A stunning Caribbean island known for its dramatic Pitons mountains, volcanic beaches, and lush rainforests. Saint Lucia offers world-class resorts, authentic Creole culture, and adventures from diving coral reefs to soaking in volcanic mud baths.
- Public
- Minibuses cover the island's main routes cheaply but run on no fixed schedule, can be crowded, and stop running by 8 PM. Good for Castries to Rodney Bay and Castries to Vieux Fort routes.
- Taxi
- Taxis are efficient and reliable with fixed government zone rates. No meters - confirm price before entering. Licensed taxis display TX plates. No ride-hailing apps available.
- Rental
- Car rental is the best option for exploring the entire island flexibly, especially the south coast and interior. Note: drive on the LEFT and roads are narrow and winding. A temporary Saint Lucia permit ($21) is required.
- Walking
- Rodney Bay Village and Castries city centre are walkable. Most attractions require transport. The hilly terrain and heat make long walks challenging.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi to north (Rodney Bay/Castries) $80-90, 90 minutes
- Shuttle
- Taxi to Soufrière $70, 60 minutes
- Bus
- Shared shuttle $25-35 per person
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Minibuses run frequently between major towns $1-3 XCD ($0.40-1.10 USD). Flag down along main roads. Routes connect Castries, Gros Islet, Vieux Fort, and Soufrière. Cash only, no set schedule but frequent during daytime.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, water_taxi
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- No meters - fixed government rates by zone. Castries to Rodney Bay $25-30, Castries to Soufrière $80-90. Always confirm price before departure. Licensed taxis have TX plates.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Minibuses connect all major towns daily 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Main routes: Castries-Gros Islet ($1), Castries-Soufrière ($5), Castries-Vieux Fort ($6). Faster and cheaper than taxis but can be crowded.
Flights
Inter Caribean Airways and small charter companies offer scenic flights between UVF and SLU airports, approximately $80-120 per person. Helicopter tours available $150-250.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Hewanorra International Airport
From centre: 67 km south of Castries
Options: Taxi to north (Rodney Bay/Castries) $80-90, 90 minutes; Taxi to Soufrière $70, 60 minutes; Shared shuttle $25-35 per person; Private transfer $90-120; Car rental $40-70/day
George F.L. Charles Airport
From centre: 3 km from Castries
Options: Taxi to Castries $20-25, 10 minutes; Taxi to Rodney Bay $30-35, 15 minutes; Inter-island flights to Caribbean destinations
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Most Saint Lucian taxi drivers prefer WhatsApp for bookings - ask your hotel for recommended drivers' numbers
Saint Lucia Tourism Authority app
Official tourism app with transport information and licensed operator contacts
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Always confirm taxi fare before getting in - rates are set by government zones but individual drivers may quote high
Minibuses stop anywhere along the route - flag them down from the roadside and pay the driver directly in XCD cash
A temporary Saint Lucia driving permit ($21 USD) is required to rent a car - obtain at the airport or police station with your home licence
Drive on the LEFT side of the road - roads between Castries and Soufrière are very narrow, steep, and winding; allow extra time
George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) in Castries is much closer to Rodney Bay; Hewanorra (UVF) in the south means a 90-minute taxi ride north
Water taxis offer scenic coastal transfers - Marigot Bay crossing is $2-5; chartered water taxis for resort-to-resort transfers run $50-100