Getting around the mountainous island of St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a volcanic island, one of the most mountainous in the Caribbean. Stretching just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, it’s small enough to traverse from one end to the other in under two hours.

However, with attractions like Sulphur Springs, the iconic Pitons, numerous cascading waterfalls, and opportunities for reef diving and snorkeling, you’ll want to take your time discovering every lush corner of the island. Walking isn't practical for long distances, but there are several alternatives to navigate the Helen of the West Indies.

Renting a car offers the greatest flexibility

Driving is arguably the best way to explore the island at your own pace. As a visitor, you’ll need a temporary permit to drive in St. Lucia. This can be obtained at the airport’s immigration desk, a rental car agency, or a police station. The fee is US$20 or EC$54 (Eastern Caribbean dollar) and is valid for three months.

If you hold an international driving permit, make sure to have it stamped at either Hewanorra International Airport at the southern end of the island or George F.L. Charles Airport in Castries. Some rental car agencies require drivers to be at least 25 years old for insurance purposes. Rental rates typically range from US$50 to $100 per day.

St. Lucia's mountainous terrain features sharp turns, blind corners, and narrow roads, so drive cautiously, especially after dark. There are also several roundabouts that may be perplexing. For those seeking adventure, a 4WD vehicle is highly advisable. Parking is generally free throughout most of the island, but finding parking in the capital city of Castries during the day can be challenging, aside from paid spots in the central area.

Driving tips for St. Lucia: Traffic is usually heaviest between the capital and the north during morning rush hour from 7 am to 8 am, around midday, and in the late afternoon from 4:30 pm to 6 pm. Make sure to allow sufficient time to reach your destination.

Bus stops may not always be clearly marked, so exercise caution if you see a bus temporarily parked off the road. Bus drivers often merge back into traffic without much warning. Stay alert for local dogs resting along the roadside in residential areas, as well as any cows or horses that might wander onto the highway.

There are often ongoing roadworks in various locations, so watch for those and for deep potholes as well. Most importantly, remember to drive on the left side of the road.

Travel between beaches using a water taxi.

Water taxis provide a great alternative to traditional land transport and offer a quick way to explore the beaches, waterfront towns, and villages. Services depart from Reduit Beach in the north and Marigot Bay on the west coast.

Operators can pick up guests directly from the beach, the bay, cruise ships, and sometimes resorts for excursions to Castries Market, Piton climbs, Fish Friday at Anse la Raye or Gros-Islet, as well as snorkeling and fishing trips. Fares start at USD$15 for a round trip.

Rideshare apps have made their way to St Lucia.

St Lucia has recently entered the rideshare scene, with several companies emerging in the past few years. Allez operates similarly to Uber and Lyft, utilizing GPS technology to connect passengers with drivers based on their location. For safety, users receive the driver’s name and vehicle details, including the registration number, prior to pick-up. Payments are made cashlessly through debit or credit cards.

The bus is a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

Minibuses are the primary means of transport for most locals. These privately-operated vehicles service towns, cities, and villages across the island’s 10 districts. Authorized minibuses display green number plates starting with the letter M.

This mode of transport is quite affordable, with fares ranging from EC$1.25 for short trips to EC$10 for longer journeys. For instance, traveling from Castries to the Rodney Bay area costs EC$2.50.

While US Dollars and Euros are usually accepted, it’s better to use the local currency. Bus stops are identified by concrete slabs—some with metal roofs—located just off the road, and you can easily flag them down with a wave. Inform the driver of your destination beforehand, and they’ll guide you accordingly. Buses typically operate from 6am to 11pm, but services are limited on Sundays.

Taxis serve as an excellent alternative to car rentals.

If you prefer not to rent a car, taxis are the easiest means of transportation. Numerous taxi companies are available, and drivers usually wait at stands near major spots like the airport, supermarkets, and malls. Authorized taxis can be recognized by their light blue number plates starting with the TX prefix.

You can also call for a taxi or arrange for one through your accommodation; fares depend on your destination. Taxis in St Lucia do not use meters, and prices are somewhat unregulated. The cost is estimated and can vary based on fuel prices, the size of your group, and any stops you make along the way.

A trip from Hewanorra International Airport to the popular Rodney Bay area in the north typically takes one-and-a-half to two hours and usually costs between US$80 and $100. Be sure to carry cash, as credit and debit cards are not accepted. Eastern Caribbean dollars are also valid. Always confirm the fare and currency before securing a ride.

Experience luxury travel by helicopter.

Traveling from Hewanorra International Airport in the south to various hotels in the north can take nearly two hours, depending on traffic. However, a helicopter significantly reduces this travel time. St. Lucia Helicopters offers a 10-minute shuttle between the two local airports for USD$190 per person, one way.

This journey also serves as an aerial tour, providing stunning views of St Lucia’s tallest peak, Mount Gimie, the Roseau Dam, the Atlantic Coast, and Marigot Bay. Children under two fly for free (seated on a parent’s lap), and those under 12 receive a 10% discount when booking directly with the company.

The West Coast Shuttle, available solely from George F.L. Charles Airport to Hewanorra International Airport, takes about five minutes longer and offers stunning views of the West Coast Shoreline, including reefs, the Pitons, the rainforest, and the Soufriere Volcano. Fares start at USD$205 per person, one way.

All flights operate on demand during daylight hours. A minimum of four passengers is required to confirm a flight, while the helicopter can accommodate a maximum of six.

Accessible transportation options in St Lucia

One area where the island falls short is in accessible transportation. However, Evergreen Passenger Transport Ltd provides wheelchair-accessible options for hotel transfers and tours. Reach out via email to inquire about reservations.