 2 suitcases + photo/drone equipment no problem
• 🏔️ Road handling: impeccable even on the rough roads to La Soufrière

What we liked less:

• 🔊 Not very soundproofed on highways (but hey, we didn't come for highways)

Vehicle 2: Audi Q2 (December 11-15)

For our return from Marie-Galante, we switched to an Audi Q2, more premium.

Notable difference with the Yaris:

• Superior comfort for long trips
• More efficient air conditioning (important in the tropics!)
• Better finishes
• But less maneuverable on small roads

Our verdict: The Yaris Cross is perfect for Basse-Terre (winding roads). The Audi Q2 is ideal for Grande-Terre (wider roads). If you can only choose one, take the Yaris Cross: it goes everywhere.

The rental process: how does it work?

Car rental at Guadeloupe airport: How does it work?

The JumboCar agency is located in the rental car zone, accessible via a free shuttle. Here's how it went for us:

1. Baggage claim: Exit the terminal, follow signs for "Car Rental Shuttles".
2. Shuttle: Runs every 10-15 min, 3 min ride to the rental center.
3. Paperwork: 15-20 min (license, credit card, signature, inspection).
4. Key handover: Go!

The return: stress-free!

For the return, it's the same principle. Head to the JumboCar return zone.

• Fuel: There is a gas station right next to the rental zone. Fill up there.
• Cleanliness: Take the time to shake out mats (sand!) and return the car clean.
• Return shuttle: Once the return inspection is done, the shuttle takes you back to the departure terminal.

⚠️ Tip: Double-check you haven't forgotten anything in the car (chargers, sunglasses, bottles) before getting on the shuttle!

Your anti-hassle checklist (print it!)

We saw it happen: a traveler in line ahead of us, Revolut card refused, bank closed because it was Sunday. Result: left by taxi at $100/day. Don't be that tourist.

Required documents at the airport

To have PHYSICALLY in hand:

• [ ] Valid driver's license (+ international if non-EU)
• [ ] CREDIT card Visa/Mastercard IN THE DRIVER'S NAME (see below)
• [ ] Passport or ID
• [ ] Booking confirmation (printed PDF + screenshot on phone)
• [ ] Promo code JUMBOTD25 (screenshot)

Credit card: crucial detail

⚠️ MANDATORY: "CREDIT" card (to block deposit without charge)

The distinction is subtle but vital for the deposit. Look at what's written on your card:

Why "CREDIT" only?

1. The rental company does a "pre-authorization" (e.g., $1,100).
2. CREDIT card: The bank says "OK, I guarantee $1,100" (nothing is charged to your account).
3. DEBIT card: The bank tries to charge $1,100 immediately. If refused or insufficient balance = NO CAR.

🚨 MONDAY MORNING NIGHTMARE SCENARIO You arrive at 8am, 45min line → Counter: "Card refused" → Your bank at home is closed → No rental → Taxi required (all week!).

✅ THE SOLUTION (48h before):

1. Check your "CREDIT" label on the card.
2. Call your bank: "I'm going to Guadeloupe, unblock foreign payments and raise my limit to $2,200."
3. Have a plan B: A friend with a Visa Premier or cash for emergencies.

⚠️ BLOCKED AMOUNTS (DEPOSIT):

• Economy car: $450-750
• SUV: $850-1,300
• Premium: $1,300-2,200 Released 7-21 days after return. Check your available limit!

Crucial advice for the inspection:

⚠️ Take photos/videos of EVERYTHING – especially underbody and wheels. Guadeloupe roads can be treacherous, and you don't want to pay for pre-existing damage.

Insurance: 3 traps to avoid

Classic airport scams:

1. "Mandatory insurance" = LIE (CDW is already included in all contracts)
2. "$1,650 deductible if you refuse" = true info, but deductible waiver = $10-15/day
3. "Free additional driver" = often $10/day hidden in conditions

Which strategy to choose?

Insurance options: summary table

Our advice: Take at minimum deductible waiver + undercarriage protection. Basse-Terre roads can be treacherous (potholes, branches). It will save you unpleasant surprises at return.

⚠️ The anecdote to remember: Pointe-à-Pitre traffic jams

If you only remember one thing from this article, let it be this:

The traffic jam trap

Our worst moment of the trip? Almost missing our ferry to Marie-Galante because of the massive traffic jams of the Pointe-à-Pitre area.

Here's what happened: we had to return the car before 4pm to catch the 5:15pm ferry. We left Deshaies at 2pm... and almost missed the ferry because of Pointe-à-Pitre traffic (45 minutes stuck at the Gabarre bridge!).

