Getting Around Trinidad and Tobago
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use maxi-taxis for Port of Spain and San Fernando. Rural: Rent a car for northern Trinidad and Tobago beaches. Inter-Island: Ferries or short flights. For convenience, book airport transfers from Piarco to your destination.
Ferry Travel
TTIC Inter-Island Ferries
Reliable ferry service connecting Port of Spain (Trinidad) to Scarborough (Tobago) with daily sailings.
Cost: TTD 50-100 one-way ($7-15 USD), journeys 1.5-2.5 hours depending on vessel.
Tickets: Buy via TTIC website, app, or port terminals. Online booking recommended for peak times.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends and Carnival season for lower fares and availability.
Ferry Passes
Multi-trip passes available for frequent travelers, or combo tickets with buses for island exploration.
Best For: Round-trip visits between islands over a week, savings on multiple crossings.
Where to Buy: Port terminals, TTIC offices, or official app with e-ticket delivery.
Fast Ferry Options
High-speed ferries like the T&T Express reduce travel time to 1.5 hours for quicker inter-island trips.
Booking: Reserve in advance online for best seats, discounts up to 20% for early bookings.
Main Ports: Port of Spain and Scarborough, with additional services to Point Lisas.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for exploring rainforests, beaches, and rural Tobago. Compare rental prices from $40-70/day at Piarco Airport and major towns.
Requirements: Valid license (international permit recommended), credit card, minimum age 25.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to road conditions, verify collision damage waiver.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 100 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal, mainly on Uriah Butler Highway (TTD 10-20 for cars).
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, roundabouts common in cities.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered in Port of Spain $1-3/hour, secure lots recommended.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations widespread at $1-1.50/liter for petrol, $0.90-1.20 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, download offline maps for remote areas.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Port of Spain during rush hours and Carnival period.
Urban Transport
PTSC Buses
Government-run buses covering major routes in Trinidad, single fare TTD 5-10 ($0.75-1.50), day pass TTD 20.
Validation: Pay exact cash to conductor, no change given, routes displayed at terminals.
Apps: PTSC app for schedules, real-time tracking, and route planning in urban areas.
Maxi-Taxis
Shared minivan taxis on fixed routes, TTD 5-15/ride ($0.75-2), color-coded by route in cities.
Routes: Extensive network in Port of Spain and Tobago, hail from roadside stops.
Tips: Confirm destination with driver, safe and affordable for daily commuting.
Taxis & Local Services
H&C taxis and Uber available in urban areas, flag-down or app-based from TTD 20-50 short trips.
Tickets: Negotiate fares upfront, or use metered taxis in Port of Spain.
Tobago Services: Route taxis connect Scarborough to beaches, TTD 10-20 per ride.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near ferry ports or airports for easy access, central Port of Spain or Tobago beaches for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for Carnival (Feb-Mar) and peak dry season (Dec-Apr).
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-dependent beach plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, air conditioning, and proximity to maxi-taxi routes before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G/5G in urban Trinidad and Tobago, 3G/4G in rural and remote areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Digicel, Flow, and TSTT offer prepaid SIMs from $10-20 with island-wide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, malls, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for $15, 10GB for $25, unlimited for $30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi common in hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots, paid in some cafes.
Public Hotspots: Airports and major ports offer free WiFi for travelers.
Speed: Generally reliable (10-50 Mbps) in cities, suitable for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC-4, no daylight saving time observed.
- Airport Transfers: Piarco Airport 25km from Port of Spain, taxi $25-40 (45 min), or book private transfer for $30-50.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports ($5-10/day) and bus terminals in major cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and ferries have limited access, taxis and rentals better for mobility needs.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on ferries with restrictions (fee $10-20), check accommodation policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes can be carried on buses for $5, rentals available for island tours.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Trinidad and Tobago
Piarco International (POS) is the main hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Piarco International (POS): Primary gateway in Trinidad, 25km from Port of Spain with taxi connections.
ANR Robinson (TAB): Tobago's airport 5km from Scarborough, bus or taxi to beaches $10-15 (20 min).
Inter-Island: Short flights via Caribbean Airlines, 25 min from POS to TAB for $50-80.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (Dec-Apr) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flights via Miami or Barbados for potential savings on long-haul.
Budget Airlines
Caribbean Airlines, JetBlue, and Copa serve POS with regional connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and inter-island transfers when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee $3-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in most places, American Express limited outside cities.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay growing, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in urban areas.
- Cash: Essential for taxis, markets, and rural spots, keep $50-100 USD or TTD equivalent.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants if not included, round up for taxis and services.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor exchanges.