International Travel to, from, and getting around Barbados

Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) is located on the south coast of Barbados, in Christ Church Parish.


Approx time from major cities
London, UK - 7 hrs
New York - 4 hrs
Los Angeles - 9 hrs
San Juan - 1.5 hrs
Miami - 3.5 hrs
Toronto - 4 hrs


Barbados is served by British West Indian Airlines (BWIA), British Airways (BA), American Airlines (AA) Air Canada (AC), Canadian Airlines and Air Jamaica (AJ).

As major hub for airlines serving the Eastern Caribbean, more than 20 international flights arrive at Barbados airport every day. A large, modern facility, the airport is just 15 minutes from south coast hotels, 30 minutes from Bridgetown, and 45 minutes from the west coast. Airport porters charge Bds$1 per bag for transporting luggage to the street outside of the customs terminal. Facilities in the airport include a bank, bar, duty free shops and restaurant.

Duty Free: There is an incoming duty free shop that is open for most international flights. The outgoing duty-free shops offer jewellery, perfumes, china, crystal, cameras, shoes and clothing.

Barbados Travel and Island Hopping

Barbados Public Transport

BUS: Frequent, comprehensive coverage of the island, flat rate of approx. Bds$1.50 for all journeys. Although cheap, buses are crowded during the rush hours. All buses terminate at Speightstown.
If you do not wish to hire a car during your vacation, the public transport system is excellent with a flat rate fare of Bds$1.50 taking you as far as you wish to go. You can choose between either the larger Transport Board buses (blue) smaller privately owned buses (yellow) or ZR vans. Although the atmosphere on the yellow buses is very laid back (usually blasting out reggae or local radio station) and you can find one every five minutes or so, the drivers are not as strictly regulated as you would expect in the UK or other European countries (or many other places in the world).

ZR Vans: There are many licensed "Mini Vans" that run around the island picking up tourist and locals. You will recognise them by their "ZR" license plate. They have few fixed schedules but there are many of them and service is frequent. The rate is Bds$1.50 and is not recommended for the nervous passenger as ZR stop frequently, often abruptly, and move quickly to pick up the maximum paying passengers in the shortest time.

Driving is often fast and hazardous. If you feel unsafe then get off and find another - or wait for a blue bus.
Bus stops are usually marked In to City or Out of City (meaning Bridgetown). In Bridgetown the main transport board terminals are on Fairchild Street or Lower Green and Princess Alice Highway for Coastal Routes. For additional information please telephone the Barbados Transport Board on (246) 436 6820. The ZR vans offer cheap speedy transport around Barbados, but time is money and this form of transport is not for the faint hearted. As many people as possible are crammed in - a good way to meet the Island proper!

Taxi: Taxis do not have meters but fares are regulated by the Government. Listings are available from the Tourist Office. Please ask the price before travelling. The list below gives you a reasonable guide:

Barbados Car and Scooter Hire

Car Hire: Anything from a mini-moke to a limousine may be hired. Cars may be hired by the hour, day or week. Car hire, as with anywhere, is fairly expensive. check whether the rate quoted is in US or Bajan dollars. (A Barbados dollar is worth half a US dollar) You'll need a current driving licence and a credit card to make a security deposit.

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