Car Hire Jersey

Jersey is a small island at just 14.5 kilometres long and eight kilometres wide, so hiring a car is a great way to explore. If you’re arriving by air, you’ll find yourself just a few kilometres away from St Helier, via the A2. There are no motorways on Jersey, and this is also the only dual carriageway on the island. It runs along the coast and connects St Helier with St Aubin’s Bay.

Another of the island’s major routes is the A4, a coastal road that will take you from St Helier, past La Rocque and towards the fishing village of Gorey on the east coast. Its views are spectacular, and on a clear day you can see France from across the water.

Outside St Helier, the roads around Jersey aren’t too busy, but you need to allow plenty of time for your journey if you’re travelling on the island’s rural routes. These can be narrow and winding, and you may encounter cyclists or even farm animals along the way.

Drivers in Jersey use the left-hand side of the road and overtake on the right. The speed limit on most rural roads is 40mph (64km/h), but limits in and around towns and other areas can be as low as 20mph (32km/h), so keep an eye on signs.

On some routes in the countryside you’ll come across roads signposted as ‘Green Lanes’. These stretches are designed for the enjoyment of walkers and cyclists, giving them right of way and limiting cars to 15mph (24km/h).

When it comes to parking, many of St Helier’s car parks require you to use paycards, which can be purchased from supermarkets, corner shops and hotels. They can’t be purchased in most car parks, so it’s best to buy these before you decide to park up. Parking is free on many streets outside St Helier and at many of the island’s beaches.

Small, but perfectly formed, Jersey is packed with historic sights and stunning scenery.

With a hire car, you can take your pick of its highlights and explore the island in comfort and style.

Heritage highlights 

Two of Jersey’s most famous attractions are its castles: Mont Orgueil and Elizabeth.

The older of the two, Mont Orgueil, dates back to the early 13^th century and lies on the east coast near the fishing village of Goray. It sits atop a steep hill that towers over the harbour and on a clear day you can see all the way out to Normandy, less than 30 kilometres away.

The second of Jersey’s imposing historical structures is Elizabeth Castle, located just off the coast of Saint Helier. It can be reached by ferry, or on foot when the tide is at its lowest point. Crossing times vary throughout the year, so be sure to check in advance.

History comes to life here, with live cannon demonstrations and several hidden passageways and enclaves to explore.

Picture perfect

It faces some stiff competition, but La Corbiere lighthouse is without doubt one of the most photographed spots anywhere on Jersey.

Situated just off the southwest coast, it’s on a tidal island linked to the mainland by a causeway, which you can walk across at low tide.

Take some time to enjoy the spectacular views of the beach and coastline from the island but be sure to listen out for the alarm that warns when the tide is returning. Back on dry land, it’s well worth sticking around to watch the sunset from the shore.

Wartime history 

Just a short drive outside St Helier lies the underground complex of Hohlgangsanlage 8, more commonly known as the Jersey War Tunnels.

Built during the Nazi occupation of the island using slave labour, they were originally intended to be part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall – and today stand as a poignant reminder of what wartime life was like on the island.

At more than 50 metres underground, the complex was once intended to be a military barracks but was later converted to an underground hospital. This fascinating attraction allows you to explore unfinished tunnels, interactive exhibitions and much more.

Outside, you can relax in the peaceful Garden of Reflection and enjoy the woodland War Trail.

Sun, sea and sand

Jersey isn’t a big island, but it boasts an incredible array of beaches, ranging from family-friendly resorts to hidden rocky coves.

One of the most popular options for visitors is St Brelade’s Bay on the south coast. It’s a fantastic location for swimming and sunbathing, with plenty of restaurants and cafés along the waterfront where you can relax and enjoy lunch with a view.

For something a little different, head for the north of the island. Here you will find smaller but no less beautiful beaches such as Plemont and Bouley Bay. The former is known for its rockpools and caves, while the latter boasts a scuba diving centre.

With a hire car in Jersey, you can explore all these highlights and more along the island’s stunning coastline.