Getting Around Antigua & Barbuda
A beach lover’s dream destination, the islands of Antigua and
Barbuda are the perfect place to slow down and relax. With 365 beaches
for every day of the year, the pace of life here is laidback and the
people are warm and friendly, giving both these islands an ambience
of peace and tranquility. Ideal for an underwater adventure amongst
the incredible coral reef or for those who just want to bask under
the tropical sun, Antigua and Barbuda has it all.
To get here, all you need is a valid passport and a roundtrip ticket
and you are set. American Airlines has four nonstop flights to the
V.C. Bird International Airport located on Antigua. Situated on
the northeast of the island, this airport is a main entry point
for most tourists here. If you like, you can also tour Antigua and
Barbuda by cruise ship or yacht. A major port of call for a number
of popular cruises, you can sail here on your own by yacht or boat,
if the weather conditions are right.
Once on Antigua, you have numerous travel options for getting around
the island. If you are the active and adventurous kind, then a great
way is to take a bicycle trip. With a number of popular bicycle
rental shops all over the place, getting around has never been easier.
You can also travel by bus if you like on Antigua. However, on Barbuda
public transportation is extremely limited as very little of the
island is developed. Your best bet for getting around Barbuda is
by a rental car as it gives you the freedom to go where you want.
Do keep in mind though that the roads in some places are quite poor.
It is quite easy to travel by bus in Antigua, as most of them are
well marked and can be easily spotted. Mostly minivans, the buses
here run from around 7am to 7pm, with rush hour usually between the
hours of 4pm and 5pm. The main bus station in the city of St. John’s
is opposite the public market. It is key to remember that no buses
run to the northern resort end of the island, Dickenson Bay or the
airport.
The best way to explore Antigua is by rental car. All you need
to do is get a local driving permit for US$20 and you can drive
yourself around anywhere you please. With plenty of well known international
car rental companies on the island as well as local car companies,
you can hire a car pretty cheap out here. However, don’t forget
to drive on the left side of the road. If you are traveling with
your family, hiring a four wheel drive is a good option.
For those who do not want to drive, the taxi service on Antigua
is pretty good. Regulated and licensed by the government, the taxis
here are clean and reliable. Trustworthy, no bargaining is required
as most taxis run by a set fare to certain destinations. Taxis can
be recognized by their license plates which begin with an H.
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