Getting Around Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use minibuses for Kingstown and coastal routes. Rural/Islands: Rent a car for St. Vincent exploration or ferries for Grenadines. Inter-Island: Ferries and water taxis. For convenience, book airport transfers from Argyle to your destination.
Ferry Travel
National Ferries
Reliable ferry service connecting St. Vincent to major Grenadines islands with daily departures.
Cost: Kingstown to Bequia $10-20 one-way, trips 45-90 minutes depending on route.
Tickets: Purchase at Kingstown ferry terminal, online via official site, or onboard for some routes.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends and holidays for less crowding and reliable schedules.
Ferry Passes
Multi-island passes available for frequent travelers, covering 3-7 days of unlimited Grenadines hops for $50-100.
Best For: Island-hopping itineraries over a week, savings for 4+ island visits.
Where to Buy: Ferry terminals in Kingstown or Bequia, or through tour operators with e-tickets.
Water Taxis & Private Charters
Speedboats and private charters link remote Grenadines like Mustique and Palm Island quickly.
Booking: Arrange in advance via local operators for best rates, up to 30% off for groups.
Main Hubs: Kingstown and Port Elizabeth (Bequia) for departures to outer islands.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for exploring St. Vincent's interior and beaches. Compare rental prices from $40-60/day at Argyle Airport and Kingstown.
Requirements: Valid driver's license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 25.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to narrow roads, often included in base rate.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 20 mph urban, 40 mph rural, no major highways.
Tolls: None on main roads, but some bridges may have small fees ($1-2).
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads, pedestrians in towns.
Parking: Free in most areas, paid lots in Kingstown $2-5/day, watch for no-parking zones.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available on St. Vincent at $5-6/gallon for petrol, limited on outer islands.
Apps: Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, essential for winding roads.
Traffic: Light overall, but congested in Kingstown during market days and evenings.
Urban Transport
Minibuses & Taxis
Colorful minibuses serve Kingstown and island routes, single ride $1-2, all-day pass $5.
Validation: Pay cash to driver upon boarding, no tickets needed, routes marked on vehicles.
Apps: Limited, but local taxi apps like SVG Taxi for on-demand rides in main areas.
Bike & Scooter Rentals
Bike rentals in Bequia and Kingstown from $10-15/day, with coastal paths for easy riding.
Routes: Flat trails around beaches and towns, helmets recommended for safety.
Tours: Guided eco-bike tours available on St. Vincent, focusing on rainforests and views.
Local Buses & Services
Government and private buses connect villages on St. Vincent, $1-3 per trip based on distance.
Tickets: Cash only, buy from conductor or driver, schedules vary by season.
Island Hoppers: Informal shuttles to smaller Grenadines, $5-10 for short hops.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Choose near ferry ports in Kingstown or beaches in Bequia for easy access, central spots for island vibes.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (Dec-Apr) and sailing regattas.
- Cancellation: Opt for flexible policies due to weather and ferry disruptions.
- Amenities: Verify AC, WiFi, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for updates on hurricane preparedness and service.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G coverage on St. Vincent and main Grenadines, spotty on remote islands.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install pre-trip, activate on arrival, covers most tourist areas.
Local SIM Cards
Digicel and Flow offer prepaid SIMs from $10-20 with island-wide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or kiosks with passport for registration.
Data Plans: 3GB for $15, 10GB for $30, top-ups easy via apps or vendors.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, resorts, and cafes, limited in rural spots.
Public Hotspots: Ferry terminals and tourist beaches offer free access.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in populated areas, sufficient for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC-4, no daylight saving time observed.
- Airport Transfers: Argyle International Airport 3km from Kingstown, taxi $10-15 (10 min), minibus $2, or book private transfer for $20-30.
- Luggage Storage: Available at ferry terminals ($3-5/day) and airport services.
- Accessibility: Ferries and minibuses have ramps, but hilly terrain limits wheelchair access on islands.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on ferries with restrictions ($10 fee), confirm with accommodations.
- Bike Transport: Bikes free on minibuses if space allows, ferries charge $5 extra.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Argyle International Airport (SVD) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Argyle International (SVD): Primary hub on St. Vincent, 3km from Kingstown with taxi access.
J.F. Mitchell Airport (BQU, Bequia): Small airstrip for inter-island flights, 10-min ferry from mainland.
Union Island (UIA): Regional airport for southern Grenadines, connects to Barbados and St. Lucia.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (Dec-Apr) to save 30-50% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) often cheaper than peak weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Barbados or St. Lucia and ferry in for cost savings.
Budget Airlines
LIAT, Caribbean Airlines, and SVG Air serve regional routes with inter-island connections.
Important: Include baggage and onward ferry costs in total budget calculations.
Check-in: Online 24 hours prior, small airports have quick security.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in Kingstown and airports, fees $2-4, use major banks to minimize charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted at resorts, less so in small shops; USD widely used.
- Contactless Payment: Growing acceptance in tourist areas, Apple Pay at larger hotels.
- Cash: Essential for minibuses, markets, and islands, carry $50-100 USD in small bills.
- Tipping: 10% customary in restaurants, $1-2 for taxis and guides.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport kiosks with high fees.