Transport in Trinidad and Tobago: A Comprehensive Guide

Trinidad and Tobago is a beautiful island nation with a unique culture and history. The country has a well-developed transportation system that makes it easy to get around.

Public transportation is a popular option for locals and visitors alike, with a network of buses and maxi-taxis that cover most areas of the island. In fact, the maxi-taxi system is a convenient and affordable way to get around, with fares starting from just $2.

Getting to Trinidad and Tobago is relatively easy, with two international airports serving the country: Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Crown Point International Airport in Tobago. Both airports offer a range of flights from major airlines around the world.

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Air Travel is a convenient way to get between Trinidad and Tobago, especially if you're short on time. Piarco International Airport in Trinidad serves international flights to various destinations.

The air bridge between Trinidad and Tobago is operated by Caribbean Airlines, which flies up to 20 times a day between the two islands. One-way tickets cost US$24, and round-trip tickets cost US$48.You can book and pay for an e-ticket online or visit a ticket office in person.

The flight takes just 20 minutes, making it a quick and relatively inexpensive option. However, you'll need to factor in the time it takes to get to and from Piarco airport, which can be a lengthy journey at rush hour.

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If you're planning to travel between Trinidad and Tobago, you have a few air service options to consider. The largest domestic route is operated by Caribbean Airlines, with up to 20 flights per day between Trinidad's Piarco International Airport and Tobago's ANR Robinson International Airport.

You can fly with Caribbean Airlines for around US$24 one-way and US$48 return. They operate multiple flights a day, and you can book and pay for an e-ticket online or visit a ticket office in person. In Trinidad, there's an office at Piarco Airport, while in Tobago, you can find an office opposite departures in Crown Point Airport.

Caribbean Airlines is the fifth largest airline in the Caribbean region in terms of departure seat capacity. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can consider the air bridge, which costs US$48 for a round trip and takes just 20 minutes.

Here are some key details about the air service:

Airport transfers are a breeze in Trinidad & Tobago, with authorised taxis waiting outside arrivals halls at Piarco and ANR Robinson international airports.

You can find approved rates on display at the taxi stands, but be sure to confirm the fare with the driver in advance since taxis are not metered.

Authorised private taxis are identified by licence plates beginning with 'H' for hire, so look out for those.

International agencies and well-established local companies offer car rentals at both airports, making it easy to get around.

You can also find private taxi company listings in the TSTT Yellow Pages if you need to book in advance.

New local mobile apps like Drop and Reach have recently launched, offering on-demand rides similar to international services like Lyft and Uber.

Uber has even announced plans to move into Trinidad & Tobago in the near future, so keep an eye out for that.

Public transport in Trinidad and Tobago is a convenient way to get around, with options like buses, maxi-taxis, and private cars.

The Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) operates a bus service, while maxi-taxis and private cars offer fixed-route services for a fixed fare.

Maxi-taxis are a popular option, with routes like the red-banded ones that go from Port of Spain to Sangre Grande, and the green-banded ones that go to Chaguanas or San Fernando.

The PTSC compound on South Quay in Port of Spain is the administrative and bus loading headquarters, and it's also home to the Maxi Taxi loading facility for red-banded and green-banded maxi-taxis.

The Maxi Taxi loading facility is located in the north-eastern quadrant of the PTSC compound, and it's where you can catch maxi-taxis for hire.

In downtown Port of Spain, you can also find taxi-stands scattered at various streets, and some of them even change location after sunset.

Recently, there's been a growth in popularity of American-style taxi-cabs that don't work along a fixed route and can be booked for specific times and journeys.

If you're looking for a more eco-friendly option, you might notice an uptick in commuters using bicycles, especially in areas that are tiny and easily bikeable.

For another approach, see: Yellow Bus Transportation

Ferry services are a convenient option for traveling between Trinidad and Tobago's cities.

Ferries operate between Port of Spain and Scarborough, with daily sailings, including Sundays. Cars can be brought onto the ferries and kept in the cargo areas.

The Water Taxi Service offers a faster option between Port of Spain and San Fernando, with a peak rate of five sailings per morning. Each sailing carries approximately 400 passengers.

Travel time by ferry is around 2.5 to 5 hours between Port of Spain and Scarborough. The fastest ferry takes 2.5 hours, while the longest takes roughly 5 hours.

Tickets for inter-island ferry service range from $50 for children under 11 to $100 return for adults. Children under three and senior citizens (65+) travel free.

If you're traveling with a vehicle, the cost is $200 one way or $350 return for inter-island ferry service.

The Water Taxi service between Port of Spain and San Fernando takes around 30-45 minutes and costs TT$15 one way for adults.

