Pete's Taxi and Car Rentals: Your Antigua Wheels, Sorted Before You Land
A family-run east-coast car rental and taxi crew that treats every guest like a Mill Reef regular.
Why Go
Antigua has 365 beaches and virtually no public transit that connects them, so the difference between an okay trip and a great one is often just: did you sort your ride? Pete's has been quietly solving that problem for over 20 years out of Freetown Village on the island's east side, and the reason repeat visitors keep their number saved is simple ??? they answer the phone, they show up, and they'll meet you at the airport with a Yaris or a Wrangler already stickered with your temporary Antigua license.
The Experience
Pete's is not a corporate rental counter with a queue and a clipboard ??? it's a family operation run out of St. Phillip's that also has a permanent presence at Mill Reef Club and Nonsuch Bay, which tells you everything about the clientele. You'll deal with real people (often Pete himself, or someone who's been driving these roads for a decade), the paperwork happens on a picnic table or at your villa, and if your flight is delayed at 2 a.m. someone is still awake to answer. The fleet is unfussy but genuinely useful for the terrain: Corollas and Yaris hatchbacks for couples doing beach-hopping on the west coast, RAV4s and Wranglers for anyone brave enough to tackle the pot-holed tracks out to Rendezvous Bay or Green Island, and a mini-van when the whole family flies in. Free island-wide pick-up and drop-off means you don't have to build a return-the-car errand into your last morning.
What to Try
Skip the economy sedan if you're staying on the east or south coast ??? Half Moon Bay, Green Island access points, and the Nonsuch Bay approaches all reward a RAV4 or the Jeep Wrangler. If you're mostly beach-hopping between Jolly Harbour, Ffryes and Darkwood, the Corolla or Yaris is plenty and easier on fuel. For airport runs where you don't want to drive on the left the first night, book Pete's taxi service one-way and pick up the rental in the morning at your hotel ??? they'll bring it to you.
Insider Tip
The USD $20 / EC $50 temporary Antigua driver's license is required by law, not optional, and it's the thing tourists forget until they're standing at the counter. Pete's handles it for you if you send a photo of your home license ahead of time, so your car is ready to drive the moment you land ??? ask for this when you book. Also: WhatsApp the +1-268-773-2206 number rather than emailing, replies are dramatically faster.
The Practical Stuff
Based in Freetown Village, St. Phillip's on Antigua's east coast, with satellite pick-up at Mill Reef Club and Nonsuch Bay and free delivery/collection island-wide (including V.C. Bird Airport and cruise pier). Office hours Monday???Saturday 9:00 AM???6:30 PM, but the taxi line runs effectively 24/7 for pre-booked airport transfers. Fleet: Toyota Corolla, Yaris, RAV4, mini-van, and Jeep Wrangler. Rates include collision damage insurance; the mandatory temporary Antigua driver's license is USD $20 / EC $50 and valid three months. Contact: +1-268-773-2206 or 268-789-0112, petenathaniel@hotmail.com, petestaxiandrentals.com. Cash (USD or EC) and card accepted; driving is on the left.
Pair It With
- Adventure Antigua — Family-run boat charter operation since 1999 that pairs naturally with a family-run rental ??? Pete's can drop you at the Jolly Harbour or Falmouth marina meeting point and collect you when you're back on land.
- Antigua +39 Tour Guide — If you'd rather offload a full day of sightseeing, book their guided island tour and keep Pete's rental for the beach-and-restaurant days when you want your own schedule.
- Antigua Hikes and Tours Guide — Trailheads for Rendezvous Bay, Signal Hill and the Wallings Reservoir loops are all easier to reach with a RAV4 or Wrangler from Pete's than with a low-clearance economy car.
- Bo Tours Antigua Ltd Guide — A good backup for group excursions on days you don't want to drive yourself ??? use Pete's for the airport bookends and Bo Tours for the big group day out.
