Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island paradise in the Eastern Caribbean, famous for its 365 pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and rich colonial heritage. From the UNESCO-listed Nelson's Dockyard to pink sand beaches in Barbuda, this nation offers luxury resorts, water sports, and authentic Caribbean culture.
- Public
- Irregular yellow minibuses exist but are impractical for most tourists. Service is infrequent, routes confusing, and schedules non-existent. Useful only for budget travelers comfortable with uncertainty.
- Taxi
- Licensed taxis (L-plates) are reliable, widely available, and use government-fixed rates. No meters — always confirm the fare before departure. Widely considered the best option for point-to-point travel without a rental car.
- Rental
- The best way to explore Antigua is by rental car. Roads are generally good, the island is small (23km x 17km), and having your own transport unlocks all 365 beaches and remote attractions. Drive on the LEFT with a temporary Antiguan permit ($20).
- Walking
- St. John's city center is walkable for shopping and attractions. Resort beaches are walkable within resort areas. The island as a whole is not walkable — distances between attractions require motorized transport.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- $20-25 to St. John's (fixed government rate)
- Taxi Info
- Fixed government-regulated rates apply from V.C. Bird Airport. St. John's $20-25, Dickenson Bay $25-30, English Harbour $45-55, Jolly Harbour $35-45. No meters — always confirm fare before departure.
- Shuttle
- $15-20 per person on shared hotel shuttle
- Shuttle Info
- Most resort hotels offer pre-booked airport shuttle transfers. Arrange in advance through your hotel. Shared shuttles serve Dickenson Bay and north coast hotels on scheduled runs.
- Bus
- No direct bus from airport to destinations
- Bus Info
- Public minibuses do not serve the airport directly. The nearest bus route is on Friar's Hill Road, a 15-minute walk from the terminal — not practical for visitors with luggage.
- Private
- $60-80 for pre-booked private air-conditioned transfer
- Private Info
- Pre-book private transfers through your hotel or reputable operators like ABST Taxi Services. Includes meet-and-greet at arrivals hall. Particularly recommended for late-night arrivals.
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Yellow minibuses operate from two bus stations in St. John's — West Bus Station (West Street) for the west coast, East Bus Station (Market Street) for the east. Fares EC$2.50-$5. Service is irregular and routes not always obvious to visitors.
Alternatives
Rental cars (most practical for exploring the island), licensed taxis (L-plates), hotel shuttle services, and bicycle rental at some resorts
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Government-regulated fixed rates — no meters. Key fares: Airport to St. John's $20-25, to Dickenson Bay $25-30, to English Harbour $45-55, to Jolly Harbour $35-45. Higher rates apply after midnight and on public holidays.
- Apps
- No ride-hailing apps operate in Antigua
- Typical Fare
- $20-45 for most tourist journeys; always agree on fare before entering the taxi
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Minibuses connect St. John's to villages around Antigua. Fares EC$2.50-$5. Infrequent and unpredictable schedules.
Shared
No formal shared taxi system, though some taxi drivers will accept multiple passengers going in the same direction for a reduced fare per person.
Flights
SVG Air and ABM Aviation operate daily 15-minute flights between V.C. Bird Airport and Barbuda's Codrington Airport. Round trip approximately $150-200. Book well in advance during peak season.
Private
Rental cars from $40-70/day at airport. Local companies include Oakland and Avis. Mandatory temporary Antiguan driving permit ($20) issued by rental agencies. Drive on the LEFT.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
V.C. Bird International Airport
From centre: 8 km from St. John's
Options: Taxi to St. John's $20-$25 (fixed rate); Taxi to English Harbour $45-$55 (fixed rate); Hotel shuttle (arranged in advance); Rental car available at airport
Barbuda Codrington Airport
From centre: 3 km from Codrington
Options: Daily flights from Antigua (15 minutes); Ferry from Antigua (90 minutes); Taxi available at airport
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Barbuda Express
Official booking system for the Barbuda Express ferry service between Heritage Quay St. John's and Codrington Barbuda. Book online in advance.
ABST Taxi Service
Antigua's main licensed taxi dispatch service. Pre-book airport transfers and inter-island journeys. Available by phone rather than app.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Rent a car for the best island experience — at $40-70/day it's often cheaper than taking multiple taxis and gives complete freedom to explore all 365 beaches
Always agree on the taxi fare before entering the vehicle — government fixed rates exist but some drivers may try to charge higher rates to tourists unfamiliar with the system
Drive on the LEFT and be alert for speed bumps (sleeping policemen), wandering goats and donkeys, and narrow village roads with limited visibility
For Barbuda, the Barbuda Express ferry ($100 return) is more affordable than the flight ($150-200 return) — book ahead as it operates limited days
Rental car companies require a temporary Antiguan driving permit ($20) in addition to your home license — this is issued by the rental agency
Taxis are more expensive late at night and on public holidays — plan ahead or budget for the premium