Barbados is one of the major tourist hubs in the Caribbean and there are several reliable Barbados transport options. The three main ways that travellers utilize to arrive in Barbados are plane, cruise ship or personal yacht.
Barbados is one of the most well-developed islands in the Caribbean and the logistics for arriving to the island are quite simple.
Barbados Transportation Guide
Plane
The majority of visitors reach the Barbados by plane and there are a handful of airline companies that operate transport to Barbados. Three companies have itineraries from the UK are British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Charters. When leaving from the United States check out American Airlines (direct service from New York, Miami, and Dallas), Delta, US Airways, Caribbean Airlines, and Jet Blue. Routes from Canada are regularly flown through Air Canada and West Jet.
Flight passengers will almost always enter through the Grantley Adams International Airport . The airport is on the southeast corner of the island and about 16 kilometres from the city centre. The airport is complete with ATMs and a branch of the Barbados National Bank for money exchange services. Keep in mind that the airlines only have offices in the airport if planning on booking return or onward journey tickets.
For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.
Cruise Ship
Barbados is a regular pit stop for cruise ships that are sailing through the Eastern Caribbean. The ships usually dock at the Bridgetown Harbour, which is about one kilometre from the city centre. From here, travellers can find easy transportation to get in to Bridgetown or around Barbados.
Getting Around
Bicycle
Barbados is an ideal place for getting around by bike. Shops will usually require a credit card or a deposit of B$100 in order to rent the bike. Around the cruise ship port there are bike rentals or check with your local connection to find out more.
Rentals
There are plenty of rental companies available on the island when looking for the freedom to get around the island; not many are of international companies but rather privately owned operations. A popular local rental option only on Barbados is called a mini moke, which is a small car without doors or windows and a soft top; these are usually the cheapest option for transportation in Barbados.
Taxi
Official taxis will have a “Z” on their license plate and many have a ‘taxi’ sign on the roof. The taxis do not run with meters and it is necessary to bargain for a reasonable price. Per kilometre, the price is about B$2 or a flat hourly rate of B$50.
Bus
Travellers can easily get around the island using one of the three bus options available. There are government issued buses that are blue with a yellow strip, the privately owned minibuses are yellow with a blue strip, or route taxis, which are minivans painted white that are privately owned and have a “ZR” on the license plate. All of the bus options charge the same amount: B$1.50. When riding the government buses, keep in mind that you will need exact change though the other buses will usually make change.
The bus stops are noted with white and red signs that detail the direction the bus is headed and the buses should have their final destination indicated above the windshield. The complete bus schedule for transport in Barbados is easily sourced, though the buses generally run along the main routes from dawn to about midnight regularly.