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Trinidad and Tobago has a well-developed road network, with a total of 9,592 km of roads as of 2021. The Ministry of Works and Transport's Highway Division maintains 2,050 km of these roads, including all highways.

The country has a complex highway network, consisting of multiple freeways and minor highways. There are three 6-lane freeways, including the Churchill–Roosevelt Highway, which runs from Barataria to Wallerfield and extends for 30 km.

Here are some of the major highways in Trinidad:

Tobago also has a 2-lane freeway, the Claude Noel Highway, which connects Canaan to Scarborough.

The railway system in Trinidad and Tobago has a history of being scaled back. The Trinidad Government Railway, which was built during the country's colonial era, was gradually phased out until it was discontinued in 1968.

The narrow-gauge agricultural railway near San Fernando was also shut down in the late 1990s. This left the country without a functioning railway system for many years.

However, in 2008, the Trinitrain consortium announced plans to build a new 105 km two-line railway, the Trinidad Rapid Railway. The goal was to alleviate growing road congestion.

Unfortunately, the project was cancelled in September 2010, and the country's railway system remained non-existent.

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Trinidad has a significant road network, with a total of 9,592 km of roads as of 2021.

The Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT) Highway Division is responsible for maintaining 2,050 km of these roads, including all highways.

Trinidad's highway network is quite complex, with three 6-lane freeways and four 4-lane freeways.

One of these freeways is the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway, which runs from Barataria to Wallerfield and spans 30 km.

The Uriah Butler Highway is another major freeway, connecting Champs Fleurs to Chaguanas over a distance of 15.7 km.

There are also several minor highways, including the San Fernando By-Pass, which runs through San Fernando, and Wrightson Road, which runs through Port of Spain.

Here's a list of some of the major highways in Trinidad:

Trinidad to Venezuela is a relatively quick journey by ferry, taking approximately 3.5 hours.

The ferry service runs every Wednesday from Pier 1 in Chaguaramas.

Tickets are required to be purchased three days in advance.

You'll need to pay TT$1,380 round trip, plus a TT$75 departure tax.

This tax is waived for senior citizens over 60.

Children under 12 travel at half price, and infants under two years old go free.

Only Venezuelan citizens can purchase one-way tickets.

Passport and visa requirements must be followed for entry into Venezuela.

You can get around Trinidad and Tobago by taking a route taxi, which follows a set route and can hold four to five passengers. They're usually quicker and slightly more expensive than maxis, but are a good option if you're short on time.

Route taxis depart from stands in all sizeable towns and can be hailed by waving your hand. To indicate which direction you want to take, point left or right with your hand.

Route taxis don't leave their stand until they're full, but are a good option if you're not sure what you should be paying, just hand over a TT$20 note and wait for change.

Buses are a cheap and safe way to see the country.

They operate from hubs in various locations, including Port of Spain, Chaguanas, and San Fernando in Trinidad, and Scarborough in Tobago.

You can catch a bus to most towns, sometimes on an 'express' basis, and from Chaguanas and San Fernando to more remote towns.

Buses are large, generally air-conditioned, and comfortable.

Tickets and travel cards must be bought before boarding.

Travel cards are available and coloured coded by municipality: Arima (pink), Chaguanas (orange), San Fernando (gray), and Subscription (green).

Check the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) for schedules and fares.

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You can get around Trinidad and Tobago by using a variety of ground transport options.

Mini-buses, also known as Maxi-taxis, are a popular choice, and they operate on fixed routes for a fixed fare. You can also take a private car, which can be booked for specific times and journeys.

Route taxis are another option, and they follow specific routes from designated taxi stands. They can be flagged down with a wave of your hand, and you can indicate the direction you want to take at the next major turn-off with a hand signal.

Maxi-taxis are generally air-conditioned and operate with similar set routes, departing from designated locations. They are a great way to get a feel for Trini culture and lingo.

Here are the different colour bands that indicate service areas for Maxi-taxis:

Private taxis are also available, but they can be unmetered, so you'll need to agree on a price beforehand.

Driving in Trinidad and Tobago requires patience and constant alertness, as drivers can stop suddenly, turn without indicating, and block traffic to buy a snack or chat with a friend.

You'll need a valid international driving licence or one issued in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, or the Bahamas to drive both cars and motorcycles for up to 90 days. Apply to the Licensing Division on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, if you plan to drive for longer than three months.

Beeping your horn out of irritation will only get you withering stares, as horns are more frequently used as a thank-you gesture for a courtesy or indication of an intention to overtake. Expect maxi/taxis to pull over at any moment, and always drive defensively.

