Getting Around Barbados — Transport Options

The first step of getting around Barbados is getting to Barbados. We have one airport, the Grantley Adams International Airport, located in the parish of Christ Church. It's a relatively small airport all things considered, so no need to fear traversing endless corridors, though do be prepared to walk down a flight of stairs when disembarking the plane.

When you’ve finally reclaimed your baggage, the next thing likely on your mind is getting out of the airport and getting going. The island of Barbados offers several options when it comes to day-to-day transport, everything from public transport, to private taxis, to guided tours, to rental cars. 

Firstly, rental cars. While easiest to arrange online, you will also be able to hire a car for the duration of your stay right from the airport. Some popular agencies include Drive-A-Matic Car Rentals, Drive Barbados, Venture Car Rentals, Stoutes Car Rental, and GO Rent A Car. Rental cars are usually quite reasonably priced in Barbados, and they offer the ultimate freedom of not relying on public transport routes or pre-arranged private transport schedules, making them the perfect option for anyone from families with kids, to wildheart explorers, to those who just prefer to take things at their own pace.

If you’re planning your trip to Barbados during peak season, from December to April, it is advised that you reserve your rental car through the agency online ahead of your trip. Do note that regardless of whether you’ll be booking online or in person, you’ll need to bring a valid driver’s license from your home country, and some agencies will also ask that you have an International Driving Permit (IDP). When you pick up your rental, agencies will be able to issue you a visitor’s driving permit for a small fee (typically no more than $5 USD), as a local driving permit is required to drive in Barbados. Most agencies will also be able to offer additional services for hire such as car seats for children, surfboard roof racks, or even GPS units.

If renting a car isn’t your style, that’s perfectly fine. For other options of private transport, Barbados has a range of options from private buses to accommodate larger groups, or if you’re craving it, a tour guide who can be your chauffeur for a day and show you the ins and outs of the gorgeous island. Even down to an Uber-alternative, there will be an option for you.

When it comes to booking options like private taxis or buses and guided tours, you’ll want to check out a transport service like Trinity Transport Services, MHKK Tours & Taxi Service, Terrvette Tours & Taxi Service, or Forever Summer Tours & Transfers, to name just a few. These services especially are perfect for planning your itinerary in advance as you can arrange all of your travel details and even confirm prices so that when it comes time to go, there’s no stress. This is especially a great choice if you need transport to or from the airport, are looking for someone to be the designated driver while your group hits the bars, or want to make multiple stops as you travel up and down the coasts sightseeing. In fact, many services will even offer package deals, such as recommended or customised tours, shopping routes, activity-focused day plans, and many more.

If you’re not so sure about booking ahead, whatever the reason may be, there are still plenty of in-the-moment options available to you in Barbados. For a service that mirrors Uber, pickUP Barbados is what you’re looking for. Even if you’re not accustomed to Uber, pickUP Barbados is simplistic for first-time users; all you’ll need to do is download their app, select your destination, choose from the vehicle options listed, confirm your ride and payment method, and wait for your driver to arrive. If you are matched with a driver you end up enjoying, it's worth asking them if you can keep their contact information for future rides. It's also worth noting however that there may be less drivers available late at night, so pre-arranging transport (either with a pickUP driver you’ve had before or with a company) may be a good call.

And if you’d like to really get the local experience, try out public transport. There are a handful of public transport options all differentiated by license plate and appearance, from large blue “BM-plate” transport board buses, to yellow “B-plate” minibuses, white “ZR-plate” vans, and “Z-plate” taxis. 

“BM-plate” blue buses are regulated by the government. They are scheduled, the timetable freely available on the transport board’s website, and always run along specific routes, with bus stops clearly marked by red circular bus stop signs that also denote whether the bus is headed towards or away from the capital city, Bridgetown. Notably, these buses run on an exact fare, cash-only system ($3.50 BDS each per journey), and the drivers are not able to give change. These buses may also begin to fall behind schedule or even stop running later in the day, and if you do manage to catch one in the afternoon, keep in mind that there will likely be many school kids on board. On the other hand, these buses also usually have AC on board and sometimes even WiFi. 

The “B-plate” yellow minibuses are privately owned. They share the same $3.50 BDS cash-only fare per-journey, however the drivers are usually able to give change. While they don’t have an exact timetable, they run regularly along the west and south coasts, particularly between Speightstown, Bridgetown, and Oistins, and will usually stop at any official bus stop. 

The “ZRs” or “route taxis”, as they are colloquially referred to, are also privately owned, however they don’t abide by any schedule. They stop at any official bus stop, as well as frequently in between stops if hailed or requested (similarly to a taxi). They run along the same routes as transport board buses do and charge the same $3.50 BDS, paid in cash when you’re getting off with change available. ZR vans typically pass more frequently than the blue “BM” buses or the yellow “B” minibuses, and they tend to play music, have enthusiastic drivers, and overall be a very lively experience. It's worth noting though that ZR drivers will frequently take brief detours to pick up more people, commonly overfilling the vans, and may drive a little recklessly at times. That being said, ZRs are still often regarded as the most reliable form of public transport in Barbados. 

Finally, “Z” taxis. Just like you’d expect, taxis can be hailed from the side of the road (usually around the busier areas of the island, like on main roads along the south and west coasts), will transport you to specific destinations without the intrusion and added waiting of sharing the ride with other passengers, and payment is set to a predetermined government rate, though cash is still a necessity. It is also generally advisable to agree on the cost of your journey before getting into a taxi as fares are not metered. 

Most importantly, regardless of the type of public transport you’re taking, you’re going to need cash. Whether you’re hailing a van from right outside the arrivals gate at the airport or squeezing into a crowded ZR, Barbados’ public transport is not a card-friendly experience in the slightest, so keeping local cash on-hand is essential. There are several ATMs across the island, both at bank locations and some standalone machines, belonging to a variety of different banks, including RBC Royal Bank (which has an ATM in the airport), Republic Bank, First Citizens, Scotiabank, CIBC First Caribbean, and more. If you have questions about withdrawal fees, exchange rates, or if the bank in your home country has a preferred bank for you to use in Barbados, it's best to get in contact with your bank or check their website for specific information.