Getting around St Lucia: taxis, minibuses, Allez, water taxis and driving on the left

About Getting around St Lucia: taxis, minibuses, Allez, water taxis and driving on the left

By the ULTIMATE St Lucia Editorial Team

Saint Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 wide, but its roads wind over mountains, so journeys take longer than the map suggests. Here is how to get about.

Taxis

Taxis wait at the airports, the cruise port and the larger hotels, or come when you call. All licensed taxis carry a light-blue number plate beginning TX. Fares depend on the distance, the number of passengers, the luggage and the company, so always agree the price before you set off.

Allez

Allez is the island’s own rideshare app, with verified local drivers, upfront fare estimates and cashless payment. Download it before you arrive, from the App Store or Google Play.

Journeys take longer than the map suggests.

Minibuses

Minibuses are how most Saint Lucians get around. They carry a green number plate with an M prefix, run set routes at times that vary, and cost EC$2.50 to EC$8.00. They are cheap and a good way to see daily life, but allow time and carry small change.

Hiring a car

Cars, four-wheel drives and scooters can be hired at the airports, hotels and rental offices. You need a temporary driving licence, issued on showing your home licence at the airport, at the police station in Castries or at the car-hire office. Saint Lucia drives on the left, and the tourism authority warns that some roads are narrow and winding; allow plenty of time, especially on the way to Soufrière.

Typical times from Hewanorra

The tourism authority gives these road times from Hewanorra International Airport: about 45 minutes to Soufrière and the Sulphur Springs; 1 hour 10 to Marigot Bay; 1 hour 15 to Castries and to Anse Chastanet; 1 hour 30 to Gros Islet and Rodney Bay; and 1 hour 40 to Pigeon Island.

By sea

FunToSee Island runs water-taxi transfers between Hewanorra and the resorts of the north-west. Water taxis also run along the west coast from Soufrière, and catamaran day trips from Rodney Bay and Marigot Bay are a scenic way to see the Pitons. For Martinique, take the FRS Express des Îles ferry from Castries.

By air

St. Lucia Helicopters turns the roughly 90-minute drive from Hewanorra to the north into a 10 to 15 minute flight, for up to six passengers, in daylight only. Book your arrival flight early enough in the day if you want a same-day transfer.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Getting around St Lucia: taxis, minibuses, Allez, water taxis and driving on the left before you go.