Last checked: November 2026
The easiest ways to get around Antigua are taxis, rental cars and local buses, and ferries or small planes link Antigua with Barbuda. There are no trains, no domestic flights within Antigua and no public transport on Barbuda. Most journeys on Antigua take 45 minutes or less, so the choice comes down to cost, comfort and how much freedom you want.
Short answer: use taxis for airport and resort transfers, a rental car if you want to explore beyond one coast, and buses only if you have time to spare. Take the ferry or a small plane to Barbuda, and book it ahead. Drive on the left, and arrange a temporary local driving licence before you collect a car.
What are the main ways to get around Antigua and Barbuda?
| Option | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Transfers, evenings, short trips | Fares are fixed by the government and posted at taxi stands. Agree the fare before you set off. |
| Local bus or minibus | Low cost, local life | Services run from about 5:30 am to 6 pm, and timing is unpredictable. |
| Rental car | Remote beaches and freedom | You need a temporary local licence, and traffic drives on the left. |
| Ferry | Barbuda day trips | About 90 minutes each way from St. John’s. Several operators run the crossing. |
| Small plane | Barbuda when time is short | Flights connect V.C. Bird International Airport with Codrington on Barbuda. |
Airport arrivals are covered in our flights to Antigua guide. This page covers travel once you are on the islands.
Are there trains or domestic flights in Antigua and Barbuda?
No passenger trains operate in either island, and there are no flights between places on Antigua because the island is too small. The only domestic air link is the short hop from Antigua to Barbuda. Small aircraft serve Barbuda’s airport at Codrington, so book directly with an operator and confirm timings, because schedules change.
How do buses work in Antigua?
Buses are the cheapest way to travel, but they are not a timetabled network. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority describes them as a cost-effective option with unpredictable schedules. They run from about 5:30 am to 6 pm between St. John’s and surrounding villages, and the main departure points in the capital are the East and West bus stations. Many are minibuses on set routes, and locals call them bus taxis.
Buses suit travellers who are not in a hurry and are staying near a main route. They are a poor choice for remote beaches, for late evenings or for travel with heavy luggage. Plan your last return bus well before 6 pm, and keep a taxi number as a backup.
Are taxis and ride-hailing apps available in Antigua?
Taxis are the most common choice for visitors. According to the tourism authority, fares are fixed and posted at the airport and at taxi stands, and cars are often shared. Many taxis are minibuses, and some drivers offer half-day or full-day island tours. Ask for the fare before you get in, and confirm whether it is per person or per vehicle.
We found no report of Uber or Lyft operating in Antigua.
Can tourists rent a car and drive in Antigua?
Yes. Rental firms operate at the airport and around the island, and the tourism authority lists car rental as a popular choice for visitors who want to explore at their own pace. Visitors need a valid home driving licence plus a temporary local licence. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office says the rental company usually helps, and the licence can also be obtained from the Transport Board or from local police stations. The tourism authority quotes a fee of EC$50 for the permit, so check the current amount when you book.
- Side of the road: drive on the left. Most vehicles are right-hand drive.
- Road conditions: roads are generally good on main routes, but potholes occur, junctions can be tight, and sidewalks are rare outside St. John’s.
- Night driving: few streets are lit, so plan to finish your drive before dark.
- Minimum age: rental firms set their own limits, often between 21 and 25.
Read the FCDO’s safety and security advice for Antigua and Barbuda for current road and local-law notes before you drive.
How do you travel between Antigua and Barbuda?
The ferry is the usual choice. The crossing takes about 90 minutes, and the dock is at the bottom of High Street in St. John’s. The tourism authority’s page on getting to Barbuda lists the current operators. Sailings do not run every day, and timetables have changed in recent years, so check the operator’s schedule and book ahead on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.
There is no public transport on Barbuda. Most visitors use a taxi with a driver, a guided tour or a 4×4 rental to reach the Codrington Lagoon boats, the beaches and the caves. If you plan a day trip, confirm your return time before you leave the dock. Our Antigua itineraries show how the day fits into a longer stay.
Travel times to plan around
| Journey | Typical time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Between most points on Antigua by road | 45 minutes or less | Tourism authority estimate for the whole island |
| Devil’s Bridge to Betty’s Hope | Under 15 minutes | Both are in the east |
| St. John’s to Barbuda by ferry | About 90 minutes | Allow extra time for check-in |
| Last local bus | Around 6 pm | Do not rely on buses after dark |
These are planning estimates. Traffic, weather and ferry conditions can change them.
Which option should you choose?
- Choose a taxi if you want the simplest way to reach restaurants and beaches without worrying about parking or left-hand driving.
- Choose a rental car if you are staying on the quieter east or south coast, or if you want to visit several beaches in one day.
- Choose the bus if cost matters more than speed and you are staying near a main route.
- Choose a guided tour or a driver for the most scenic days, such as Fig Tree Drive, or for Barbuda.
- Choose the ferry for the lower-stress Barbuda day trip, and a small plane if you want to save travel time.
Common mistakes
- Waiting for a bus without checking the time. Buses stop in the early evening, and timings vary.
- Getting into a taxi without agreeing the fare, or using a car that is not clearly operated by a licensed driver.
- Collecting a rental car before arranging the temporary local licence.
- Leaving the Barbuda return ferry to chance on a busy weekend.
Getting-around checklist
- Driving licence from home and a plan for the temporary local licence
- Cash in small notes for buses and taxi tips
- The phone number of a taxi driver or your hotel desk
- A booked ferry or flight for Barbuda, with the return time written down
When you choose where to stay, match your base to how you want to travel. The where to stay in Antigua guide compares areas that suit taxis, buses and cars, and the best places to visit in Antigua shows how long each stop takes. You can also return to the Antigua and Barbuda travel guide for the wider picture.
FAQs
Is there Uber in Antigua?
We found no report of Uber or Lyft operating in Antigua. Visitors normally use taxis, hotel-arranged drivers or rental cars. Ask your hotel to book rides in advance for evenings and for trips outside St. John’s, where taxis can be harder to find.
Do I need a special licence to drive in Antigua?
Yes. Visitors need their valid home licence and a temporary local licence. Rental companies usually arrange it, and the Transport Board and local police stations also issue it. Ask about the current fee and bring your home licence to the counter.
Is there public transport on Barbuda?
No. The tourism authority says public transport is not available on Barbuda because the island is small and centralised. Visitors use taxis, guided tours or rental vehicles. Arrange your ride in advance if you are arriving by ferry or small plane.