Getting Around Barbados (Traveller’s Guide)

Figuring out how to get around Barbados is one of the first things to do when planning a trip to this beautiful Caribbean island. 

I’ve been to Barbados several times, so I’ve gotten good at getting around the island. 

I always check transportation options before booking my accommodation to know if I need to rent a car or if I can get around by public transport. 

It’s possible to get around entirely by public transport or by joining organized tours, but you can rent a car for a day or two to reach more remote destinations more easily.

Let’s get right into everything you need to know about getting around Barbados!

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Buses in Barbados 

Buses are the most affordable way to get around Barbados. 

There are three types of buses on the island – government buses, minibusses, and ZR Vans. 

There isn’t a master downloadable route map for the island, so the best way to plan your bus journeys is with a MoovitApp. The app uses your location and shows you the best route to get to your desired destination. You can also use the web version like I did and it was very helpful.

Interestingly, Barbados has both government and privately-owned buses. The government buses are blue with a yellow stripe, and privately owned buses can be any colour.

There’s little difference between the two types—fares are the same, they just operate on different routes and frequencies.

Some routes are also served by minibusses and ZR vans. ZR vans are white with brown stripes on the side and run more often than the buses. They are fast, loud, and squish you in, but they are a fun and authentic experience.

All buses have a board with their destination at the front, so be sure to check it to ensure you’re on the right one! 

You can check all Barbados ZR routes on the official Transport Authority website.

You’ll have to pay the bus fare in cash, so make sure you have some Barbados dollars with you! Government buses don’t give change but other buses do, so be prepared to pay exact fare when you can.

Taxis in Barbados 

The most convenient way to get around Barbados is by taxi. You get all the benefits of driving, without having to rent a car and worry about the parking.

However, taxis are also the most expensive way to get around the island, and the cost of taking taxis everywhere quickly adds up. So I used them infrequently.

Taxis are still convenient for certain trips, like getting from and to the airport if you arrive late and have lots of luggage, so it’s worth checking out how they work.

There is no Uber in Barbados, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to haggle and stress about the fare when taking taxis on the island.

Barbados has its own Uber alternative called PickUp, which works on the same principle. 

You download the app, type in your destination, see the fare estimate, and request the ride. No surprises.

Renting a Car to Drive

Driving will allow you to add the most activities to your Barbados itinerary, as you don’t have to rely on bus schedules. 

Renting a car in Barbados can be costly, as the options are limited. However, it is still more affordable than taking a taxi everywhere.

The downside of renting a car is that getting to driving in Barbados is slightly more complicated than in most places. 

You have to apply to obtain a temporary driving permit in addition to having a valid driving licence. 

Getting the permit is not difficult, as you can get it at any approved rental car agency, but you’ll have to pay a fee depending on how many days in Barbados you have. 

The fee is reasonable, but it is an additional cost to consider when planning your Barbados budget.

If you only have 1 day in Barbados, renting a car is a great way to see the main tourist attractions around the island. Especially if you want to see the north and east sides of the island.

Joining Tours

Tours are a great way to get around in Barbados without having to worry about bus routes and schedules, taxi fares, or driving in a foreign country. 

Many tours, especially the island tours in Barbados include accommodation pick up and drop off, so you only need to be ready on time and get ready for a fun day. 

Check if transportation is included when booking to avoid any surprises. My island tour included rides while my food tour and affordable luxury boat tour didn’t. But that was okay with me as both were in Bridgetown and easy to get to the meeting spot on my own.

How to Get to Bridgetown from Barbados Airport

The first journey you’ll make in Barbados is getting to your accommodation in Bridgetown from Barbados Airport. 

By Bus

For a Government Bus, bus 27 takes you from the Airport to Bridgetown. The bus departs in front of the airport, just follow the signs to the bus stop.

The journey takes roughly 35 minutes, and the bus stops at several stations in the city. You’ll need Barbados dollars to get a ticket from the bus driver.

Alternatively, you can take a ZR van. Any bus labelled Bridgetown or “B’Town” will do. This is how I got to and from the airport. You may pay extra for luggage space depending on the driver. Some charged us and some didn’t.

By Taxi

The journey from the airport to Bridgetown by taxi also takes about half an hour.