At the entrance to Pointe-à-Pitre, on the Gabarre bridge: total traffic jam. For 45 minutes, we crawled along, stress rising every minute. We arrived at the JumboCar agency at 4:20pm, rushed through the return, and ran to the ferry. Arrived on board with 5 minutes to spare. Cold sweats.

Times to absolutely avoid

Our tips to avoid hassles

1. Allow 1 extra hour if you need to cross Pointe-à-Pitre before a flight or ferry
2. Prefer off-peak hours: leave before 7am or after 7pm if possible
3. Listen to Radio Guadeloupe (90.0 FM) for real-time traffic info
4. Use Waze: it knows the local shortcuts well

Did you know? Traffic jams are worse on Friday evenings and before holidays. If you're taking a ferry on Friday to Marie-Galante, leave 2 hours earlier than planned.

Marie-Galante car rental: our review

If you're planning to visit Marie-Galante, car rental in Marie-Galante is almost mandatory. The island of a hundred mills is a preserved gem 1 hour by ferry from Guadeloupe, but beware: no public transport and the island is still 15 km in diameter.

Why rent a car in Marie-Galante?

Options for getting around:

• 🚗 Marie-Galante car rental: the best option to see everything
• 🛵 Scooter: economical but exposed to sun/rain
• 🚲 Bicycle: very sporty (and it's hot!)
• 🚕 Taxi: rare and expensive

Our choice: Cubix Location Marie-Galante, a local rental company recommended by other travelers on forums.

Our review: Cubix Location Marie-Galante

Welcome by Larry (the owner):

Larry was waiting for us at the ferry upon our arrival at Grand-Bourg port. First impression: a smile as wide as the island and a warm handshake.

What sets Cubix Location apart from "classic" rental companies:

• 🏝️ Local knowledge: Larry gave us tips on secret beaches and the best distilleries
• ⏰ Total flexibility: pick up at ferry, drop off at ferry, adapted schedules
• 💬 Reachable by WhatsApp: handy for last-minute questions

The vehicle:

C3 Aircross (CAT C+ SUV-Compact), air-conditioned, perfect for Marie-Galante roads.

Marie-Galante car rental rates:

• Cubix public rate: $50/day ($150 total for 3 days)

Our Cubix Location review: Top service, clean vehicle, Larry is a true pro. For Marie-Galante car rental, it's our #1 recommendation.

Contact Cubix Location Marie-Galante: resacubixlocation@gmail.com

Our Marie-Galante itinerary (1-day road trip)

With your Marie-Galante car rental, here's our recommended circuit:

Tip: The complete island tour takes about 1.5 hours by car without stops. Plan a full day to really enjoy it with Cubix Location.

Guadeloupe road trip: our 2-week itinerary

Planning a road trip in Guadeloupe? Here's our complete 2-week itinerary that we actually followed.

For a Guadeloupe road trip, we recommend a minimum of 10 days to see Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre and Marie-Galante. With 2 weeks, you can really enjoy each area without rushing.

Guadeloupe road trip highlights

• Days 1-7: Basse-Terre (Sainte-Anne → Trois-Rivières → Bouillante → Deshaies)
• Days 8-10: Marie-Galante
• Days 11-14: Grande-Terre (Saint-François → Le Gosier)

This road trip in Guadeloupe covers the best of the archipelago.

Car rental Guadeloupe tips

Here are our car rental tips for Guadeloupe after 2 weeks on site. This information is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises.

What you need to know

Regulations (same as mainland France):

• Drive on the right
• Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 70-90 km/h outside (often lower)
• Seatbelt mandatory, phone prohibited
• 0.5 g/L alcohol max

Practical info (the real deal):

• ⚠️ Basse-Terre roads: narrow, winding, sometimes rough
• ✅ Grande-Terre roads: wide, well-maintained
• 🐐 Watch for animals: goats and cows roam on small roads
• 🌧️ Tropical rain: near-zero visibility – slow down or stop
• 🚧 Frequent roadwork: especially on the main road, be patient
• 🅿️ Parking: free almost everywhere outside Pointe-à-Pitre

Classic mistakes to avoid:

• NEVER underestimate travel times (x1.5 compared to GPS)
• Don't forget the sun sets early (~6pm) – avoid mountain roads at night
• Don't park on narrow shoulders (risk of getting hit)

Our top 5 most beautiful roads

1. Route de la Traversée (D23) – Tropical forest, waterfalls, endless curves
2. Coast between Bouillante and Deshaies – Sunsets over the Caribbean Sea
3. Climb to La Soufrière – Adventure and mist guaranteed
4. Road to Pointe des Châteaux – Spectacular Atlantic panorama at the end
5. Sainte-Anne coastline – Photogenic cliffs (tip from Alix at JumboCar!)

