TAXIS
Taxis are widely available at the airports and in towns and can be identified by the blue ‘TX’ license plates. They vary from small saloons to minibuses and are usually modern and airconditioned. If by chance you cannot find one, just walk into the nearest hotel and they’ll call one for you.
Taxis are not metered, as fares are fixed by law. However it is a good idea to confirm the cost of your journey before setting off and the rate in EC$ or US$ (1US= approx. $EC 2.70) as rates can vary according to number of travellers.
| Route | Fare |
|---|---|
| Vieux-fort / Hewanorra Int’l Airport to Castries | US$70 |
| Vieux-fort / Hewanorra Int’l Airport to Gros Islet | US$80 |
| Castries to Marigot bay | US$30 |
| Castries to Soufriere | US$80 |
| vieux-fort / Hewanorra Int’l Airport to Soufrier | US$70 |
| Gros islet to Soufriere | US$90 |
Taxi associations and main locations include:
Courtesy Taxi Service, t 452 3555
Gablewoods Mall Taxi Stand, t 451 7521
Marigot Bay Taxi, t 453 4406
Rodney Bay Taxis, see map t 452 0379
St Lucia Taxi Service, t 452 2493
Southern Taxi Association, t 454 6136
A quick alternative to taxi is to travel by Helicopter, the service flies into Vigie and Windjammer Resort see air travel section
If you are travelling on a tight budget, have no real time constraints and want a local experience, taking a bus is a great way to see the island. The Public transport system in St Lucia is a network of minibuses operated by private owners. They are usually Toyota minivans with a green M registration and go literally everywhere on the island and run between 6am and 10pm each day but have a reduced service on Sundays and public holidays.
All roads lead to Castries, where the terminus is near the Market building (ask around for your destination as the bus stops for different parts of the island are on different streets around Castries) Out in the country there are bus stops but the drivers tend to stop anywhere that they feel like so simply stand at the roadside and wave frantically and they will stop if they have space, that is. If not they will just pass on by. To get off, just shout ‘Driver! Stop!’
If you want to travel north from Castries then you can use the most frequented route, Route 1A, usually shown on the windscreen as CAST – GROS ISLET. It costs up to EC$3.50, with a minimum fare of EC$1.50 It is preferable to have small change on hand. Payment is usually passed forward to the driver or given to him when you step out of the bus. It can be a squeeze so not recommended if you intend to do much shopping.
Other routes do not operate so frequently and they trend to operate early, so if you are visiting Soufrière by bus, or the North from Soufrière you may find that the last bus goes in the mid afternoon. It is possible to travel the whole way around the island on local buses but be prepared to spend the whole day doing it.
Routes and Travel Times
Buses carry their route number in the windscreen. Castries – Gros Islet, Route 1A (15-30 minutes), Castries – Soufrière, Route 3D, (1 hour), Castries – Vieux Fort, Route 2H (1 hour), Soufrière – Vieux Fort, Route 3D (45 minutes).
Car Rental
See Car Rental section