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Getting around Barbados is relatively easy, with several transportation options for visitors. You can rent a car in Barbados, travel by taxi, use a local taxi app, hire a private driver or take one of the island's buses, minibuses and ZR vans.
If you're planning a trip, there are a few important things to know before you arrive. Barbados drives on the left-hand side of the road, and taxis operate differently from those in many other destinations.
Here's our guide to getting around Barbados.
What Side of the Road Do They Drive on in Barbados?
In Barbados, you drive on the left-hand side of the road. Most vehicles are right-hand drive.
If you normally drive on the right, take extra care when leaving junctions, making turns and entering roundabouts until you become accustomed to driving on the opposite side.
At roundabouts in Barbados, traffic already on the roundabout has right of way. When entering, give way to vehicles approaching from your right.
Roads vary considerably across the island. Barbados has several major highways, but you'll also encounter narrow and winding roads, particularly when exploring rural areas and the east and north of the island.
And don't be alarmed if you hear a quick toot of a car horn. In Barbados, drivers often use their horns as a friendly "thank you", "go ahead" or greeting.
Can Tourists Drive in Barbados?
Yes. Visitors can drive in Barbados with a valid, current driving licence from their home country.
If you're renting a car, you'll need to present your valid driving licence to the rental company when collecting your vehicle. A Car Rental Levy of BDS $5 per day, up to a maximum of BDS $35 per rental, applies and is collected by the rental company.
Renting a Car in Barbados
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Barbados independently. It gives you the freedom to visit beaches, restaurants, attractions and rural areas without planning your day around public transportation.
This is particularly useful if you want to explore beyond the main south and west coast tourism areas. Having your own car makes trips to the east coast, northern Barbados and less frequently served parts of the countryside much easier.
Visitors looking for car rentals in Barbados can choose from established local providers including National Car Rentals, GO Rent A Car, Stoutes Car Rentals and Mangera Car Rentals.
Rental companies offer different vehicle types, so consider where you'll be staying, how many people are travelling and how much exploring you intend to do. Some companies also offer delivery and collection at hotels, villas and other accommodation.
Are Taxis Available in Barbados?
Yes. Taxis are widely available in Barbados, including at Grantley Adams International Airport, hotels and popular visitor areas.
Unlike taxis in some countries, traditional Barbados taxis are generally not metered. It's a good idea to confirm the fare with your driver before beginning your journey.
Taxis are convenient for airport transfers, evenings out, restaurant trips and sightseeing, particularly if you don't want to rent a car.
Visitors can also arrange transportation and island tours with Maximum Tours and Taxis. Hiring a taxi or private driver for a sightseeing trip has an added advantage: local drivers often know the island extremely well and can introduce you to places you might otherwise miss.
Can You Use a Taxi App in Barbados?
Yes. pickUP Barbados is a local taxi-hailing app that allows passengers to request rides using their phones.
The service provides an alternative to arranging a traditional taxi and can be particularly convenient for visitors staying in hotels, villas and holiday rentals.
A taxi app can also be useful for restaurant reservations, nights out and other occasions when you don't want to drive.
Public Transportation in Barbados
Barbados has an extensive public transportation network, and buses are one of the most affordable ways to travel around the island.
You'll see three main types of public transport:
- Transport Board buses – large, government-operated blue buses.
- Minibuses – privately operated yellow buses travelling established routes.
- ZR vans – privately operated white vans with a maroon stripe.
Buses and ZRs are particularly frequent along major routes through Bridgetown and the south and west coasts.
Public transportation can also take you into more rural areas, although services may be less frequent. If you plan to explore several attractions in one day or travel well away from the main routes, renting a car or arranging a taxi may be more convenient.
What Is a ZR in Barbados?
A ZR is a privately operated route taxi and one of the most recognisable forms of public transportation in Barbados.
The vans are white with a maroon stripe and operate along designated routes. They're especially common around Bridgetown and the south and west coasts.
ZR vans can be busy and lively, but for visitors they also offer the chance to experience an everyday part of Barbadian life.
How Much Does Public Transport Cost in Barbados?
The standard fare on Barbados' public buses, minibuses and ZR vans is currently BDS $3.50 per journey.
If you're relying heavily on public transportation during your holiday, ask your hotel or accommodation host about the nearest bus stop and which routes are most useful for where you're staying.
How Long Does It Take to Get Around Barbados?
Barbados is approximately 21 miles long and 14 miles wide, but don't assume that means everywhere on the island is only a few minutes away.
Traffic, narrow roads, roundabouts and winding country routes can all add to journey times. Traffic can be particularly heavy around Bridgetown and other busy areas during morning and evening commuting periods.
Google Maps and other navigation apps are useful when driving in Barbados, but allow some extra time when travelling somewhere unfamiliar.
Is It Better to Rent a Car or Take Taxis in Barbados?
Renting a car is usually the most flexible option if you plan to explore extensively, while taxis are convenient if most of your journeys will be relatively short or you don't want to drive.
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A rental car is particularly useful for travellers who want to explore the east and north coasts, visit several attractions in one day or discover places away from the main tourism areas.
Taxis and services such as pickUP Barbados and Maximum Tours and Taxis may be more convenient if you're staying close to restaurants, beaches and attractions and only need transportation occasionally.
Public buses and ZRs are the most economical option and work particularly well for journeys along the island's main routes.
Tips for Driving and Getting Around Barbados
Allow more travel time than you think you'll need. Barbados is small, but traffic and smaller roads can make journeys longer than the distance suggests.
Take your time on unfamiliar roads. Rural roads can be narrow and winding, and some have limited lighting at night.
Look out for pedestrians. Not every road has a pavement, particularly outside the main tourism areas.
Confirm your taxi fare. When using a traditional taxi, establish the fare before beginning your journey.
Remember to keep left. Visitors accustomed to driving on the right should be especially careful when pulling onto the road after stopping.
Ask a local. Directions in Barbados aren't always based on road names. Don't be surprised if you're told to turn by a church, shop, rum shop or other local landmark.
Explore Barbados Your Way
There's no single best way to get around Barbados. The right choice depends on where you're staying and what you want to see.
For complete independence, renting a car from companies such as National Car Rentals, GO Rent A Car, Stoutes Car Rentals or Mangera Car Rentals gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
If you'd prefer someone else to do the driving, traditional taxis, pickUP Barbados and transportation providers such as Maximum Tours and Taxis offer convenient alternatives.
And if you're looking for an inexpensive way to travel — or simply want to experience Barbados a little more like a local — hop aboard a bus, minibus or ZR.
However you choose to travel, make time to explore beyond your immediate neighbourhood. Some of the best experiences in Barbados are found a little farther down the road.