Travelling between islands in the Caribbean is not always entirely straightforward. However, thankfully, travel in Barbados itself is easy enough. One of the most significant reasons for that is the small size of the island. The birthplace of Sir Garry Sobers, rum and Rihanna measures just 21 miles by 15 miles.
With a total size of around 160 square miles, it is around a 50th the size of Wales. Everything always has to be compared to Wales. Or football pitches. And Barbados is the size of about 57,600 of them! Okay, we’re just confusing things now, but to use a more helpful comparison, it is slightly larger than the Isle of Wight.
What that means for anyone holidaying in this island paradise is that accessing all it has to offer is easy and won’t take up too much time. Many visitors will simply opt for the fly and flop option, and with such glorious flopping to be had, who can blame them? But the more adventurous or energetic can easily get to the many sites, attractions, lesser-known beaches and natural wonders that Barbados has to offer.
Hire a Car for Maximum Convenience
Assuming the driver can eschew the temptation of a rum punch or an ice-cold Banks beer, hiring a car is the most convenient option. You can go where you want, when you want, stopping along the way if a cove looks especially appealing or a roadside shack takes your fancy for a spot of lunch.
Fewer than 300,000 people live in Barbados, which is not a lot, but it is worth noting that the population is about double that of the Isle of Wight. Put another way, while the roads are by no means busy or hectic, they are not empty, and Barbados is relatively densely populated. That said, the roads are generally safe, with around 10 traffic-related deaths per 100,000 people. That puts Barbados 64th of 190 nations, just behind European destinations including Latvia and Romania, but ahead of the global average of 15.
Obviously, you need a valid driving license, but according to the UK government, British visitors will also need an international driving permit (IDP), specifically IDP 1949. In reality, you may not need it when you get there, but to be safe, it may pay to get one before you travel. While in the Caribbean, you will also need to get a visitor’s permit. Your local car rental firm will issue these, or you can get one from the Barbados Licensing Authority for BDS$10.00. This is valid for two months.
You can hire a car at a number of locations, including the main airport and various large resorts and towns. You will find the usual mix of major rental agencies, albeit with a US focus (Alamo, for example), as well as some smaller local players. As one might expect, booking ahead during peak season is recommended.
Those travelling from the UK (or East Timor… and around 60 other countries) will be pleased to hear that they drive on the left in Barbados. The road network is relatively limited, so generally getting from A to B is simple enough. And you can’t get lost, according to local authorities, because “there’s always someone willing to provide directions, and all roads lead to home!”
Travelling from Cane Vale in the very south of the island to Connell Town in the far north will take around an hour. Much of that is on the island’s main road, Highway 2a, and this gives you an idea of just how manageable travelling in Barbados is. That’s if you aren’t stopping every 10 minutes to admire the views, of course.
Moped/Scooter Hire
An alternative to car hire is to pick up a scooter, although this is a little less common. That said, for shorter journeys or just a day or so, it is a viable option. There are various companies available, and hotels or resorts should also be able to help you with a booking. It is not as cheap as one might expect, with a typical charge of around USD50 per day. Longer rentals, especially for a week or more, will work out cheaper per day.
It should be noted that using a scooter here is not for beginners, with many narrow roads, lots of potholes, and the fact that the machines rented are often a little more powerful than in some places (125cc rather than 50cc). Helmets are compulsory, and you will need a visitor’s permit. There is a little confusion regarding licensing, but technically you need a motorbike license. There are various ways around this, however, so if you are keen to use a moped, it is worth asking the rental agency.
Taxis
If you don’t drive, don’t fancy the stress, or want to let not a moment pass without some rum coursing through your veins, you have options aplenty. Perhaps the most convenient is a taxi, and Uber began operating in Barbados in 2025. It is a little different to using Uber in other parts of the world because only fully licensed local drivers can use the platform.
What that means for users is that while you get all the convenience of Uber and can pay through your account, fares are essentially the same as official taxi rates. It is very beneficial for customers in some regards, but ultimately the price is the same. The drivers make a lot less than they otherwise would, though, so booking with them directly is a small way to help the local economy. Also note that Uber has faced opposition in Barbados, so this could be a changing landscape.
