How to get Around Antigua and Barbuda + useful Tips from a Local

Would you like to learn how to get around Antigua and Barbuda or in between the islands you are in good hands.

Hi, I’m Isabella, the founder of this site and I have lived in Antigua for a little less than 2 years in this post, I will explain your best options to move around Antigua and in between the two sister islands.

So if you are planning a trip to the island of 356 beaches and liquid sunshine you must know how to get around and in this post, you will learn exactly that.

In particular, you will learn, how to explore Antigua by taxi, by car, by local transportation (basically nonexistent), and by tour. I will also explain how to get to the beautiful island of Bermuda from Antigua and how to get from the Airport to your hotel.

Antigua and Barbuda Maps

Click on one of the images of Antigua and Barbuda Maps to open the interactive map

How to Get Around Antigua and Barbuda

1. How to get around Antigua By Car Rental

Renting a car is like unlocking the freedom to explore every nook and cranny of this beautiful island. You should book your car in advance so that you can make an informed decision and get a better deal. I use the Discover Cars platform to find the best available prices and conditions.

If you are concerned about driving on the left side of the road, don’t be, stay focused and you’ll get used to it. I wrote a full detailed post about driving in Antigua where I cover a lot of tips and recommendations for a smooth road trip on the island.

If you have read other articles in my blog you may have noticed that I love renting a car and driving, everywhere I go, because it gives me the freedom to explore at my own pace. The same goes for Antigua.

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Pro tip: Make sure you drive to English Harbour, Shirley Heights, the Devil’s Bridge, Half Moon Bay, Dickenson Bay, and Darkwood Beach. Antigua beaches are some of the most renowned in the Caribbean and you can explore them by car.

2. Exploring Antigua By Taxi

If you’re not up for being your own chauffeur, taxis are your ticket to a hassle-free ride. They’re readily available at the airport, hotels, and main tourist spots. Negotiate the fare before hopping in, and don’t shy away from haggling a bit – it’s expected.

Insider tip: Get a driver who doubles as a guide. They know the coolest spots and can share juicy local tales on the way. Sometimes, you may have the feeling that some taxi drivers appear a bit grumpy.

Don’t take it personally. Sometimes it’s just the way Antiguans talk and their accent that make them seem a bit aggressive. But if you just keep talking nicely and smile they loosen up and you will make new friends.

Insider tips on how to get around Antigua by taxi:

• Make sure you agree on the price before starting the journey and specify if the rate is one-way or round-trip
• If you agree on a time to pick you up, ask him for his telephone number and take a picture of his plate so you recognize the taxi when he comes back for you
• Sometimes they prefer to wait for you rather than come back because of the gasoline cost, unless they get a call. Also make sure you clarify that, in case you need them to wait.
• If you want them to wait for you the cost will rise a bit. Keep that in mind.

3. Join Some of the amazing tours in Antigua

Now, if you’re feeling social or just want to sit back and enjoy the view, the best way to get around Antigua is by a tour. Whether it’s a catamaran cruise, a zip-lining adventure, or an island-hopping escapade, there’s something for everyone.

In my posts about the best things to do in Antigua, I share my favorite tours. And yes I tried them all! So I can speak from my own experience.

Here below are my favorite ones:

Getting around Angitua By Public Transportation

Public transportation in Antigua is very unreliable and mostly used by locals to go to work. It doesn’t serve touristy places and when it does there’s no specific schedule. So, although I know some tourists have tried the adventure, if you have limited time I would recommend avoiding the hassle and wasting your time in long waiting.

If you have a lot of time to spare you can enjoy a little local experience adventure. It’s safe to do. I would avoid it at night though.

To be completely honest I have never used public transportation during my time in Antigua so I cannot tell you how it works. I know for a fact that if I had little time I wouldn’t use it.

How to get from Antigua Airport to your hotel

If you decide to rent a car, it’s recommended to pick it up at the airport so you save money on the transfer.

Otherwise, it is advisable to book your transfer in advance so that you will have somebody waiting for you with a sign with your name on it. This is very convenient to avoid the hassle of negotiating the rates with taxi drivers.

I usually book my airport transfer with Welcome Pickup when available. The good news is that it’s available in Antigua. It’s like a taxi service but it’s booked in advance and you will get the driver information ahead of time so that you can communicate with them in case of any delays or other issues.

They will be waiting for you on your arrival with your name on a sign.

Is there a Uber in Antigua?

No, there is no Uber in Antigua, but they taxis are very well organized and you can find them at the airport, at every harbours or by the hotels.

Getting from Antigua to Barbuda

Barbuda is the spectacular unspoiled Antigua sister island and if I were you I would make time for a visit. There are different ways to visit this island depending on what you want to do and how much time you have. Here below your options.

Getting from Antigua to Barbuda by Ferry

The Barbuda Express is the iconic Ferry that serves Antigua – Barbuda route and it’s been there for ages.

You can check their schedule and book your ticket on the BARBUDA EXPRESS website directly.

You can purchase the return ticket only or the tour package which I explain here below.

Getting from Antigua to Barbuda on a tour

The tour is still organized by the Barbuda Express Ferry company but you need to book it in advance and go on a specific schedule. Here is the complete information.

WHEN IS THE TOUR

• On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday your Barbuda Day Tour adventure departs at 6:30am from St. John’s Harbour.
• On Wednesday and Friday your tour departs at 7:30am from Jolly Harbour.
• There are no tours on Sunday.

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A post shared by Barbuda Express | Leeward Express | Typhoon Express (@expressbarbuda)

THE TOUR PROGRAM

On arrival in Barbuda, there is a 25 minute taxi ride to catch the small boat ride to your first stop – The Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Along the way, you will spot the historic Martello Tower.

The Frigate Bird Sanctuary is the largest and most magnificent in the western hemisphere. This sanctuary is only accessible by small boats with a knowledgeable tour guide. Enjoy the drumming sound of the Frigate Birds and watch out for any turtles. From the bird sanctuary your next adventure is a quick stop at the Pink Sand beach. Please note that pink sand is seasonal and dependent on sea conditions. This part of the tour is approximately 1.5 hours.

After your return across the lagoon to Codrington Village, you will take a short 20 minute taxi ride to the open Caves at Two Foot Bay National Park.

Catered lunch will be served at Hillside View Bar & Grill at Two Foot Bay, where you can taste their delicious Lobsters if you like (optional)

After lunch, it is snorkeling and beach time at Coral Group Bay. This drive is approximately 30 minutes.

Please refer the Barbuda Express website for any changes or for booking.

Getting from Antigua to Barbuda by Elicopter

If you want to get to Barbuda fast you can rent a ride by Elicopter, with Calvinair. It’s only a 15 minutes drive and you will enjoy panoramic views of the islands. Definitely worth the price.

Getting from Antigua to Barbuda on a Charter Flight

If you are traveling in a group of a maximum of 9 people you can charter a flight with FLYMONTSERRAT and have your fast private transportation to Barbuda.

Getting Around Antigua and Barbuda: Final Thoughts

As you can see there are many different ways to explore the beautiful Antigua, my second home for a couple of years. There’s no best or worst way, just choose the way you like it and make the most of your time in Antigua. For more information on the island see all my guides

Before you go…

• Interesting facts about Antigua and Barbuda
• The 9 best Antigua All Inclusive Hotels
• Driving in Antigua: All you need to know
• The best snorkeling spots in Antigua
• The best 19 things to do in Antigua