Tobago is often described as the “true Caribbean” because it has calm beaches, rainforest adventures, and a relaxed culture on a small island. With its size, travellers can easily reach many attractions, from famous beaches to rainforest trails and waterfalls.
If you come by boat, you will arrive in Scarborough. The ferry stops at the Scarborough Ferry Terminal, which is at the Port Authority building on Carrington Street. This means when you get off the ferry, you are already in the main town of the island. This guide to car rental in Port of Scarborough covers the practical steps, simple advice, and realistic prices.
If you want to see more than one beach, one village, or one viewpoint, car rental in Port of Scarborough makes a big difference.
Rates vary by vehicle type, but compact cars and standard sedans typically start at around US$47 to US$50 per day. Mid-size vehicles average about US$55 to US$60 per day. SUVs generally range from US$75 to US$84 per day, depending on size and features. Overall, car hire in Port of Scarborough falls within the US$47 to US$84 per day range. Prices may increase during peak travel seasons, so booking early is recommended to secure the best rate.
Around Scarborough and across the island, you will usually find four main vehicle groups. These include small cars, medium cars, SUVs, and 4x4 vehicles. There are also options such as compact SUVs, three-door models, or premium and luxury vehicles.
The Port of Scarborough area is a working transport hub, with ferry operations managed by the Port Authority and published terminal hours, so pickup timing matters. Here are the benefits of renting a car in Port of Scarborough:
The biggest advantage is simple. You step off the ferry, walk a short distance, and meet your provider or their representative. The ferry terminal address on Carrington Street makes it easy to set a clear meeting point like “outside the terminal” or “by the car park,” but the exact handover spot is unspecified until the company confirms it in writing. To make pickup smooth, you should have these ready:
If you prefer to move around on your own, you can rent a car and drive on the left. Stay alert for taxis that may stop without warning and for animals on the road. Some scenic routes have hairpin turns and potholes. Here are some route ideas starting from Scarborough. You can do them as half-day or full-day trips, depending on your pace:
Prices depend on season, vehicle class, insurance choices, and how early you book. If you are booking online, look for three things in the terms before you pay:
Choosing a car rental in Port of Scarborough is not only about comfort. Renters should also pay attention to road conditions and the climate. There can be hairpin turns, potholes, and unexpected stops from taxis or animals, so the “right” vehicle is the one you feel confident controlling.
Small cars are great if you mainly stay around Scarborough, supermarkets, beaches, and for short drives. They are also easier to park in town.
Typical small-car features you can expect in Tobago listings:
Medium cars are a good middle choice if you want more boot space and a calmer ride on longer drives across the island. If you are travelling with 2 to 4 adults and bags, this category is often better.
Common medium-car expectations:
SUVs are popular in Tobago because they offer a raised seating position (better visibility) and greater confidence on uneven surfaces. They also help if you plan to drive through more rural areas, especially after heavy rain.
Typical SUV features:
“Special” can mean different things depending on the company. In Tobago, it often means compact SUVs, three-door vehicles, or premium vehicles for comfort. Premium suppliers also have higher-end options at much higher daily rates. Always check what “special” means on your booking page. This category can be good if:
Online booking is a technical advantage because it creates a written record of your dates, vehicle class, price, and pickup method. Here are the advantages of booking your car rental in Port of Scarborough online:
Here are simple steps to make your car rental in Port of Scarborough pickup and return smooth and stress-free.
Planning around Scarborough Port can be time-sensitive because ferry arrivals create short demand spikes. So, booking your car rental in Port of Scarborough in advance helps you avoid delays and save time. Keep your documents ready, and remember to drive on the left.
Rent a car in Port of Scarborough with Final Rentals and choose the pickup and return times that work best for you. Simply enter your travel dates, browse the available vehicles, and select the one that suits your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
Many car rental companies can meet you near the Scarborough Ferry Terminal if you select the Port of Scarborough as your pickup location. However, availability can be limited, especially when multiple ferries arrive close together. To avoid waiting or missing out on your preferred vehicle, it is highly recommended to book your car rental online in advance.
Visitors may drive with a valid permit from a Geneva Convention signatory country for 90 days, or with a valid IDP (valid for the period stated, or one year if no period is specified).
The easiest policy is “same fuel back,” where you return the car with the same fuel level you received. Because fuel stations are limited late at night, try to refuel earlier and keep a small buffer before your return time.
