Arriving in Dominica
Your route-by-route guide to landing or sailing on the Nature Isle — and driving away within minutes. Written by the local team that meets every arrival.
Flying into Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM)
Douglas-Charles Airport sits on Dominica's northeast coast, about 1 hour 15 minutes' drive from Roseau. Connections arrive via regional hubs including Antigua, Barbados, San Juan, St. Maarten, and Guadeloupe, plus direct international service from the US.
How airport pickup works
- Book your vehicle online — takes about 2 minutes, no deposit. Your flight number and arrival time go right in the booking form.
- We track your flight, so delays cost you nothing — no extra messages needed.
- We meet you in the arrivals area with your vehicle — at any hour, including late-night arrivals.
- Permit paperwork and a quick orientation take about 15 minutes. Then you drive.
Drive times from the airport
| Destination | Drive time |
|---|---|
| Calibishie (north coast beaches) | ≈ 20 min |
| Portsmouth | ≈ 45 min |
| Kalinago Territory | ≈ 30 min |
| Roseau (capital) | ≈ 1 h 15 |
Ferry from Guadeloupe or Martinique
L'Express des Îles connects Pointe-à-Pitre and Fort-de-France directly to the Roseau Ferry Terminal on the capital's waterfront — roughly 2 hours from Guadeloupe and 1.5 hours from Martinique.
What happens when you dock
After immigration and customs (usually quick), you exit onto the Bayfront — and we're standing there with your vehicle ready and paperwork prepared. You're typically driving within 15 minutes of stepping off the boat.
Three things French Caribbean visitors should know
- On roule à gauche. Unlike Guadeloupe and Martinique, Dominica drives on the left. All our vehicles are automatic, which makes adjusting much easier — take a few calm minutes near the terminal.
- Pay in euros if you like. Our prices display in EUR, and we accept euro cash and cards.
- Return at any hour. Drop the car at the terminal right before your return crossing — even for early sailings.
Know before you go
Your driving permit — handled
All visitors need a Dominica Visitor Driving Permit (≈EC$30). You don't visit any office — we arrange it on arrival. Bring your home country driver's license (any country) and your passport. That's it.
Driving side & roads
Dominica drives on the left, like the UK. Main coastal roads are paved and well-kept; mountain roads are narrower and winding. All our vehicles are automatic, which makes the left-side transition much easier. Speed limits: 30 mph in towns, 40–50 mph on highways, 20 mph in school zones.
Money
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), pegged to the US dollar. We accept XCD, USD and EUR in cash, plus credit cards and bank transfers — and our website shows prices in all three. ATMs are available in Roseau and Portsmouth.
Staying connected
Local SIMs (Digicel, Flow) are available in Roseau, and eSIM packages covering Dominica work well. Prefer not to bother? Add a portable WiFi hotspot to your rental — it travels with you, in the car or on the trail.
Languages
English is the official language; you'll also hear Kwéyòl. Our team operates in English and French.
Weather & roads
Showers pass quickly but roads can be slick right after rain. Slow down, leave extra braking distance, and enjoy the rainbow that usually follows. Every rental includes 24/7 roadside assistance, island-wide.