Rent a Car at Douglas-Charles Airport
Convenient Rental Car Pick-Up at Douglas-Charles Airport
Car rental counters are located directly inside the arrivals area of Douglas-Charles Airport (formerly known as Melville Hall Airport). This prime location lets you skip waiting for taxis or buses – simply step off your flight, grab your keys, and begin your journey across Dominica's lush landscapes. Having your own vehicle unlocks the flexibility to visit famous waterfalls, explore rainforests, or drive along the stunning coastal roads in comfort. Roseau Downtown: Just 16 km (about 30 minutes by car) southwest, the island capital is full of charming markets, restaurants, and cultural sites. Trafalgar Falls: Approximately 20 km (35 minutes by car), a popular natural attraction with family-friendly hiking trails. Emerald Pool: Around 28 km (45 minutes), perfect for a cool swim after an easy nature walk. Portsmouth and Cabrits National Park: Roughly 40 km (1 hour), a great spot to explore historical ruins and coastal beauty. Scotts Head: Located 18 km (30 minutes), a diving and snorkeling hotspot. Airport Code: IATA: DOM, ICAO: TDPD Location: Situated on the northeast coast of Dominica near the villages of Marigot and Wesley, Douglas-Charles Airport (formerly Melville Hall Airport) serves as the main international gateway to the island. It lies approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers) from Roseau, the capital city, making it accessible with about a 30- to 40-minute drive by car. The airport’s location strategically connects travelers to both northern and southern parts of the island. Role: As Dominica’s principal airport, Douglas-Charles Airport handles both domestic and international flights, especially catering to visitors arriving from the Caribbean region, North America, and Europe. It plays a vital role in supporting the island’s booming tourism sector, particularly for nature lovers and families seeking eco-adventures and cultural experiences. Passenger Volume: While smaller than many international airports, it manages close to 300,000 passengers annually, with activity peaking in winter and early spring months when travelers flock to Dominica’s tropical weather and natural attractions. Douglas-Charles Airport features a modern, single terminal that manages arrivals and departures efficiently. Available passenger services include: Spacious waiting areas Food and beverage outlets for light meals and refreshments Car rental counters are located inside the Arrivals Hall for seamless vehicle pickup Taxi and shuttle services near the terminal Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal building Basic shopping options for local crafts and travel necessities Accessibility features, including ramps and elevators to accommodate travelers with reduced mobility Rental car desks are positioned inside the terminal’s arrivals section, allowing you to pick up your vehicle just minutes after landing. This quick access saves time and avoids the hassle of finding transportation amidst limited public transit options. Vehicles are returned to the designated airport parking area adjacent to the terminal, streamlining drop-off before departure. Driving: It takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes to reach Roseau via the island’s main roads, covering about 29 km. Driving gives you unparalleled freedom to explore beyond the capital to sites like Trafalgar Falls (35 min), Emerald Pool (45 min), and Portsmouth (1 hour). Public Transport: Limited and irregular, local buses do not cover all tourist sites conveniently. Taxis: Available but scarce, especially during peak tourist seasons and late arrivals, making rental cars the preferred option for flexibility and comfort. Parking: Both public and private parking options are available at the airport for rental and private vehicles alike. Family Facilities: While small, family-friendly spaces, including baby-changing facilities, are provided in the terminal. Accessibility: The airport is equipped with ramps and elevators, ensuring easy movement for all passengers. Seasonal Traffic: The airport sees increased traffic from November through April, when tourists arrive for the island’s peak travel season. Connectivity: Offers direct flights to and from Caribbean islands, Puerto Rico, the United States, and select European destinations, supporting seamless access to Dominica’s rich natural and cultural attractions. Address: Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM), Marigot, Saint Andrew Parish, Dominica Phone: +1 767 445 7109 Website: Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority - Douglas-Charles Airport Enter “Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM)” as your pickup location at the top of this page. Choose your preferred pickup and drop-off dates and times. Compact Cars: Ideal for maneuvering Dominica’s charming towns and urban streets. SUVs & 4x4s: Recommended for exploring Dominica’s mountainous interior and unpaved roads. Vans & 7-Seaters: Great for families or groups wanting extra space and comfort. Complete your reservation by entering your details and providing payment information, usually requiring a valid credit card. Instant confirmation guarantees your vehicle upon arrival. Check insurance coverage options, mileage limits, fuel policies, and age restrictions—typically, drivers must be 21 or older, with possible young driver fees. Add extras like Wi-Fi hotspots or child seats as needed. Present your booking confirmation, driver’s license, passport, and credit card at the rental counter. