Complete Guide to Transportation in Trinidad and Tobago: How to Travel Between the Two Islands, Maxi-Taxi Tips, and Car Rental Essentials
How to get from Piarco Airport to the city, whether to take a ferry or flight between Trinidad and Tobago, how to use local taxis and maxi-taxis, what documents you need to rent a car — this guide covers all the essentials for traveling between the two islands.
Arrival and Island Connections
| Option | Duration | Details |
|---|
| Getting into town from Piarco Airport (POS) | 30–45 minutes | Taxis cost around 200–300 Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TTD); prices may be negotiable or fixed |
| Flight from Trinidad to Tobago | About 20 minutes | Caribbean Airlines operates frequent small-plane flights; it’s recommended to book in advance |
| Ferry from Port of Spain to Scarborough | 2.5–3.5 hours | An affordable option but subject to sea conditions; vehicle ferries are available for those travelling with cars |
Most international flights arrive at Piarco Airport. Tobago’s ANR Robinson Airport mainly handles domestic and some regional Caribbean flights. For connecting flights, it’s a good idea to book everything together to ensure smooth baggage handling.
Local and Island Transport
- Taxi: In Trinidad, taxis are often shared minibuses that follow set routes and can be flagged down. Be sure to differentiate between H-licensed (official) taxis and P-licensed (private) vehicles.
- Maxi-taxi: These are medium-sized shared vans that run along designated colour-coded routes (yellow, green, and brown lines). They are an affordable option, but you’ll need to know the pickup and drop-off points. Always confirm the direction with the driver before getting on.
- Renting a car: Driving in Tobago is straightforward due to light traffic and well-maintained roads. You can rent with an International Driving Permit or a foreign licence (such as a Chinese licence) with translation, or apply for a temporary local licence. Remember to drive on the left side of the road.
- Ride-hailing apps: Uber is not available. You can use local apps or ask your hotel to arrange transport, but it’s safest to book rides through your hotel or restaurant, especially at night.
Practical Tips
- Ferry tickets can be bought online or at the terminal. It’s wise to book in advance on weekends when demand is higher, and choose upper-deck seating if you’re prone to seasickness.
- Neither Piarco Airport nor Tobago’s airport has a rail link, so factor airport transfer costs into your travel budget.
- Caribbean Airlines’ small-plane fares can vary quite a bit. Booking 2–3 weeks in advance is usually more economical, and allow at least 90 minutes for connections between the two islands.
- The ring road around Trinidad has no tolls, but lighting is limited at night. Whenever possible, plan longer drives for daylight hours.
Private Transfers and Day Tours
Popular day trips such as to Pitch Lake, the North Coast, and wetlands are commonly offered as organised tours, which can be booked at your hotel or through reputable travel agencies. Prices typically range from $80 to $180 USD per person, including transport and a guide. For groups of three or more, private transfers are often more cost-effective and flexible than joining a group tour. Be sure to clarify what’s included in the price—such as driver meals and fuel—to avoid unexpected charges during the trip.