Alternatively, you can call any number of taxi companies, or have your hotel, resort or restaurant do it for you. Some also have websites, while simply visiting a taxi stand is often the easiest way to do things. Note, however, that Barbados does not have metered taxis, with fares determined by distance. Try to agree on the fare in advance, although note that prices will generally be high.
Tour Companies
There are various small, local tour companies that can help you organise trips to the various reserves, beaches or sites. Companies, including Suntours Barbados and Emmanuel Tours, can take you wherever you want to go, with a range of fixed tours and also the option to create your own itinerary, essentially giving you a private driver and guide rolled into one.
Depending on the type of option you go for, these may prove expensive for one person but can be good value for three or four.
Public and Shared Transport
To really embrace the local culture and people, using buses, minibuses and “white vans” is undoubtedly the way to go. It will also prove to be the cheapest option, and you might just end up with the best story of your holiday, get great tips for places to eat or drink, or perhaps make new friends.
White Vans (ZRs)
White vans, ZRs (“zed ars”), or route taxis, are privately run and are generally white minivans. They have ZR license plates, hence the name, and operate on various routes around the island. The fares match those of official buses, $3.50 (Barbadian Dollars) at the time of writing, and you just pay the driver when you get on board. Cash is the only accepted method, but change is given.
Drivers will compete with each other to fill their vehicles up as fast as possible. There are around 25 routes covering most of the island. There are two main terminals in Bridgetown and a third in Speightstown, but you can hail one anywhere you see it and just let the driver know where you want to jump out.
Buses – Blue and Yellow
There are yellow buses as well, and like ZRs, these are privately operated. There are two main companies, and these primarily serve the south and west coastlines. Again, the fare is the same as the state bus at $3.50 and again, like with ZRs, you should be able to get change. Ideally, keep some small notes and coins available, though.
Government buses are blue, and you should by now know the fare. As with the other options, you simply pay the driver when you get on board, but these vehicles do not give change, so make sure you keep some ready. Instead, you just put your fare into a secure box.
These run like a more formal bus service and offer a slightly calmer experience than the ZRs in particular. The Barbados Transport Board’s website offers a tool that helps you plan your route, which is a big plus, although the other services generally operate the same routes anyway. None of the transport/bus options we have discussed is hugely frequent, considered alone. However, if you are prepared to travel on any of them, you should not usually have to wait around too long.
No Trains?
The Brits could not resist trying to spread railways wherever they pillaged, and towards the end of the 19th century, construction began on a project that had been conceived around 35 years before. For several reasons, it failed to thrive, and it ceased operating by 1937.
Reviving the Bajan railway has been mooted at times, but nothing has come of it. However, if you have had your fill of fresh fish, macaroni pie and rum punch and fancy getting off the sun lounger but without too much strain, the St Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway might just be the perfect option for you.
It is more of an activity, truth be told, than a means of getting around. It is not cheap either, but rail enthusiasts will love the experience. Founded in 2018 and opened in 2019, you can enjoy an hour-long journey on a 1914 steam engine, with various add-ons also available.
Walking and Cycling
Of course, the most environmentally friendly option and also one that can be extremely convenient, is to travel under your own steam. As said, Barbados is a small island, and walking is generally safe, especially during the day. There are some excellent walking trails and tours, although this is often more of an activity in itself rather than a means of getting from A to B.
Whether you are setting out on a hike or just heading for the beach or other destination, Barbados is often hot, sunny and humid, so make sure you take water and use suncream and a hat. The same applies if you are cycling, be that as a leisure pursuit or as a means of transport. In terms of getting around, two wheels are obviously better than two legs in terms of allowing you to cover bigger distances more quickly.
It is usually easy enough to hire bikes through your accommodation, a travel agency or a specialist bike shop. There are also various specialist e-bike businesses offering both guided tours and rentals, allowing you to travel faster and with less effort. Cycling is becoming more popular with locals, and while the infrastructure isn’t great by European standards, and the roads are far from the best, using two wheels is still generally safe and fun.
Accessibility
As with cycling infrastructure, facilities for those with extra needs lag behind compared to places like the UK. When making any arrangements, it is important to make any issues and requirements clear. Using buses and minivans will not be easy, while even using the pavements can be a challenge.
Fully Accessible Barbados (FAB) was created by the Barbados Council for the Disabled and seeks to make island life as inclusive as possible. Contact them for help, advice or information.