From renting a car to braving the local bus system, here’s a my guide on how to venture and get around Saint Lucia on your own.
St. Lucia, with its dramatic volcanic peaks, dense rainforests, and pristine beaches, offers a magical diversity of landscapes that simply calls for exploration. This was the island in the Caribbean I was looking forward the most and during my visit to this Caribbean gem, I quickly realized that getting around the island was going to be an adventure in itself.
The island can be easily divided into two sections: a more developed north, where the capital Castries and tourist hotspot Rodney Bay are located, and the picturesque south, home to the iconic Pitons and the charming town of Soufrière. You can’t leave St Lucia without visiting both areas and in this article, I want to tell you how you can move around the island – no matter if you can get your own car or not.
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Read more: The Initiatives and Impact of Preserving Saint Lucia’s Rainforests
Renting a Car
The simple best option for a road trip in St Lucia
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore St. Lucia, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace and visit off-the-beaten-path spots. Additionally, the main airport, Hewanorra International Airport, is at the southern tip of the island, so you might find yourself driving across the entire island upon arrival or departure, depending on your itinerary. Even for just this single drive, renting a car is already worth it.
The drive from the airport to the northern part of the island can take about 1.5 to 2 hours, offering scenic views but also winding roads. This was one of the coolest introductions to an island, as I had to go all the way up to Rodney Bay early in the morning.
The cities and the main highway (yes! There is only one) can be easily explored with a small vehicle. You can get these for $40-50.
For those planning to explore waterfalls, remote beaches, and mountainous areas, a 4×4 vehicle is recommended. You can get a 4×4 for not much more than the sedan, making this decision totally worth.
These are some of the largest local companies in St Lucia:
- Drive-A-Matic Car Rentals: Website: driveamatic.com, WhatsApp: +1 758-453-4405, Average price: $50-70 USD per day.
- Cool Breeze Jeep Rentals: Website: coolbreezecarrentals.com, WhatsApp: +1 758-452-5020, Average price: $60-80 USD per day.
- St. Rose Car Rentals: Website: stroseautorentals.com, WhatsApp: +1 (758) 730-1122, Average price: $60-80 USD per day.
Of course, you can also find big companies like Hertz, Alamo or Avis at the airport.
If you want to compare prices with all companies together, check the different options at DiscoverCars and RentalCars
Renting a car provided me with the flexibility to explore St. Lucia’s diverse landscapes, from the lush interior to the coastal roads with breathtaking ocean views.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Saint Lucia
Insurances, gasoline and drop-off location
Car rentals are cheap in St. Lucia, but you need to calculate some additional costs before you get one. Ask in detail what kind of insurance you get when you rent a car, and make sure the conditions are clear. Scratches and little issues are ok, but the roads in St. Lucia are a bit tricky and I saw a few tourists getting stucked somewhere because they underestimated the road conditions – or they simply went off-road with a small car.
If you also are departing from the ferry or from the smaller airport, make sure you arrange the drop-off location beforehand. This can save you a very unnecessary discussion later.
Compare prices with all insurances and everything at Discover Cars
Traveling Without a Rental Car
Traveling St. Lucia on adventure mode
Opting to travel without a rental car in St. Lucia can be quite the adventure. Yes! It can be challenging, but it also offers a unique way to experience the island. Public transportation is available, but it’s important to be prepared for the quirks of the system.
Traveling with the Bus
Buses in St. Lucia are actually minivans that serve as the island’s primary form of public transport. They are very affordable, with fares typically ranging from $1-3 USD depending on the distance. The experience of taking the bus is quite unique: they are often crowded, with locals carrying everything from groceries to livestock.
As a Colombian, these minivans reminded me a bit of home and to be honest, catching one of them is very straightforward and super easy if you are just traveling between cities.
The main bus routes connect the capital, Castries, with other major towns like Soufrière and Vieux Fort. Buses don’t run on a strict schedule; they leave when they’re full. This can mean waiting for a while, but it also provides an authentic taste of the island’s laid-back lifestyle.
Traveling with Private Taxis
If the bus system sounds too daunting, private taxis are another option, albeit a more expensive one. Taxis in St. Lucia don’t have meters, so it’s crucial to agree on a fare before starting your journey. A short trip can cost around $15-30 USD – and with this I mean a 10 minute ride- , while longer journeys, such as from the airport to the northern part of the island, can be $70-100 USD or more.
During my trip, I used private taxis for specific day trips and traveled with public transport for single trips. Most drivers arrange a driver for $100 USD to take me around the major spots in St. Lucia, like the Sulfur Springs, waterfalls, and the Botanical Gardens. It was convenient and saved time, but it added up quickly in terms of cost.
Compare here some tours with Viator
Read more: How to plan a road trip in Curacao
Other Options
Exploring St. Lucia on two wheels or relying on ride-hailing apps might seem like good alternatives, but they come with their own set of challenges.
Scooters and Bicycles
The island’s narrow, winding roads and unpredictable drivers make scooters and bicycles less viable options for getting around. I initially considered renting a bicycle, but no company wanted to lend me one due to the road conditions and safety concerns. Some hotels offer city bikes, but these are generally not suitable for venturing beyond urban areas.
Ride-Hailing Apps
Despite what some sources might suggest, ride-hailing apps are not widely operational in St. Lucia. I tried using a few apps during my stay, but I found them unreliable, and it was often quicker to hail a taxi or use other forms of transport.
Overall, while St. Lucia’s transportation options might not be as straightforward as those in more developed regions, they add to the island’s charm and adventure. Whether you choose to rent a car or brave the local buses, you’re sure to have a memorable experience exploring this beautiful Caribbean destination.
Read more: How to plan an island hopping trip in the Lesser Antilles
