Transportation

The vast majority of people on the road in the Cayman Islands are driving cars but you will see a few motorbikes, bicycles and electric scooters although precarious driving, heavy summer rains and the heat can discourage it. There are also over 130 different nationalities represented in Cayman, which means there are drivers from all around the world where traffic laws can be quite different. It is therefore crucial that drivers know the rules of Cayman’s roads.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. We drive on the left-hand side of the road
2. Seatbelts must be worn by all passengers
3. Turning left on a red light, only after a full stop, is allowed and is legal
4. Using a mobile phone (unless hands-free) while driving is illegal
5. We have a few four-way stops. These work on the basis of whoever gets to the four-way stop first after making a full stop, proceeds first
6. The speed limit signs in Cayman are circular with a red outline and displayed in mph
7. The speed limit on the Island varies between 25mph-50mph. Speeding tickets are freely dispersed to people who go over the limit
8. The speed limit for school zones is 15mph when a) amber lights are flashing or b) road markings or signs are posted
9. All drivers must give way to pedestrians on pedestrian crossings
10. Headlights must be fitted to dip left. Cars being imported from the US take note
11. The use of fog lights is not allowed
12. You cannot overtake if there is a solid single or double white (or yellow) line in the centre of the road
13. Accidents: The law requires that in the event of an accident involving injury to person/ animal/vehicle, you must exchange names, addresses, DOB, registration numbers and your insurance details. Or report the accident to the police within 24 hours
14. Tinted Car Windows: Front windows can be tinted, but must allow a minimum of 35% light transmission through. Rear windows can be made darker to a maximum of 15%. A strip of tint (any degree), no more than six inches may be placed on the windshield.

Please read on for a helpful guide and tips explaining how you can get on the road.

Public Buseskeyboard_arrow_right

A public mini-bus transport system connects all districts of Grand Cayman. The buses have a number in a coloured circle, making them easy to identify. There are some bus stops along major routes, but you can flag down a passing bus at any point. When you want to get off, just let your driver know. Fares are CI$2-CI$2.50 for short trips, CI$3.50 to East End and CI$8 to Cayman Kai. If you are going to the end of the line, check with the bus driver that there will be a bus coming back to pick you up, especially if you'll be traveling back late in the afternoon. For an additional fee of CI$1-$3 it is possible to ask your driver to deviate a little from the bus route and drop you at your destination. You can then arrange for them to pick you up on the return journey by another bus driver, although you might have to wait a bit!

The best routes for buses are on the main roads around retail areas and non-residential areas. However, there are regular scheduled buses which run along South Church Street, South Sound Road, Walkers Road, Fairbanks Road and the Industrial Park, Owen Roberts Drive. Click here to view the bus route map.

Approximate bus running times: Monday to Thursday 6am-11pm, Friday and Saturday 6am-1am, and a limited service operates on Sundays.

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Driving in Caymankeyboard_arrow_right

The Cayman Islands have very strict rules about driving a vehicle in Cayman so read on for the rules for visitors and those for residents. Visitors must have a full, valid driver's licence from a Convention country and can then drive for six months. Visitors who have a full licence but not from a Convention country can only drive for one month in Cayman. Residents (and those with a work permit) are permitted to drive on an International Driver's permit for as long as it is valid but those with a full and valid domestic licence from a Convention country can only drive in Cayman for up to six months and then they must take and pass the written theory test. If they wait longer than six months then they have to take the practical and the theory test! For residents who have a full domestic licence from a non Convention county they can only drive for one month in Cayman and then they must take and pass both the practical and theory tests before they can get a full Cayman driving licence. Please note that you must always have a copy of your driving licence and a copy of your car insurance with you at all times when driving! It's the law. Also worth noting if you will be driving a friend or family member's car while you are in Cayman, that almost all car insurance only covers people to drive from the age of 23 to 70. The insurance company will often be very willing to add someone to the insurance for a small fee but you must remember to check or your 75 year old mother-in-law may well be driving an uninsured car!

Bicycles & Scooters

Cars are not the only way to get around in the Cayman Islands – there are a growing amount of people who choose to ride scooters, electric scooters and motorcycles and an increasing amount who choose to ‘go green’ and bike it from place to place.

Ferry Boat

Cayman has a very reliable ferry service that runs from Camana Bay to Kaibo and back, and from the Newlands public dock to Camana Bay and back. Tickets are purchased through their app and you can visit www.caymanferries.com.ky for more information. Alternatively visit the App Store and search for Cayman Ferries Passenger. You cannot buy tickets on the ferry.

Prices are as follows:
Commuter round trip return from or to Newlands - Camana Bay CI$24 (adult)
One way from or to Newlands and Camana Bay CI$12
Roundtrip between Camana Bay and Kaibo CI$25 (adult) or CI$15 (children)
One way from or two Camana bay and Kaibo CI$12.50

Their schedule can be viewed on their website or you can send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (345) 325 7777 and they will get right back to you. The ferry does not run on a Monday. You are welcome to carry a bicycle on the ferry.