Getting There
Most international visitors arrive via Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in Vieux Fort, located on the southern tip about 90 minutes from most resorts in the north. This airport handles long-haul flights from the US (American, Delta, JetBlue, United), Canada (Air Canada, WestJet), and the UK (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic). Regional flights from neighboring Caribbean islands land at George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) near Castries in the north, just minutes from many hotels. By sea, ferries connect Saint Lucia with Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe via the terminal in Castries. Cruise ships dock at Pointe Seraphine or La Place Carenage in Castries harbor.
Getting Around
Minibuses serve as Saint Lucia’s primary public transportation, operating regular routes between major towns (Castries, Soufrière, Vieux Fort) with fares ranging EC$2.50-8.00 (~US$1-3). These privately-owned vehicles identified by green number plates with ‘M’ prefix run frequently on demand rather than fixed schedules. Flag them down along main roads and pay cash to the driver. Routes can be confusing for visitors – ask locals or your hotel for guidance. Taxis are readily available with red ‘TX’ number plates but are not metered – negotiate fares before departure (typical rates: airport to Rodney Bay EC$75-90, airport to Soufrière EC$150-180). Major taxi services include Saint Lucia Taxi Service and Real Saint Lucia Tours. Rental cars provide freedom to explore at your own pace (rates ~$70/day) but require a temporary Saint Lucian driver’s license (obtainable at airport, police station in Castries, or rental offices with valid home license, fee ~EC$54). Driving is on the left (British influence) with narrow, winding mountain roads requiring caution. Water taxis operate in Soufrière Bay connecting resorts and beaches like Anse Chastanet and Jalousie Beach. Some resorts offer boat transfers from Hewanorra Airport via FunToSee Island Water Ferry. The island is small (27 miles long) but mountainous terrain makes drives longer than distances suggest – allow 1.5 hours from airport to northern resorts, 45 minutes to Soufrière. Many visitors rely on resort shuttles and organized tours rather than independent transportation.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.