PLS Airport to Grace Bay: A Calm First Drive
Just landed in Providenciales? Here’s a simple, no-stress guide to your first drive from PLS Airport to Grace Bay, with practical tips for driving on the left, navigating the island and getting settled after your flight.
Just landed in Providenciales?
If Grace Bay is your first stop after arriving at Providenciales International Airport (PLS), the drive itself is fairly straightforward. The part that usually takes a little adjustment is getting used to the roads, especially if you normally drive on the right.
Before pulling away, take a few minutes to get comfortable with the car. Set your navigation, check your mirrors, locate the indicators and wipers, and make sure you know exactly where your accommodation is.
It is much easier to sort all of that out while the car is still parked than while trying to find your way through an unfamiliar island.
First thing to remember: drive on the left
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, we drive on the left.
For visitors arriving from the United States, Canada and other right-hand-driving countries, this will probably be the biggest adjustment during the first few minutes behind the wheel.
Don't overthink it. Take your time, stay aware of where you are positioned on the road and give yourself a little more space than usual.
After a few trips around Providenciales, it normally starts to feel much more natural.
Get your directions ready before leaving PLS
Save your hotel, resort or villa location before you start driving.
Grace Bay has plenty of resorts, villas and residential properties, and some names can sound similar when you're tired after travelling. Having the exact location already loaded on your phone saves a lot of unnecessary searching once you're on the road.
If somebody else is travelling with you, let them handle the navigation while you concentrate on driving.
Roundabouts may take a little getting used to
You will come across roundabouts while travelling around Providenciales.
If you're unfamiliar with them, slow down before entering, watch the traffic already moving through the roundabout and pay attention to the road signs and markings.
There's no prize for being the fastest person through one. If you need another moment to read the traffic, take it.
Go to your accommodation first
After a long flight, it can be tempting to start making stops for groceries, food or sightseeing on the way from the airport.
For most first-time visitors, we recommend getting to your accommodation first.
Check in, unload your luggage, get your bearings and then head back out when you're ready. Exploring Providenciales is much easier when you're not trying to navigate an unfamiliar car with suitcases in the back and everyone tired from travelling.
Don't worry if you miss a turn
This one sounds obvious, but it matters.
If you miss your turn, keep going safely and let your navigation redirect you. Avoid stopping suddenly or trying to make a last-second turn.
Providenciales isn't a place where missing one turn should ruin your day. You'll usually have another way around.
A few useful first-drive reminders
- Drive on the left.
- Set your navigation before moving.
- Give yourself extra time at roundabouts.
- Watch the posted road signs.
- Leave a comfortable distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
- Avoid sudden turns if you miss your destination.
- Get settled before turning your arrival drive into a sightseeing trip.
Picking up with Quality Car Rental
If you've booked with Quality Car Rental, check the airport pickup instructions included with your reservation before you arrive.
Our airport collection process is designed to get you into your vehicle without an unnecessary trip to an off-site rental counter.
Keep your reservation information handy, and if you're unsure about anything during pickup, ask the QCR team before you set off. We'd rather answer the question while you're still at the airport than have you trying to figure it out on the road.
Once you're settled, start exploring
Your airport drive is really just the introduction.
Once you've checked in and become comfortable with the vehicle, having your own car gives you the freedom to explore Providenciales beyond your resort, whether you're heading for another beach, grabbing dinner, shopping or simply seeing more of the island at your own pace.
Take the first drive easy. You'll get the hang of Provo pretty quickly.