Some drivers take to the road at night with only one headlight/taillight, and keep full-beam headlights on all the time; keep your eyes to the left verge to avoid being dazzled. The speed limit is 80kmph on highways and 55kmph on main roads in built-up areas.

Hand signals are also frequently used, so slow down if faced with an up-and-down movement indicating a driver is about to stop, or an instruction for others to stop due to a hazard ahead. Seat belts are compulsory, but not always used.

In Trinidad, road signs are based on the English system, although distances and speed limits are in kilometres, and you must drive on the left. Drinking and driving is illegal, though the attitude towards it is more laidback in T&T than most other countries.

If you're planning to get around Tobago, one option is to rent a scooter or motorcycle. However, be aware that Tobago's hilly terrain and heat can make cycling a challenge.

Renting a motorcycle isn't advisable in Trinidad due to the volume of traffic and unpredictable driving.

For a more leisurely experience, you can rent a bike in Tobago. Easy Goers in Crown Point offers bicycle rentals, and their contact information is t 681 8025 or t787 0685, with a website at weasygoersbikes.com.

Geronimo's in Woodbrook, Trinidad, offers motorcycle rentals, but be cautious of the traffic and driving conditions. Their contact information is t622 2453, and you can visit their website at wgeronimocycle.com.

If you're staying in the Crown Point area, a bicycle is a great way to get around, especially if you're on a budget.

Getting around Tobago can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right information, you'll be navigating the island like a pro in no time.

One of the most convenient ways to get around Tobago is by taxi, with fares ranging from TT$45 to TT$440 for a one-way trip from the airport, depending on your destination.

If you're on a budget, you might want to consider hiring a small motorcycle or scooter, but be aware that there are very few suppliers on the island.

To rent one of these vehicles, you'll need to be at least 18 years old, have prior experience, and a clean insurance record. Safety helmets are provided by the rental agency and are a legal requirement on Tobago.

Here's a rough guide to typical one-way taxi rates for 1-2 people from the airport:

If you're looking for a more leisurely way to travel between Trinidad and Tobago, the ferry is a great option. The ferry takes around three hours, but be prepared for a rough ride due to strong currents.

You can catch the ferry from the Ferry Terminal opposite the Twin Towers on Wrightson Road in Port of Spain, and in Tobago, the terminal is on Milford Road in central Scarborough. There are usually six sailings per day, but it's best to call in advance or check the Inter-Island Ferry Service website to confirm schedules.

One-way tickets cost TT$50, while standard car prices are TT$150 one-way. However, few rental outfits will let you take their cars on the ferry, so be sure to check ahead of time. You can't book seats or buy tickets on the phone or online, so be prepared to join the queue at least three hours before the boat leaves.

If you're short on time, flying is a much quicker option, taking just twenty minutes. Caribbean Airlines makes the journey up to twenty times a day each way, with tickets costing US$24 one-way and US$48 return. You can book and pay for an e-ticket online, or visit a ticket office in person.

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To navigate Trinidad and Tobago's diverse landscapes, consider hiring a tour guide or renting a car. Local knowledge is an invaluable resource for any traveler, and the Trinidad and Tobago Tour Guide Association and the Tobago Tour Guide Association can arrange tours and transportation on virtually any scale required.

For trips that require a licensed guide or tour operator, these associations can be contacted directly to manage inquiries and arrange tours. Several places of interest have certified guides on site, such as the Pitch Lake and Argyle Falls.

All car rental companies require you to be 25 or over and hold a valid driving licence; most ask for a deposit guaranteed by a credit card imprint, though some smaller firms accept a cash deposit of around US$170.

Local knowledge is an invaluable resource for any traveler, and many visitors to T&T opt for a tour guide before embarking on their journey.

For trips that require a licensed guide or tour operator, the Trinidad and Tobago Tour Guide Association and the Tobago Tour Guide Association can be contacted directly to arrange tours and transportation.

You can contact the associations to arrange tours and transportation on virtually any scale required, from a morning hike in the forest to a multi-day journey around the sites of either island.

Several places of interest, such as the Pitch Lake and Argyle Falls, have certified guides on site.

Renting a motorcycle in Trinidad isn't recommended due to the high volume of traffic and unpredictable driving.

You can rent bicycles on both Trinidad and Tobago, but they're not ideal for getting around Trinidad's busy roads. However, they're a great way to explore quieter areas like Tucker Valley in Chaguaramas.

If you're staying in the Crown Point area, a bicycle is a convenient and budget-friendly option for getting around.

Here are some places where you can rent bicycles:

For serious cyclists, Tobago's hilly terrain can be a challenge, especially in the heat.