Antigua is the largest of the Leeward Islands, which include Barbuda and Redonda, and is located in the northeastern Caribbean.
The best option to explore Antigua is to hire a car; buses and taxis are also available.
Air: Antigua Barbuda Montserrat Air (www.antigua-flights.com) operates daily scheduled flights between Antigua, Barbuda and Montserrat.
Scenic and charter flights by helicopter are also available from Antigua to Barbuda. Some hotels on Barbuda can arrange private helicopter transfer.
Note: To fly to other islands from Barbuda it is necessary to transfer back to Antigua's VC Bird International Airport.
Sea: Local boats are available for excursions, and hotels and tour companies can arrange day trips.
Note: Antigua is a central hub of the luxury yacht charter industry in the Caribbean. The season kicks off with the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, which is usually held in December. Yachts are available through several brokers, including Fraser Yachts and Sunsail.
It is perfectly safe to drive around Antigua by road, which are of good quality although some become dirt tracks once you go off the beaten track.
Larger roads are all-weather and in reasonable condition, although they often lack road markings. Smaller roads are more rugged and often contain pot holes.
Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road and few streets are lit at night.
The national speed limit is 65kph (40mph) and there is a limit of 32kph (20mph) in built-up areas.
Car hire: There are several reputable car hire companies on Antigua, some of which also hire out mopeds and bicycles.
Hire rates are for the day and there is no mileage charge. Rental cars are identifiable by an ‘R’ on licence plates.
In addition to a valid driver’s licence, a permit to drive in Antigua is required. The hire company can assist in getting this temporary licence.
If travelling with young children, it's worth noting that car hire companies do not provide child or booster seats. It is not a legal requirement to use these, but the conditions of the roads on Antigua make it advisable.
Travellers thinking of driving to remote locations may want to consider hiring a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Taxi: Taxis are reliable, plentiful and operate everywhere with standardised rates. US Dollars are more readily accepted by taxi drivers.
Taxi drivers are also qualified as tour guides for sightseeing trips. Taxis are identified by ‘TX’ on licence plates.
Bike: Hire bikes are available from car rental companies and from most hotels. Motorcycles are also available for hire at Jolly Harbour.
Bus: Buses mainly run from the bus depot on Market Street, St. Johns, and tend to serve local rather than tourist routes.
Latest update: How to get around Antigua: 6 May, 2022
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