Taxis in Barbados are not metered and have fixed fares, so confirm the fare before starting your ride! Also, know that Official Barbados taxis have a licence plate that starts with Z! 

Driving 

Finally, if you’re renting a car in Barbados, you can drive to the city from the airport. The distance is just 17 km and the drive takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the traffic. 

Most rental agencies have offices at the airport or offer shuttles from the airport to the agency, so you can get your car as soon as you land.

Getting Around Barbados by Bus

Getting around Barbados without a car is possible, thanks to frequent bus routes connecting to popular tourist attractions. I loved getting around this way, except when I had to transfer.

You can reach most spots on the island by bus, including Animal Flower Cave, Harrison’s Cave, Carlisle Bay, and many more!

The official Transport Board website is useful for seeing the local bus lines and planning your journey, but it doesn’t cover ZR Vans. 

So don’t worry if you don’t see a bus for the route you want to take, you’ll probably have to take one of the privately owned buses. 

Google Maps doesn’t currently show bus routes in Barbados, so use the MoovitApp to find the closest bus stops and plan departure times.

How to Get to Carlisle Bay 

Carlisle Bay will be on your itinerary if you want to swim with turtles in Barbados.

Luckily, this picturesque bay is just outside of Bridgetown and easily accessible by many bus routes going to the south of the island. 

You’ll have your choice of government, private bus or ZR vans and between them all, you don’t need to wait long. I found most of the time I barely got to the bus stop before I was on a bus. 

It is also walkable from the cruise port and the city center of Bridgetown. Or you can taxi it from in town. 

How to Get to Animal Flower Cave

Animal Flower Cave is situated at the northern tip of the island and the easiest way to get there is by car. 

You can also get there by bus, but pay attention you’re going to the right cave as I once got on the wrong bus and ended up at Harrison’s Cave. Second time I made it okay. 

You’ll take bus 1C from Princess Alice Terminal to Harris, and get off at Connelltown station. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Speightstown station and transfer to another bus to Connelltown like I did.

The bus doesn’t take you all the way to the Cave. You’ll have to walk for about 10 minutes after getting off the bus. It’s a long dirt road, and cars going to the cave will pass you.

Tell the driver you’re going to Animal Flower Cave so they can notify you when you should get off the bus. Locals are very helpful with directions. 

How to Get to Speightstown 

Speightstown serves as the main bus terminal in northern Barbados, making it easily accessible from nearly every part of the island.

From Oistins, you can ride the bus directly to Speightstown – look out for buses saying “S’Town”. They are less frequent than buses to Bridgetown, but I found them worth waiting for to save the walking through town and paying another fare for a second bus. 

Otherwise, from downtown Bridgetown, you will need to walk to Princess Alice Terminal and catch a bus north from there. 

You can see all the buses to Speightstown on the local bus website.

How to Get to Harrison’s Cave

Harrison’s Cave is another tourist attraction that is easy to reach by bus. You have to take bus 4 from Princess Alice Terminal towards Sturges. 

The bus runs frequently, and Harrison’s Cave is one of the stops along the route, making it convenient as you don’t have to walk far from the bus stop.

Our bus didn’t turn down the road to Harrison’s Cave, so we had to get off and walk about 5 minutes to get to our destination. 

How to Get to Oistins Fish Market 

Oistins is one of the bus terminals on the island, so many bus lines pass through the town, making it easy to reach Oistins Fish Market. You got to eat here at least one night on your trip.

You can reach it from Bridgetown and many other towns around the island, like Speightstown in the north and Long Bay in the east. Catch any bus that says “Oistins”.

Browse all bus lines to Oistins Fish Market here.

FAQs on Getting Around Barbados

Final Thoughts on How To Get Around Barbados

You don’t have to worry about travelling around Barbados. 

If you decide to rent a car, you’ll need to obtain a temporary driving permit but the process is very simple and comes down to just paying a fee. 

With frequent and affordable public transit, you don’t even have to rent a car! I enjoyed saving money and taking the bus.

Organized tours are also available to take you to all the best attractions in Barbados!

Now that you know how to get around Barbados, are you ready to book your trip?

You can compare Aruba and Barbados to see if this Caribbean island is a better choice for you!