Transportation

1. Air

St. Lucia has two airports, namely Vigie Field (near Castries), and Hewanorra International (near Vieux Fort). British Airways, American Airlines, Amerijet International Inc., Air Canada, and BWIA provide international flights as well.

2. Bus

Bus travel is one of the most affordable means of traveling in St. Lucia and an ideal way to explore the island life and the culture of the people. The buses in St. Lucia are mainly privately owned. Most of the buses are 14-seater minivans that ply on specific routes and make multiple trips throughout the day. The buses do not have a fixed schedule. You can ask them to halt on the main road by simply waving out.

The buses do not depart on their journey until they are completely full and hence you may have to wait for about half an hour before the journey actually begins. It is very difficult to get a bus after 7 pm. Another disadvantage of traveling by bus is that that most of them do not have access to all parts of the island.

There are 3 major bus routes along the island's main coastal roads, namely The Vieux Fort - Soufriere route, the Soufriere - Castries route, and the Castries - Vieux Fort route (2H). The Castries - Gros Islet route is considered to be main bus route (1A).

Northern St. Lucia, around the Castries and Gros Islet, has regular bus service till 10 pm every evening. However, there is no fixed schedule.

3. Car

Regular cars or four-wheel-drive vehicles can be booked prior to your arrival at St. Lucia. Cars can also be booked at the airports, all major hotels or at the several car rental companies spread across the island. The rental rate per week ranges from US$295 to US$390. The rate differs from one company to another and changes with the type of car selected.

The average daily rates are US $65. This does not include insurance, which can be an additional US $15-20 per day and fuel charges.

A temporary driving license issued in St. Lucia is mandatory for visitors and can be easily acquired by producing your original driver's license at the airport or at the police station in Castries. Several car rental agencies also help you get a temporary driving license.

Some of the main car rental agencies operating on the island are mentioned below:

Cool Breeze Jeep-Car Rental: 758-454-7898

Inter Island Car Rental: 758-453-1086

Avis Rent-A-Car: 758-451-6976

CTL Rent-A-Car: 758-452-0732

Budget Rent-A-Car: 758-452-0233

Hertz Rent-A-Car: 758-452-0680

St. Lucia Yacht Car Rental: 758-452-5057

Courtesy Rent-A-Car: 758-452-8140

National Car Rental: 758-450-8721

Wayne's Motorcycle Center: 758-452-2059

4. Water Taxis

The hotels Anse Chastanet and Jalousie offer ferry service between Soufriere and Castries for their guests.

The following companies offer private yachts and ferries on rent:

Castries Yacht Center - Tel: 758/452-6234

Moorings Yacht Charters - Tel: 758/451-4357

Port Castries - Tel: 758/452-3036

Rodney Bay Marina Boatyard - Tel: 758/452-0324

St. Lucia Yacht Services - Tel: 758/452-5057

5. Ship

Cruise ships from major lines call at Castries and Soufrière. In Soufrière, ships anchor offshore, and passengers are transported ashore by tenders.

The major docking facility is Pointe Seraphine in Castries. When the port is unusually crowded, some ships might dock at Port Careenage.

6. Taxi

The taxis under the Taxi Association operate at the two main airports, the cruise ports in Castries and the areas around all the major hotels, tourist spots and shopping malls. Taxis can be hailed at taxi stands or can be booked over phone.

Taxis in St. Lucia are quite safe, easily available and will take you to most destinations. It is always advisable to decide on the fare before the journey begins to avoid any hassles later.

Taxi Operators Listing:

A & M Taxi & Touring Service Email: edgara@candw.lc

PO Box 330

Castries

St Lucia

Gros Islet

Phone: 758 716 0133/ 758 452 9816

Fax: 758 452 9816

A 2 Z Taxi Service Email: gagamill@hotmail.com

Rodney Bay

Cap Estate

Gros Islet

Phone: 758 484 6354

All Purpose Taxi Ltd Email: laptl@hotmail.com

Babonneau

Castries

St Lucia

Gros Islet

Phone: 758 384 1011/450 5522

Bens Taxi Service Website: www.westcoastjeeps.com

Email: saltibusb@slucia.com

Bay Street Soufriere

Soufriere

Phone: 758 459 5457/ 758 484 0708

Reliable Taxi Service

Phone: 758 452 5831

Fax: 758 481 2074

Soufriere Taxi Service

Phone: 758 459 7149

Hewanorra International Airport

Vieux Fort

Phone: 758 454 6136

Fax: 758 454 9814