Transportation & Getting Around Cayman

Cayman may be small, but getting around on foot is genuinely difficult given the lack of sidewalks, limited street lighting in many areas, and the heat, so most residents rely on a car.  With over 90,000 residents and hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, Cayman's roads are busy, and over 139 different nationalities are represented behind the wheel, meaning drivers come from all over the world where traffic laws can differ significantly. Unfamiliarity with local rules accounts for a significant share of minor accidents, alongside a prevalent issue of reckless driving.

Cayman drives on the left and the vehicle mix includes both left-hand drive imports (typically from the US) and right-hand drive imports (typically from Japan and the UK). Visitors with a full, valid driver's licence from a Convention country can drive for six months on that licence. 

There are four main ways to get behind the wheel in Cayman: buying new, buying used, importing your own vehicle, or leasing or renting longer-term. Buying new is straightforward, with authorised dealers across most major brands. Buying used is well-served by reputable local dealers, who typically guarantee the car for three months and offer parts and servicing. Cayman's standard valuation formula deducts 20% from the original sale price for the first year and 15% for each subsequent year, with adjustments up or down for condition, mileage, and demand. Japanese and Korean brands hold their value best.

Importing a car can make sense if you're attached to a specific vehicle or want a configuration not stocked locally. Leasing is offered by several local dealers (Tony's Toys, for example) and provides flexibility without the capital outlay, while monthly car rentals from agencies like Avis Cico and Budget can bridge the gap during your first weeks on island. They may even sell you a car from their fleet.

Cayman’s salt air, sun and stop-start driving are tough on cars, so regular maintenance protects both reliability and resale value. Rust is the biggest threat, especially near the coast. Rust-proofing the undercarriage costs about CI$250 and, combined with regular washing underneath the car, can prevent long-term corrosion. Sun damage is also common, so wax the car twice yearly, use a sunshade, and consider legal window tinting. Check tyre pressure and fluids monthly.

Routine servicing costs around CI$150 every six months, while a full service every two years costs roughly CI$400. Cayman has many qualified garages and tyre specialists, though roadside assistance is usually only available through comprehensive insurance coverage.

While owning a car is the most convenient way to get around Cayman, there are practical alternatives for residents who don't want to commit to two vehicles or who simply want to reduce traffic and parking stress. Public buses are the most accessible option: a network of mini-buses connects all districts of Grand Cayman, identifiable by a number in a coloured circle. Taxis have been more transparent since the Government launched the CI:GO digital fare calculator app, which is free on iOS and Android. Rideshare is now available through Island: GO!, an app-based service offering 24/7 transport with clear pricing, local drivers, and modern safety features. Ferries run reliably between Camana Bay, Newlands, and Kaibo through Cayman Ferries.

Bicycles, Scooters, e-bikes, and mopeds are also a common sight, but the regulatory landscape changed significantly for powered versions on 1 March 2026, when the RCIPS began strict enforcement of existing laws that had largely gone unenforced. Motorcycles follow similar licensing requirements through the DVDL and remain a popular choice for experienced riders who want a faster commute without committing to a full car. 

When it’s time to part with your car, you can sell it locally, export it, or scrap it. Most people sell through Cayman Resident, EcayTrade, Facebook Marketplace, or local dealers, many of whom accept trade-ins. Exporting the vehicle requires proof of shipment, then cancelling the registration with the DVDL before completing Customs export paperwork and arranging shipping.

Scrapping a vehicle also requires formal deregistration. Complete a termination form at the DVDL, surrender the plates and documents, and pay a CI$25 fee plus any outstanding duty. The car must then be towed to the landfill or collected by the DEH for CI$75. Abandoning vehicles is illegal and can result in hefty fines or imprisonment.