last edited Dec 11, 2019
Getting Around Trinidad and Tobago
Location Map of Trinidad and Tobago
Between the Islands
To travel between Trinidad and Tobago, there are two options: boat or plane.
TTIT Ferries operates the maritime routes with several daily crossings between Port of Spain and Scarborough. The journey takes about 2h30 on the "Fast ferries" and costs between $5 and $8 depending on the vessel. For flights, the national carrier Caribbean Airlines offers numerous daily flights; a 25-minute flight costs $25 one-way or $50 round-trip.
On Trinidad
There are no trains or domestic flights within Trinidad itself.
Road Network and Traffic
Car Rental
Taxis
Buses and Minibuses ("Maxi-Taxis")
The national company PTSC manages the bus network on both islands. Buses cover the territory fairly well, though some villages and tourist coastal sites on Trinidad are somewhat overlooked. Fares are low for the relatively short distances—generally no more than $3 per trip.
Alongside and complementing the bus network, "maxi-taxis" have also developed. These are private minibuses or vans with a capacity of one to two dozen passengers. They crisscross the country on fixed routes, identifiable by the colored stripes on the vehicles. They are slightly more expensive than public buses, don’t always run on a fixed schedule, and can be hailed on demand from the roadside or at stations.
Two-Wheelers
Hitchhiking
Ferries
A small regular boat service connects Trinidad’s two major cities, Port of Spain and San Fernando. The Water Taxi Service operates several daily trips at a modest cost of around $2 per journey.
What to Choose for Getting Around?
Given the short distances and the availability of public transport, buses and minibuses are the best options for getting around the island. If you want to explore off the beaten path or enjoy more freedom, consider renting a car occasionally.
Distances Between Locations
Distances (km) between major cities and tourist sites on Trinidad:
| Caroni | Chagua. | Maracas | Pitch L. | P.of.S | S. Fern. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caroni Swamp Park | 13 | 33 | 64 | 14 | 41 | |
| Chaguanas | 13 | 44 | 58 | 24 | 33 | |
| Maracas Park | 33 | 44 | 107 | 23 | 72 | |
| Pitch Lake | 64 | 58 | 107 | 76 | 39 | |
| Port of Spain | 14 | 24 | 23 | 76 | 52 | |
| San Fernando | 41 | 33 | 72 | 39 | 52 |
On Tobago
Distances Between Locations
Distances (km) between major cities and tourist sites on Tobago:
| Eng.B. | Golds.B. | Mesopo. | Parla. | Pigeon P. | Scarb. | Speys. | Tobago F. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Englishman's Bay | 28 | 23 | 4 | 36 | 22 | 29 | 9 | |
| Goldsborough Bay | 28 | 11 | 24 | 31 | 16 | 19 | 18 | |
| Mesopotamia | 23 | 11 | 26 | 21 | 6 | 30 | 28 | |
| Parlatuvier | 4 | 24 | 26 | 40 | 25 | 27 | 7 | |
| Pigeon Point | 36 | 31 | 21 | 40 | 15 | 49 | 46 | |
| Scarborough | 22 | 16 | 6 | 25 | 15 | 34 | 33 | |
| Speyside | 29 | 19 | 30 | 27 | 49 | 34 | 20 | |
| Tobago Forest Reserve | 9 | 18 | 28 | 7 | 46 | 33 | 20 |