Saint Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island nation in the Caribbean offering pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rich colonial history. The islands feature the UNESCO World Heritage Site Brimstone Hill Fortress, volcanic peaks perfect for hiking, and laid-back beach bars serving fresh seafood. This unspoiled paradise combines luxury resorts with authentic Caribbean culture.
- Public
- Minibuses (privately operated) run from Basseterre bus stand to villages around St. Kitts on fixed routes. Fares EC$2.50-5.00 ($1-2 USD). Useful for getting to Old Road Town or Sandy Point but not reliable for specific departure times.
- Taxi
- Taxis use government-set fixed rates and are the most practical transport for tourists. Always confirm the price before departure as there are no meters. Drivers congregate at the airport, Port Zante, and major hotels. WhatsApp booking is common.
- Rental
- Car hire strongly recommended for exploring the Southeast Peninsula, Brimstone Hill, and Romney Manor. Drive on the LEFT. A temporary local driving permit ($25 USD) is required and issued by rental agencies. Economy cars from $50/day, jeeps/SUVs $65-85/day.
- Walking
- Downtown Basseterre is compact and walkable within a 15-minute radius. Charlestown, Nevis is similarly walkable. All beach and nature destinations require transport.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi to Basseterre: $12-15 USD (fixed rate)
- Shuttle
- Taxi to Frigate Bay: $20-25 USD
- Bus
- Taxi to Southeast Peninsula: $35-45 USD
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Minibuses operate on St. Kitts along main routes from Basseterre to popular areas. Fares are EC$2.50-5.00 ($1-2 USD). Flag down buses along the route. Limited service on Nevis. Buses run approximately 6 AM - 9 PM.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Taxis use fixed government rates. Base fare around $8-10 USD. Rates approximately $2-3 USD per mile. Taxis available at airport, hotels, and major tourist areas. No meters - confirm price before departure. Tipping 10-15% customary.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Minibuses connect Basseterre to villages around St. Kitts. Limited inter-village service on Nevis. Not reliable for tourist schedules - taxi or rental car recommended.
Flights
No scheduled domestic flights between St. Kitts and Nevis. Islands connected by ferry and water taxi only.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport
From centre: 3 km from Basseterre
Options: Taxi to Basseterre: $12-15 USD (fixed rate); Taxi to Frigate Bay: $20-25 USD; Taxi to Southeast Peninsula: $35-45 USD; Private transfer to Nevis (including water taxi): $240 USD for up to 4 passengers; Rental car available at airport from $50-60 USD per day
Vance W. Amory International Airport
From centre: 2 km from Charlestown
Options: Taxi to Charlestown: $10 USD; Taxi to Four Seasons Resort: $15-20 USD; Taxi around Nevis: $12-30 USD depending on destination; Rental car available from $45-55 USD per day
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Most commonly used for booking taxis - ask your hotel for numbers of reliable local drivers who accept WhatsApp bookings
St. Kitts Tourism Authority App
Provides ferry schedules, attraction information, and a directory of licensed taxi operators with contact numbers
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Drive on the LEFT - St. Kitts and Nevis uses British-style left-hand traffic. Roads are generally in good condition on main routes but can be narrow and steep in rural areas.
Get a temporary driving permit from the rental agency on arrival ($25 USD, valid 3 months) - this is mandatory and cannot be obtained without your home country licence
Taxis wait outside the ferry terminal at Port Zante whenever ferries arrive from Nevis - no need to pre-book for short town journeys
For Nevis day trips, take the first morning ferry (around 7:30-8AM) from Port Zante to maximise time on the island and return on the 4-5PM sailing
Save the contact number of a reliable taxi driver in your phone from day one - WhatsApp bookings are common and ensure you have transport for evening returns