Saint Kitts and the neighbouring island of Nevis constitute one country: the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The capital city of Basseterre sits on the larger island of Saint Kitts.
The smaller island of Nevis lies approximately 3km (2mi) southeast of Saint Kitts across a shallow channel called 'The Narrows'.
By sea, from Basseterre on St Kitts to Charlestown on Nevis takes around 20 minutes by passenger ferry, with several companies servicing this route. Cruise ships often dock at Basseterre.
Hiring a car offers the best way of exploring St Kitts. Taxis are also available as are micro buses, which offer an inexpensive and fun way to travel around.
Don't miss riding the scenic narrow gauge railroad formerly used for the sugar mill. The narrow-gauge St Kitts Scenic Railway circles the island.
Air: Winair offers daily scheduled flights between St Kitts and Nevis.
Sea: St Kitts and Nevis are linked by a frequent passenger ferry (Sea Bridge Ferry Service) between Basseterre and Charlestown taking 20 minutes; by car ferry between Majors Bay and Cades Bay taking 30 minutes; and by on-demand water taxis between Cockleshell Beach and Oualie Beach – the latter a good way to go if you want to be independent.
A good road network on both islands makes most areas of St Kitts and Nevis easily accessible to explore. Roads tend to be narrow, winding and not well lit at night, so extra care should be taken.
Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road. The maximum legal speed limit is 63kph (40mph) outside built-up areas and 31kph (20mph) in towns.
There are no traffic lights on either island but traffic circles are common. If you have an accident, call the police and don't move the vehicle.
It takes about an hour to circumnavigate the island of St Kitts, and about 40 minutes to get around Nevis.
Car hire: Several companies including Avis (+11-869-465-6507), Thrifty (+11-869-465-2001) and Williams Auto Rental (+11-869-465-3977), among other local agencies offer a selection of cars, motorcycles and mopeds for hire. It's best to book cars well in advance.
Safety equipment such as a helmet is often not included in the price.
You need to be at least 25 years old to hire a car in St Kitts and Nevis, and have a full driving licence from your home country. A local driving permit, available from car-rental agencies, is required for driving on St Kitts and Nevis. It costs US$24 or EC$62.50 and is valid on both islands for three months.
Drink driving is illegal in St Kitts and Nevis, with severe penalties for those found guilty including jail time and a large fine.
Car hire companies can meet you at the airport, ferry port or your hotel.
Taxi: Taxis on St Kitts and Nevis are usually minibuses with yellow license plates beginning with 'T' or 'TA.' Fares are regulated by the government, with one tariff applying to up to four passengers.
Both Eastern Caribbean and US dollars are accepted in St Kitts and Nevis, so you should agree with the taxi driver which currency is quoted before starting your trip.
There is a 50% surcharge between 10pm and 6am. Taxi drivers expect a 10% tip.
On St Kitts, there are taxi stands at the Circus and Port Zante in Basseterre, at Frigate Bay and at the airport. To call a taxi, dial 869-465-8487 or 869-465-4253.
On Nevis, there are taxi stands at the airport and near the ferry dock on the west side of DR Walwyn Plaza in Charlestown. To order a taxi call 869-469-5631 or 869-469-5515, or have your hotel arrange one.
Bike: St Kitts and Nevis are hilly, which may present a challenge for some cyclists. Nevis is the more accessible cycling destination. You can hire bikes from Bike, Kayak 'N' Windsurf Nevis (tel: +1 869 664 2843; bikenevis.com).
Bus: Government-licensed private minivans – identified by their green licence plates starting with 'H' or 'HA' – serve communities on an infrequent schedule along the main roads.
Buses can be boarded at designated stops in Basseterre and Charlestown or flagged down anywhere along the route. Service is more frequent in the morning and in the afternoon, and ends around 7pm or 8pm. Sunday service is less frequent.
On St Kitts, there is no bus service south to Frigate Bay and beyond, and in the far north between St Paul's and Ottley's.
From Charlestown on Nevis, buses travel both clockwise and counterclockwise along the Main Island Rd. Buses leave when full, but they only go as far as Newcastle in the north and Gingerland in the south.
Rail: The St Kitts Scenic Railway (+11-869-465-7263) offers a 3.5 hour, 48km (30mi) circle tour of the island on specially designed double-decker open-air coaches, with 19km (12mi) of the trip by bus.
The scenic railway follows the route of an old narrow gauge line built between 1912 and 1926 to transport sugar cane from the island's plantations to the sugar factory in Basseterre.
Latest update: How to get around St Kitts: 4 January, 2023
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