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is advised if your license is not in English. Inspect the vehicle, note any existing damage, sign the contract, and you’re ready to drive. Return your rental to the designated car park near the terminal. Follow the fuel policy by refilling before drop-off if required, clear your belongings, and complete the final inspection with the agent. To rent a car at Douglas-Charles Airport, you’ll need a valid driver’s license, a passport or government-issued ID, and a credit card in the main driver’s name. If your license is not in English, it’s recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). Tourists must also present their booking confirmation if they’ve reserved online. Carrying these documents helps ensure a smooth pickup process when collecting your rental vehicle at the airport. The cost of car rental at Douglas-Charles Airport depends on the vehicle type, season, and rental duration. Economy cars typically start around USD 48–58 per day, while SUVs and 4x4s can cost USD 65–90 per day due to Dominica’s rugged terrain. Weekly rentals often reduce the daily cost. Booking online in advance usually provides lower rates compared to walk-in rentals, especially during the high tourist season between December and April. When you rent a car at Douglas-Charles Airport, you’ll find a variety of options to suit your travel needs. Economy cars are ideal for budget-conscious travelers and short city drives. SUVs and 4x4s are recommended for exploring Dominica’s mountainous and rural roads, especially if you’re planning trips to waterfalls or hiking trails. Minivans or 7-seaters are great for families or larger groups. Booking online allows you to select the best car type for your itinerary. The minimum age to rent a car at Douglas-Charles Airport is usually 21 years. Drivers under 25 may face a young driver surcharge, depending on the rental provider. Some categories, like SUVs or premium vehicles, may require the driver to be at least 25 years old. Always check age-related conditions before booking. Carrying a valid driver’s license for at least one year is also a requirement for renting a car in Dominica. Car rentals at Douglas-Charles Airport require a valid credit card for deposit and insurance purposes. Some may accept debit cards, but with stricter conditions, such as higher deposits or proof of return travel. Prepaid cards and cash are generally not accepted. To avoid delays, it is recommended to bring a Visa or Mastercard in the driver’s name. If you don’t have one, check online in advance for rental options that accept alternative payments. Tourists can drive rental cars in Dominica. A valid driver’s license from your home country is required, and if it’s not in English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Tourists typically receive a temporary local driving permit upon arrival for a small fee. With the right documents, visitors can drive freely across Dominica’s scenic routes, waterfalls, and villages with their rental car. Car rental services at Douglas-Charles Airport offer child seats as optional add-ons. These must usually be requested in advance when booking online to guarantee availability. Child seat regulations in Dominica require young children to be safely secured in approved car seats. Rental companies may charge an additional fee per day for these, but family travelers need to ensure compliance with safety standards while driving across the island. One-way rentals are available with Douglas-Charles Airport car rentals. This means you can pick up your car at the airport and drop it off in another city, such as Roseau or Portsmouth. However, additional fees may apply depending on the distance and drop-off location. One-way rentals are particularly convenient for travelers planning cross-island trips without returning to the airport before departure. Always confirm one-way policies before booking online. Returning a car at Douglas-Charles Airport car hire facilities is straightforward. Rental cars have designated parking spots near the terminal. Before returning, ensure the fuel tank is refilled if your agreement follows a full-to-full policy. Remove personal items, check the vehicle for any damage, and have it inspected by staff. Returning your rental on time avoids late fees. If returning after hours, check if your provider offers a key drop box option. Basic third-party liability insurance is usually included in Douglas-Charles Airport car rental deals. However, this only covers damages to third parties and not the rental vehicle itself. Travelers are encouraged to add options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection, or a Zero Excess plan for full coverage. While these extras may increase daily costs, they provide peace of mind in case of accidents or theft. Always review insurance terms before driving away. Douglas-Charles Airport is about 60 km from Roseau, Dominica’s capital. The drive takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes along coastal and mountainous roads. Renting a car at Douglas-Charles Airport is the best way to make this trip, as public buses are infrequent and taxis can be expensive. With a rental, you can stop at scenic viewpoints, small villages, and beaches along the way—making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself. Booking your car rental at Douglas-Charles Airport online ensures availability, especially during Dominica’s peak travel season. Online reservations often come with discounts and flexible options for add-ons like GPS or child seats. Pre-booking also saves valuable time upon arrival, allowing you to skip queues and head straight to your vehicle. With Final Rentals, you can secure your booking in minutes and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind.Proximity to Key Destinations
About Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM)
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Car Hire at Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM)
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How to Book Your Rental Car at Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM)?
Step 1: Visit Finalrentals Website or App
Step 2: Choose the Vehicle That Matches Your Needs
Step 3: Book Securely Online
Step 4: Review Rental Terms
Step 5: Pickup at Douglas-Charles Airport
Returning the Car
Car Rental at Douglas-Charles Airport – FAQs
What documents are required for car rental at Douglas-Charles Airport?
How much does it cost to rent a car at Douglas-Charles Airport?
What types of cars are available to rent at Douglas-Charles Airport?
What are the age requirements for car rental at Douglas-Charles Airport?
Can I rent a car at Douglas-Charles Airport without a credit card?
Can tourists drive rental cars in Dominica from Douglas-Charles Airport?
Are child seats available with car rental at Douglas-Charles Airport?
Can I rent a car at Douglas-Charles Airport and return it somewhere else in Dominica?
How do I return a rental car at Douglas-Charles Airport?
Is insurance included in car rentals at Douglas-Charles Airport?
How far is Douglas-Charles Airport from Roseau, and why rent a car for this trip?
Why should I book a car rental at Douglas-Charles Airport online before arriving?