Short story: our unexpected nighttime encounter

An anecdote that makes us smile now, but at the time... One evening, returning from Bouillante to our accommodation, we were driving along a small Basse-Terre road. Suddenly, in our headlights: three goats in the middle of the road, totally unimpressed.

We brake, honk, try flashing lights. Nothing. The goats look at us as if WE were the intruders (which, technically, was the case). We had to get out of the car and walk around them for them to deign to let us pass. Moral: on small roads at night, drive slowly. The animals are at home!

FAQ: Car rental Guadeloupe

Here are the most frequently asked questions about car rental in Guadeloupe with our answers based on our real experience.

Where to rent a car in Guadeloupe? Our review

The most practical options are at Pôle Caraïbes airport. For rental car at Guadeloupe airport, our opinion is clear: we recommend JumboCar for its value for money and customer service. Their agency is 5 minutes walk from the terminal. For those visiting Le Gosier or Saint-François, it's ideal as a starting point.

Cheap car rental Guadeloupe: how to save?

1. Book 2-3 months in advance (especially for high season)
2. Use promo code JUMBOTD25 (5% discount)
3. Travel in low season (May-November): prices cut in half
4. Compare local (JumboCar, Réseauloc) vs international companies

Car rental Guadeloupe young driver: possible?

Yes, but with conditions:

• Minimum age: 21 years (23 for some premium vehicles)
• License held for at least 1 year
• Young driver surcharge: $11-16/day
• Generally higher deductible

Check exact conditions with JumboCar when booking.

7-seater car rental Guadeloupe: availability?

Yes, 7-9 seater vehicles are available. Book at least 3 months in advance as this category is in high demand by families. Expect $87-140/day in high season.

Do you need a 4x4 in Guadeloupe?

No, except in very specific cases. A compact SUV like Toyota Yaris Cross is enough for 99% of roads, including paths to beaches and the climb to La Soufrière. 4x4 is only useful if you plan to do isolated forest tracks.

Does my Revolut / Wise / N26 card work for the deposit?

NO. These cards are considered "prepaid" or with systematic authorization. They are refused by deposit terminals because they don't allow "blocking" an amount without charging it. You absolutely need a classic Visa or Mastercard (ideally marked "CREDIT") physical card.

Car rental Guadeloupe no deposit: is it possible?

No, all rental companies require a deposit. It's taken by card imprint and varies by vehicle:

• Economy: $330-550
• SUV/Crossover: $550-875
• Premium: $875-1,650

The deposit is blocked on your card (not charged) and released within 7-15 days after return. Tip: take deductible waiver insurance to reduce this amount.

When to book a car for Guadeloupe?

• High season (December-April): book 3-6 months in advance
• February holidays and Carnival: book 6 months minimum
• Low season (May-November): 1-2 months before is usually enough

Guadeloupe road trip: minimum number of days?

For a complete Guadeloupe road trip, we recommend minimum 10 days to see Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre and Marie-Galante. With 2 weeks, you can really enjoy each area without rushing.

Long-term car rental Guadeloupe: is it possible?

Yes, several rental companies offer special rates for 1+ month rentals. At JumboCar, long-term rates are negotiable (contact them directly). Expect about $440-660/month for an economy car, $770-1,100/month for an SUV. Ideal for remote workers or long stays.

Peer-to-peer car rental Guadeloupe: good idea?

Beware of risks. Platforms like Turo or Getaround exist, but:

• Limited insurance (check overseas exclusions)
• No customer service in case of breakdown
• Variable vehicle condition

Our opinion: For a vacation stay, stick with a professional rental company like JumboCar. The price difference ($11-22/day) isn't worth the risk. For a long stay (3+ months), peer-to-peer rental can be interesting after verifying insurance.

Conclusion: our final review on car rental in Guadeloupe

After 12 days of rental and about 500 miles traveled across Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre and Marie-Galante, here's our complete review of car rental in Guadeloupe.

Our summary review

Key tips to remember

• ✅ Yes, rent a car – impossible to really see the island without one
• ✅ Book early – especially in high season
• ✅ Use JUMBOTD25 – to save 5%
• ✅ Get undercarriage insurance – roads can be treacherous
• ⚠️ Plan for Pointe-à-Pitre traffic – +1h margin minimum
• ⚠️ Take inspection photos – protect yourself

To rent a car in Guadeloupe at the best price, we recommend booking 2-3 months in advance and using our promo code JUMBOTD25. For Marie-Galante, contact Cubix Location Marie-Galante directly.

Book now

👉 JumboCar Guadeloupe: www.jumbocar-guadeloupe.com
Promo code: JUMBOTD25 (-5%)

👉 Cubix Location Marie-Galante: resacubixlocation@gmail.com

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