Haiti offers a unique Caribbean experience with stunning mountain fortresses, pristine beaches, and vibrant Creole culture. From the UNESCO World Heritage Citadelle Laferrière to the beautiful shores of Île-à-Vache, Haiti showcases resilience, natural beauty, and rich African-influenced traditions.
- Public
- Tap-tap minibuses serve city routes for $0.25-0.50 but are very crowded, routes complex, and not recommended for tourists unfamiliar with the system
- Taxi
- No meter taxis — negotiate fares beforehand. Hotel-arranged drivers are far safer and more reliable than hailing street taxis
- Rental
- Car rental possible ($50-80/day) but driving in Port-au-Prince is chaotic; strongly recommended only for experienced drivers with local knowledge
- Walking
- Pétionville center is walkable for short distances in daytime only; general walking in Port-au-Prince streets is not recommended for tourists due to security
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi - $25-30 USD to Port-au-Prince (30 minutes)
- Shuttle
- Hotel shuttle - Pre-arranged with accommodation
- Bus
- Private car hire - $40-60 USD
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Public tap-tap minibuses serve routes throughout cities. Colorfully painted vehicles, very cheap ($0.20-0.50 per ride) but crowded and no fixed schedules. Routes are complex; ask locals for help. Not recommended for tourists unfamiliar with the system.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, motorcycle_taxi, private_driver
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Taxis have no meters; negotiate fare before departure. Base fare around $0.38, approximately $0.40-0.62 per km. Within Port-au-Prince typically $5-15 USD. Use hotel-recommended drivers or pre-arranged taxis for safety. Waiting time around $20/hour.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Private bus companies operate between major cities. Examples: Capital Coach Line, Sans Souci Transport. Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haïtien costs $10-15 USD (4-5 hours). Port-au-Prince to Jacmel $8-12 USD (3-4 hours). Buses range from basic to air-conditioned coaches. Book through hotels for reputable companies.
Flights
Limited domestic flights available, though service interrupted as of late 2024 due to security concerns. When operating, flights connect Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haïtien, Jacmel, and other regional airports. Sunrise Airways and other carriers when services resume. Check current status before planning.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Toussaint Louverture International Airport
From centre: 13 km
Options: Taxi - $25-30 USD to Port-au-Prince (30 minutes); Hotel shuttle - Pre-arranged with accommodation; Private car hire - $40-60 USD; Shared tap-tap - $2-3 USD (crowded, not recommended for tourists)
Cap-Haïtien International Airport
From centre: 5 km
Options: Taxi - $15-20 USD to city center (15 minutes); Hotel shuttle - Available from most hotels; Motorcycle taxi (moto) - $5 USD (not recommended with luggage)
Jacmel Airport
From centre: 3 km
Options: Taxi - $10-15 USD to Jacmel center (10 minutes); Walking - Possible for experienced travelers (30 minutes); Motorcycle taxi - $3-5 USD
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
No established ride apps
Uber, Bolt, and similar apps do not operate in Haiti. Hotel-arranged taxis or pre-booked private drivers are the standard and safest option.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Pre-arrange all transportation through your hotel — this is the safest and most reliable approach in Haiti
Negotiate and agree on taxi fares BEFORE entering the vehicle — taxis have no meters and fares are fixed by agreement
Hiring a private driver for the full day ($80-120) is often better value than multiple individual taxi trips and significantly safer
Never take motorcycle taxis (motos) — cheap at $1-3 but high accident risk, no helmets, and not safe for tourists with luggage
The drive from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haïtien is 5-6 hours on paved but sometimes poor roads — budget comfort coaches available for $12-15
For Citadelle visits, domestic flights (when operating) save 4-5 hours of driving each way — check current availability
Avoid driving after dark anywhere in Haiti — poorly lit roads, pedestrians, and security risks make nighttime driving dangerous