🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Antigua and Barbuda
✈️ Flying to Antigua
V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU)
V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) — Antigua's only international airport, located 9km northeast of Saint John's. Modern terminal with duty-free, ATMs, car rental desks, and taxi rank. Most visitors clear immigration within 20–30 minutes. Reliable live arrivals and departures at vcbia.com.
Airlines flying direct to Antigua (ANU):
- British Airways — London Gatwick (LGW), multiple weekly, peak season daily
- Virgin Atlantic — London Heathrow (LHR), 3–4 times weekly year-round
- American Airlines — Miami (MIA) and JFK, daily or near-daily
- United Airlines — Newark (EWR), peak season daily
- JetBlue — Boston (BOS), seasonal
- Air Canada / WestJet — Toronto (YYZ), 2–3 times weekly in winter
- Condor — Frankfurt (FRA), seasonal from Europe
💡 Insider Tip
Miami is the most connected U.S. hub for Antigua. If you're routing via the Caribbean, Sint Maarten (SXM) and Barbados (BGI) are the main regional connections. Book at least 6–8 weeks ahead for peak December–April season — prices jump sharply.
🚕 From the Airport to Saint John's
Taxi (Main Option)
Official taxis wait outside arrivals. Fixed rates apply — Saint John's city center is approximately US$20–28, English Harbour / Falmouth Harbour is US$35–45. Confirm the price before you get in. Journey to Saint John's takes 15–20 minutes.
Hotel Shuttle
Many resorts and hotels offer complimentary airport transfers — confirm before arrival. All-inclusive properties near Dickenson Bay typically include pickups.
Rental Car (Recommended for Exploring)
Hertz, Avis, Budget, and local operators (Dollar, Drive-A-Matic) have desks in the arrivals hall. Renting a car is the best way to reach hidden beaches and explore the island independently. You drive on the left. A local Antiguan driving permit (~US$20) is required alongside your home licence — rental desks arrange this.
⚠️ No Uber in Antigua
Ride-hailing apps don't operate here. Use official taxis from the airport rank, or ask your hotel to arrange transfers. WhatsApp the Barbuda Express directly for island-to-island travel.
⛴️ Getting to Barbuda
Barbuda — Antigua's quieter, wilder sister island — is reached by ferry or small charter flight. No bridge. No cruise ships. That's the point.
Ferry — Barbuda Express
Daily service between Antigua and Barbuda, ~90 minutes each way. Ferries depart from Jolly Harbour Marina (dock in front of Sea Dream Restaurant). Adult fares from US$60 one-way. Book in advance — the ferry fills up. Reservations strongly recommended.
Charter Flights
Small prop planes fly between ANU and Codrington Airport (BBQ) in Barbuda. Journey ~15 minutes. More expensive than the ferry but faster. CalvinAir operates helicopter and charter services from Antigua.
🌊 Sea Conditions
The channel between Antigua and Barbuda can be rough. If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication before boarding. The Barbuda Express captains monitor weather and will cancel in unsafe conditions — always have a flexible schedule for Barbuda day trips.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Most nationalities enter visa-free. US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian, and New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 6 months. A valid passport (6 months validity recommended) and return/onward ticket are required.
All travelers arriving by air must complete the ArriveAntigua digital immigration form online before boarding — accessible only on mobile devices, not desktop. Complete it in advance to avoid delays at the port.
Complete ArriveAntigua Immigration Form →🚗 Getting Around Antigua
Rental Car (Best Option)
Antigua has no trains and limited public buses. A rental car is the most practical way to explore the island's 365 beaches, hidden coves, and southern peninsula. You drive on the left. Roads in the south and east can be rough — a basic saloon handles most routes.
Taxis
Widely available near hotels and tourist areas. All fares are regulated and fixed by the government — ask for the official rate card if unsure. Agree on the price before getting in. Drivers often double as excellent local guides.
Minibuses
A local bus network runs from West Bus Station (Saint John's). Cheap, frequent, and authentic — buses run set routes to main towns. Not ideal for reaching remote beaches but great for experiencing island life. Fares are around EC$3–6 (~US$1–2).
🎫 Driving Permit
A local Antiguan driving permit is required in addition to your home driving licence. Cost is approximately US$20 and rental companies arrange it at the desk. Valid for the duration of your rental.
🚙 Renting a Car in Antigua
Highly recommended for anyone wanting to explore beyond resort areas. The southern coast (Willoughby Bay, Half Moon Bay, Rendezvous Bay) is only reachable by car or guided tour.
Things to Know
- Drive on the left side of the road
- Local driving permit required (~US$20, arranged at rental desk)
- Roads in the south and east can be unpaved — confirm with your rental company
- Speed limits: 30–40mph in towns, 50–60mph on main roads
- Fuel stations close early — fill up before evening in rural areas
- Major rental companies: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Drive-A-Matic
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Antigua
Compare prices from all major operators:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book flights early: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fares to Antigua rise sharply from October onward for the December–April season
- Fly via Miami: Often the cheapest US routing — American Airlines has the most frequency from MIA
- Book Barbuda ferry ahead: Prices don't fluctuate but seats do sell out on weekends and public holidays
- Share taxis: Shared route taxis between towns cost a fraction of private fares — ask at the bus station
- Compare car rental: Local operators like Drive-A-Matic are often cheaper than international chains
- Travel April–June: Shoulder season — cheaper flights and hotels, beaches equally good, Sailing Week in April is worth it