Discovering Paradise
Discovering Paradise
From V.C. Bird International Airport to local buses, taxis, and the Barbuda ferry, here's everything you need to navigate the islands with confidence.
Almost all visitors arrive at V.C. Bird International Airport on Antigua. A small airport on Barbuda serves inter-island flights:
Coolidge, Antigua
The main gateway, about 8 km northeast of St. John's. Almost all visitors arrive here
Codrington, Barbuda
Small airstrip for short hops between Antigua and Barbuda
Taxis line up at V.C. Bird airport, hotels, and St. John's. Fares follow government-set zone rates quoted in US dollars and are not metered, so confirm the price with the driver before you set off. Airport to St. John's is roughly US$15-25.
Antigua does not have Uber or similar ride-hailing apps. Use licensed taxis, ask your hotel to arrange a trusted driver, or pre-book a private transfer for fixed pricing.
Many visitors hire a taxi driver for a half or full day to tour the island. Agree the route and total fare up front. Drivers double as informal guides to beaches and viewpoints.
Many resorts arrange airport transfers, sometimes included in the rate. Book in advance through your hotel, especially for late-evening arrivals when taxis can be scarcer.
Privately run minibuses radiate from St. John's bus stations to villages across Antigua. Fares are paid in East Caribbean dollars and are very cheap. They generally run from early morning to about 6pm, so plan returns before evening.
Service thins out in the evenings and is sparse on Sundays and public holidays. There is no reliable public bus to V.C. Bird airport or the northern resort area, so use a taxi for those trips.
Routes are organised around two main bus stations in St. John's, broadly serving the east and the west of the island. Ask locals which station and bus to take for your destination.
Renting a car gives you maximum freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Rates are typically around US$40-70/day, and you must buy a temporary local driving permit to drive legally.
Boats connect the two islands and reach coves you cannot get to by road:
| Transport | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Public minibus | Under US$2 | Budget travel between villages |
| Taxi (zone fare) | US$15-30 | Airport transfers, convenience |
| Taxi for the day | US$120-180 | Island tours with a local driver |
| Car rental | US$40-70/day | Exploring at your own pace |
| Driving permit | One-off fee | Required to drive a rental |
| Barbuda Express ferry | Per crossing | Day trips to Barbuda |
Check out our local insider tips to make the most of your Antigua and Barbuda visit.