Getting Around
Barbados
Getting Around by Air
There are no internal flights.
Getting Around by Road
A good network of roads covers the entire island, but many are unpaved and covered in potholes (except for the main highway). Traffic drives on the left. Road safety is a national concern, especially after dark.
Bus: Buses are frequent and provide comprehensive, cheap coverage of the island charging a flat rate for all journeys. They are crowded during rush hours, but easy to catch – just hail one down. Choose from Transport Board Buses (tel: 436 6820; www.transportboard.com), minibuses and ZRs (minivans). Each is signed ‘To city’ into Bridgetown or ‘Out of city’ if heading in the other direction. All pass through the city hub.
Moped hire: Scooter hire is available - you’ll need to pay a small deposit and to wear a helmet, as required by law.
Taxi: Taxis are unmetered but charge fares regulated by the government. Check the rate before travel – it can be in US Dollars as well Barbados Dollars. Special deals apply for a full-day hire.
Minivans: Licensed minivans, identifiable by their ‘ZR’ licence plates, operate around the island and can be flagged down. There are no fixed schedules, but service is frequent. Rates are the same as for buses, although minivans tend to be quicker – but can be a tight squeeze.
Car hire: Anything from a Mini Moke to a limousine may be hired at the airport, at offices in Bridgetown and at main hotels. Petrol is comparatively cheap.
Regulations: Speed limits are 40, 60 and 80kph (25, 37 and 50mph).
Documentation: A Barbados driving permit is required. This can be obtained from car hire companies, the Ministry of Transport, the airport or some police stations. A valid national licence or International Driving Permit and a small registration fee are required.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Bridgetown has a local bus network and taxis are available.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate travel times from Bridgetown (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Barbados.
Road
Speightstown
0.30
Holetown
0.20
Oistins
0.20
Getting Around by Air
There are no internal flights.
Getting Around by Road
A good network of roads covers the entire island, but many are unpaved and covered in potholes (except for the main highway). Traffic drives on the left. Road safety is a national concern, especially after dark.
Bus: Buses are frequent and provide comprehensive, cheap coverage of the island charging a flat rate for all journeys. They are crowded during rush hours, but easy to catch – just hail one down. Choose from Transport Board Buses (tel: 436 6820; www.transportboard.com), minibuses and ZRs (minivans). Each is signed ‘To city’ into Bridgetown or ‘Out of city’ if heading in the other direction. All pass through the city hub.
Moped hire: Scooter hire is available - you’ll need to pay a small deposit and to wear a helmet, as required by law.
Taxi: Taxis are unmetered but charge fares regulated by the government. Check the rate before travel – it can be in US Dollars as well Barbados Dollars. Special deals apply for a full-day hire.
Minivans: Licensed minivans, identifiable by their ‘ZR’ licence plates, operate around the island and can be flagged down. There are no fixed schedules, but service is frequent. Rates are the same as for buses, although minivans tend to be quicker – but can be a tight squeeze.
Car hire: Anything from a Mini Moke to a limousine may be hired at the airport, at offices in Bridgetown and at main hotels. Petrol is comparatively cheap.
Regulations: Speed limits are 40, 60 and 80kph (25, 37 and 50mph).
Documentation: A Barbados driving permit is required. This can be obtained from car hire companies, the Ministry of Transport, the airport or some police stations. A valid national licence or International Driving Permit and a small registration fee are required.
Bus: Buses are frequent and provide comprehensive, cheap coverage of the island charging a flat rate for all journeys. They are crowded during rush hours, but easy to catch – just hail one down. Choose from Transport Board Buses (tel: 436 6820; www.transportboard.com), minibuses and ZRs (minivans). Each is signed ‘To city’ into Bridgetown or ‘Out of city’ if heading in the other direction. All pass through the city hub.
Moped hire: Scooter hire is available - you’ll need to pay a small deposit and to wear a helmet, as required by law.
Taxi: Taxis are unmetered but charge fares regulated by the government. Check the rate before travel – it can be in US Dollars as well Barbados Dollars. Special deals apply for a full-day hire.
Minivans: Licensed minivans, identifiable by their ‘ZR’ licence plates, operate around the island and can be flagged down. There are no fixed schedules, but service is frequent. Rates are the same as for buses, although minivans tend to be quicker – but can be a tight squeeze.
Car hire: Anything from a Mini Moke to a limousine may be hired at the airport, at offices in Bridgetown and at main hotels. Petrol is comparatively cheap.
Regulations: Speed limits are 40, 60 and 80kph (25, 37 and 50mph).
Documentation: A Barbados driving permit is required. This can be obtained from car hire companies, the Ministry of Transport, the airport or some police stations. A valid national licence or International Driving Permit and a small registration fee are required.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Bridgetown has a local bus network and taxis are available.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate travel times from Bridgetown (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Barbados.
| Road | |
| Speightstown | 0.30 |
| Holetown | 0.20 |
| Oistins | 0.20 |









