Transportation

1. Air

The most popular and convenient way to get to Trinidad and Tobago is by air. Airports are located on both islands and have scheduled flights to and from most parts of the world. If you are flying to the island of Trinidad, you will arrive at the Piarco International Airport, which is next to the island's capital, Port of Spain. There are a number of airlines that have straight flights out of the United States, Canada, the U.K., and from other islands in the Caribbean.

BWIA operates local flights between Trinidad's Piarco Airport and the Crown Point Airport located in Tobago. This service, along with LIAT, which is a major inter-island carrier within the Caribbean, operate flights to and from the other Caribbean destinations.

Other major airlines include Aeropostal, American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, Caribbean Star, and Dutch Airways apart from charter flights.

Travelers are advised to check with their travel agent or the airline service for flight availability and the prices. Security measures are another important aspect of air travel in Trinidad. Random passenger checks may slow down the process of reaching the departure gate. Hence all are advised to arrive at the airport at least an hour or two before the flight time.

FAA Regulator Phone Number:

Air travel service problems 202-366-2220

Aviation Safety Hotline 800-255-1111

Aviation Consumer Protection Division 202-366-2220

FAA-monitored consumer issues 800-322-7873

Transportation Security and Baggage Screeners Concerns 866-289-9673

2. Bus

Buses are an effective way of getting around on the island, especially for traveling long distances. The bus service lets the visitors get a feel of how the locals commute everyday. The buses are also one of the cheapest modes of transport on the twin islands. The buses can be easily recognized by the color-coding that corresponds to the different destinations.

Services are operated by the state Public Service Corporation (PTSC). With the absence of a railway, the main towns are generally served by bus but although these are cheap, they are jam-packed and can sometimes be unreliable. In Tobago, the most common routes are between Scarborough bus station and Crown Point, Buccoo, Plymouth and Roxborough.

The main bus terminal is at 'City Gate', located at South Quay in Port of Spain. Commuter services usually run between the capital city and locations such as Arima, Chaguanas, Chaguaramas, San Fernando and Sangre Grande.

3. Car

Rented cars are probably the best option for travelers who want to explore the entire island according to their own conveniences. Trinidad and Tobago has several beautiful sights that are worth visiting and renting a car is most certainly the best and most cost-effective way to see them all. Local services may offer cheaper rates but many prefer to rely on the well-known brands.

Cars can be rented on daily, weekly or monthly basis. To rent a car in Trinidad and Tobago, US citizens need to produce a valid driver's license or a permit that is issued in the Bahamas, Canada, England, France, Germany or their home country. Fuel stations can be found in the towns and main thoroughfares but are a little more difficult to find in the rural areas. Many rental companies have set the minimum age to rent a car to 21,23 or 25 years. Make sure that the vehicle has been properly insured to avoid any problems later on.

Driving is done on the left side of the road and when traveling with kids, it is imperative to have child safety seats in place.

Some of the popular car rental companies are mentioned below:

A-1 Auto Rentals & Taxi Service

66 Churchill Roosevelt Highways

San Juan

Trinidad

(868) 638-8125

Airport Express/Himraj Taxi & Rental Services Limited

Piarco Airport

Piarco

Trinidad

(868) 800-8294

Amar Rentals Pole Carew Street

Port of Spain

Trinidad

(868) 622-6427

Hertz-Rent A Car (GSA)

P.O. Box 1045

Port of Spain

Trinidad

(868) 633-7694

J. Auto Rentals 68 Bagna Trace

Chase Village

Trinidad

(868) 665-2444

Jags Auto Rental 21 Jackson Street

Curepe

Trinidad

(868) 662-4157

Jeffrey's Auto Rental

2 Bryce Road

St. Augustine

Trinidad (868) 663-5333

Jerry's Car Rentals South Trunk Road

La Romain

Trinidad

(868) 653-9656

4. Ferry

Riding a ferry or boat between Trinidad and Tobago can be a fun way of commuting between the two islands.

Except for Saturdays, a car/passenger ferry leaves from Port of Spain for Scarborough in Tobago. The journey can take approximately 5 to 6 hours.

Ferry fares are around $26. Every Wednesday morning, a passenger ferry leaves Chaguaramas on Trinidad for Guiria in Venezuela.

5. Ship

Large cruise ships usually dock at the south side of Port of Spain. There is smaller cruise-ship facility in Scarborough on Tobago.

Primary mooring facilities and immigration services for yachts are in Trinidad's Chaguaramas Bay.

6. Taxi

Taxis usually meet most flights at both Trinidad's Piarco International Airport and Tobago's Crown Point International Airport and can also be found near hotels and cruise-ship ports.

Renting a private taxi is much more expensive but at the same time it can provide you with the liberty of visiting any place at any given time. The best way to get around is by Route taxis and Maxi taxis. Drivers generally blow the horn to indicate that they are vacant and have room.

Taxis are considered to be the best and the most suitable ways for travelers to tour the islands while enjoying a relaxing vacation. In Trinidad and Tobago, cabs do not have meters. So make sure that you agree on a price with the driver before getting in.

Taxis generally charge an additional 50% after 10pm.

In order to find the 'Maxi Taxi' congregation points the different routes are:

If heading west along Wrightson Road you will find a terminus at the corner of South Quay and the start of the Beetham Highway.

Travelers and tourist heading west into St. James and Carenage should go to 'Green Corner'.

For those who are heading to the east and south - go to the 'City Gate' terminus along South Qua.

Cab Company Phone Number:

Phone-a-Taxi: 868-628-8294

Piarco Airport Taxi Co-o Society: 868-669-1689

St Anthony's Taxi Cab Co-operative: 868-648-3941

St Christopher's Taxi Co-op Society: 868-625-1694

7. Bikes/ mopeds

Tourists can opt for the adventure and freedom that a moped or bicycle provides. Mountain bikes can be an ideal way to observe the less developed parts of Trinidad and Tobago. This includes the wildlife, vegetation, and some of the most incredible views.

Bike rentals can start as low as $7 and goes up to $15.

Company contact Information for bike rentals:

Bairds

Motorbikes, scooters

Tobago

868-639-2528

Glorious Ride

Bikes

Tobago

868-639-7124

Greene's General Cycle Ltd

Bikes, motorcycles, scooters

Trinidad

868-646-2453

Modern Bike Rentals

Bikes

Tobago

868-639-3275

Mountain Biking Tobago

Bikes

Tobago

868-639-9709

http://www.mountainbikingtobago.com/

Paria Springs Eco Community

Bikes and bike tours

Trinidad

868-622-8826

http://www.pariasprings.com/