Travel to Antigua and Barbuda

Flying to Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda does not have its own national airline but many airlines do operate regular direct flights there. British Airways (www.ba.com) and Virgin Atlantic (www.virgin-atlantic.com) fly from the UK. Delta (www.delta.com) American Airlines (www.aa.com) and United (www.united.com) fly from the USA.

LIAT (www.liatairline.com) operates an inter-Caribbean service to other islands including St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Dominica and Guadeloupe. Caribbean Airlines (www.caribbean-airlines.com) operates connecting flights from Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados to Antigua as well as international flights.

The best time to travel to Antigua and Barbuda is in the winter between mid-December and mid-April, when the weather is at its driest, but prices outside this period can drop dramatically.

The major airport is: V. C. Bird International Airport.

Notes

Cheaper flights are often available which may require connections. VC Bird International Airport is located on the northeast corner of Antigua. Connecting flights are required to travel to Barbuda.

Airport Guides

Flight times

From London - 9 hours; New York - 4 hours 20 minutes.

Departure tax

None.

Travelling to Antigua and Barbuda by Rail

Driving to Antigua and Barbuda

Getting to Antigua and Barbuda by boat

Main ports of entry to Antigua include English Harbour, Jolly Harbour, Deepwater Harbour and Heritage Quay. Private boaters can enter at St John’s Harbour on the west coast, English Harbour and the St. James Club in the south or Crabbs Marina in the north east.

Water note

Bare boat or crewed chartering is available through a number of companies based in St Johns.

Yachts wishing to visit Barbuda must clear in at one of the official ports of entry in Antigua first.

Cruise ships

St John's has a deep-sea harbour served by cruise liners from the USA, Puerto Rico, the UK, Europe and South America. Cruise ship ports are located at St John’s Harbour which sits at the top of one of the country’s well protected harbours on the west coast, and Heritage Quay in the heart of the Antiguan capital. The ports are minutes away from beaches, water sports and shopping. Tours are offered on board ship for those who wish to explore the island.

Small cruise ships can call at Barbuda. As Barbuda does not have a deep water harbour, cruise vessels anchor and passengers are ferried ashore on small boats.

Ferry operators

The Barbuda Express (www.barbudaexpress.com) operates a catamaran service between Antigua and Barbuda from St John’s Antigua (dock at the end of Long Street) five days a week (no ferries on Mondays or Wednesdays). The crossing takes 90 minutes and there is a generous baggage allowance for those connecting to the other island or just transporting shopping.

The Barbuda Express also offers day tours around Barbuda, which take in the main attractions and can include a lobster lunch.