car rental at cruise terminal

[wanderbee]

We are going to be in Matinique on a Sunday, coming in on the Holland America Oosterdam on Dec. 12. We would like to attend our church there, and need a car rental. Can a car be rented at the cruise terminal? If not, are they within walking distance?

[CRUISE4_2]

Hi I've been searching as well for a car rental. We will be be there the same day as you, Sunday dec. 13th. The car rentals are mostly at the airport. There is a couple at Pointe du Bout. There is no car rental near the port. We wanted to rent a car to go to Les Salines Beach. Since no car rental nearby, we will be taking the ferry to beach across the bay. Hope it helps.

[cessnabmw]

We'll be there Dec 13th as well!!

 

Want to rent a car and drive around. Are there no car rentals locations near the cruise port?

[wanderbee]

From the research, the only car rental places available are at the airport, and it looks like a $30 taxi ride each way. Totally bummed.

I haven't been able to find a private tour guide either. Can't find any recommendations anywhere.

Edited October 29, 2015 by wanderbee

[blueberry]

YOU CAN RENT A CAR We just did it and it was great. We took the ferry to Pointe du Bout. There are several car rentals right there, just up the street from the ferry stop- a 2 minute walk at most. We rented from Avis- there was a Budget next door. Quick, easy. Cost was 66 euros for a mid size Audi. Could have gotten smaller and cheaper 30-40 euro).

 

The web site said they were closed 12:30-3:30 for lunch and we wanted the 3:15 ferry. Spoke to the agent and we just left the car in the lot, locked with keys in it. No problem.

 

The ferry is very quick and efficient, 7 euros round trip. Very prompt service, about 20 mins ride. Ferry terminal is right next to the ship - very short walk maybe 2 minutes from the pier.

 

The ferry schedule is available on line here and posted at the dock on both ends and unlike other ports, the schedule is accurate. Just make sure you get the sunday- dimanche- schedule.

 

The advantages are incredable. No long lines to rent like at an airport, cars right there. More importantly no having to fight traffic or drive a great distance to the beach. Also lots of choices on where to go. Fort du France is huge and congested. Actually quite shockingly so compared to most ports in the islands. More like Honolulu than St. Thomas. By taking the ferry you get away from all of that to a really beautiful, clean. Friendly island.

 

Great map from Avis. We went to Grand Anis D'arlet beach.. I'll review that seperately. About a 20 minute drive from Pointe du Bout.

[wanderbee]

Well, I guess I should have specified that all the car rental places near the cruise port seem to be closed on Sunday and that is why we would have to go to the airport. A LOT of things seem to be closed on Sunday.