In Saint Kitts and Nevis, transportation is relatively simple and accessible, covering a variety of land, sea, and air modes. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:
Land Transportation
1. Taxis
- Common and easy to find, especially in Basseterre (St. Kitts) and Charlestown (Nevis).
- Regulated by government with set fares (negotiable for long trips or tours).
- Licensed taxis have a “T” on the license plate.
2. Buses (Minibuses/Vans)
- Privately owned but operate along fixed public routes.
- Identified by green license plates starting with “H”.
- Inexpensive and frequently used by locals.
- No fixed timetable, but service is reliable during daylight hours.
3. Car Rentals
- Available on both islands; a temporary driving permit is required.
- Roads are narrow and winding; vehicles drive on the left side.
- Popular for exploring beaches and countryside.
4. Motorbikes and Scooters
- Available for rent; used mostly by locals and adventurous tourists.
- Helmets are required by law.
Sea Transportation
1. Ferries (Between St. Kitts & Nevis)
- Regular passenger and car ferries operate between:
- Basseterre (St. Kitts) and Charlestown (Nevis)
- Journey time: 45 minutes
- Ferry operators include:
- MV Caribe Queen
- MV Sea Hustler
- MV Mark Twain
2. Water Taxis
- Faster than ferries, run from Majors Bay (St. Kitts) to Oualie Beach (Nevis)
- Takes about 10–15 minutes
- More flexible and direct, though slightly more expensive
Air Transportation
1. Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) – Saint Kitts
- Main international gateway.
- Serves flights to the US, Canada, UK, and the Caribbean.
2. Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV) – Nevis
- Smaller airport for regional flights (to/from Antigua, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico).
Railway (Tourist Only)
- St. Kitts Scenic Railway: Former sugar cane transport line, now used for tourist excursions.
- Offers a 3-hour sightseeing tour of the island with panoramic views and local entertainment.
Walking
- Common in town centers like Basseterre and Charlestown.
- Sidewalks may be narrow or uneven in rural areas.
Cycling
- Gaining popularity but limited infrastructure.
- Best for short leisure rides or in quiet neighborhoods.