How to Get Around St. Lucia

Exploring St. Lucia is an adventure in itself, with winding roads, scenic views, and various transport options depending on how you want to travel.

You can drive yourself, catch a ride, or take a guided tour. Here’s everything you need to know about getting around St. Lucia!

Table of Contents

Taxis in St. Lucia
Buses in St. Lucia
Renting a Car in St. Lucia
Take a Tour
Practical Tips for Getting Around St. Lucia
More St. Lucia

Taxis in St. Lucia

Taxis are one of the most convenient ways to get around St. Lucia, especially for shorter trips or airport transfers. With that said, it’s not the nicest on your pocket.

“Taxi ride from the Airport” by MrTopher is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

How to Identify: Look for taxis with light blue license plates and a “TX” prefix.
Pricing: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey, as prices vary based on distance, group size, and luggage. They don’t use meters. Clarify if the estimate is in USD or ECD.
Where to Find: Taxis can be hailed on the street, pre-booked, or found at major locations like the airport, hotels, and towns.

Pros & Cons:

Pros: Reliable, no need to drive yourself, great for short distances.
Cons: Expensive for long trips; fares can add up quickly.

TIP: If you’re just looking to get from the airport to your accommodation, you might want to consider this private van to your resort option!

Buses in St. Lucia

For budget-conscious travelers, minibusses (St. Lucia’s public transportation) offer an affordable and authentic way to explore the island.

“Shuttle Bus, St Lucia” by Shawn from Airdrie, Canada is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Routes & Costs: Buses typically cost EC$2.50–$8.00 ($1–$3 USD) depending on the distance. Popular routes connect towns like Castries, Gros Islet, and Soufrière.
What to Expect: Minibusses are often colorful, lively, and filled with locals. They don’t run on a fixed schedule, so be prepared for a flexible timeline. Look for the M prefix on the license plate.
Limitations: Service can be limited in rural areas, making buses less ideal for reaching spots off the beaten path.

Pros & Cons:

Pros: Extremely cheap, a local experience.
Cons: Crowded, slower, and not as efficient for tourists.

Renting a Car in St. Lucia

If you want maximum freedom, renting a car is the best way to explore St. Lucia.

Driving Conditions: St. Lucians drive on the left-hand side, and the roads can be steep, narrow, and winding. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for handling rugged terrain.
Licensing: You’ll need a temporary local permit, which most rental companies can issue on-site.
Our Experience: We rented a car, and it made exploring so much easier! Driving was manageable and gave us access to places we might not have reached otherwise.

👉 CHECK HERE: Car Rental Deals in St. Lucia

Pros & Cons:

Pros: Ultimate flexibility, great for exploring remote areas.
Cons: Challenging roads, higher upfront costs.

Tips for Driving in St. Lucia:

Stick to daylight driving, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the roads.
Use offline maps for navigation, as cellular service can be spotty in rural areas.
Be cautious on sharp turns and always yield to larger vehicles on narrow roads.
Locals are generally chill on the road, but occasional speedsters will rush past you.

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Take a Tour

If you’d rather leave the logistics to someone else, tours are an excellent option. Many tours combine multiple attractions, making them a stress-free way to see the island.

If you’re here for an actual vacation, you’ll find a tour that will take you to all the best parts. So maybe forget everything above and sit in your own private vehicle and be whisked away to some cool spots?!

Sunset Sail one of the best things to do in St. Lucia

You can search for a bunch of day tours of St. Lucia.

What to Expect: Full-day tours often include snorkeling, visiting the Sulphur Springs, exploring waterfalls, or cruising along the coast. Browse and see which activities you’re most interested in.
Who It’s For: Perfect for travelers who want a structured experience or prefer not to drive themselves.

👉 SAVE TIME!
Take a day tour that brings you to hot spots like Soufriere, waterfalls, Sulphur Springs, and cool snorkeling locations, all aboard a catamaran!
BOOK THE EASY TOUR

Pros & Cons:

Pros: Hassle-free, knowledgeable guides, often include full transportation and meals.
Cons: Less flexible than self-guided travel.

Practical Tips for Getting Around St. Lucia

Carry Cash: Taxis and buses often require cash payments, so keep small bills of EC or USD handy. Don’t forget to clarify estimates are in USD or ECD.
Plan Ahead: If you’re renting a car, book early, especially during peak season. We almost forgot and nabbed one of the last reasonably priced cars. Ekk!
Paved Roads: This is sometimes a luxury. Be prepared to drive down dirt roads to get to some beaches.
Stay Safe: Avoid isolated areas at night, and always lock your car if driving.
Embrace Island Time: St. Lucia operates on a relaxed schedule—don’t expect everything to run precisely on time.