🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Saint Kitts and Nevis
✈️ Flying to Saint Kitts and Nevis
Main Airport
Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) — St. Kitts' main international gateway, located approximately 5km northeast of Basseterre. This is where 95% of visitors arrive. The airport handles flights from North America, the UK, and regional Caribbean hubs. The terminal is compact, modern, and typically quick to navigate — you walk across the tarmac from the plane to the arrivals hall.
Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV) — Nevis' smaller airport near Charlestown handles inter-island flights from St. Kitts (10 minutes by air) and some regional services from Antigua and St. Maarten. Most visitors arriving internationally land at SKB first.
Airlines serving SKB
- American Airlines — Daily flights from Miami (MIA); seasonal/weekend service from Charlotte (CLT)
- Delta — Flights from New York JFK and Atlanta (ATL), mainly December–April peak season
- United — Weekend service from Newark (EWR), December–April
- British Airways / Virgin Atlantic — Saturday service from London Gatwick (LGW), approximately 10 hours with a technical stop in Antigua
- Air Canada — Saturday service from Toronto (YYZ), November–February
- Seabourne Airlines — Connections from San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) year-round
- LIAT / Caribbean Airlines — Regional connections from Antigua, Barbados, Dominica
💡 US Pre-Clearance
US-bound flights from SKB go through US Customs and Immigration pre-clearance at the airport on St. Kitts. This means you arrive into the US as a domestic passenger. Allow at least 3 hours before departure for US flights.
🚕 From the Airport to Your Hotel
Taxi (Standard)
Taxis are the primary transport option. Fixed-rate fares are posted at the airport and quoted in EC dollars (Eastern Caribbean Dollar) or USD — always confirm which currency and the amount before departing. Rates are per vehicle, not per person. From SKB to central Basseterre: around USD 16. To the furthest point on the island: around USD 50. Contact the St. Kitts Taxi Association: +1 869-465-8487.
Hotel Transfers
Most resorts and larger hotels offer pre-arranged airport transfers. Worth booking in advance, especially for Nevis resorts — it simplifies the airport-to-ferry-to-hotel journey considerably.
Rental Car
Car rental is available at the airport. St. Kitts and Nevis drive on the left. You will need to obtain a local driving permit on top of your international licence — available at the rental company or at police stations for a small fee (around USD 24).
⛴️ Getting from St. Kitts to Nevis
Ferry (most common): Passenger ferries run multiple times daily between Basseterre (Major's Bay Ferry Terminal) and Charlestown, Nevis. The crossing takes 45–60 minutes and is a scenic journey across the Narrows. Check current timetables as schedules change seasonally. You'll need to take a taxi from SKB airport to the Basseterre ferry terminal first.
Inter-island flight (fastest): Winair and Trans Anguilla Airways operate short flights between SKB (St. Kitts) and NEV (Nevis) — the flight itself takes around 10 minutes. Factor in check-in time at both ends.
Important: If you arrive internationally at SKB and your final destination is Nevis, you must clear immigration and customs in St. Kitts first before proceeding to the ferry or domestic terminal. Allow time for this process.
By cruise ship: St. Kitts is a major cruise port — ships dock in Basseterre at Port Zante, within walking distance of the town centre. Nevis receives smaller vessels.
🛂 eTA & Entry Requirements
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) required since May 26, 2025. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, EU, Australia, and most developed nations must obtain an eTA before departure. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days — but the eTA is mandatory for air arrivals.
Apply at knatravelform.kn or via the eBorder – St. Kitts & Nevis app (iOS and Android). Cost: USD 17 per person. Application can be submitted up to 90 days before arrival; approval is typically within 24 hours. Cruise passengers visiting for the day do not require an eTA.
Citizens of OECS member states (Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and others) do not require an eTA but must complete the online customs form. Check current requirements before booking.
Apply for eTA — knatravelform.kn →🚗 Getting Around the Islands
Taxis
The primary way to get around both islands. Fixed rates, quoted per vehicle. Always agree on the price (and currency) before setting off. Available at the airport, ferry terminal, major hotels, and attractions.
Minibuses
Shared minibuses run set routes around St. Kitts and are the cheapest local option — hail them from the roadside. They run frequently during daytime hours. Less useful for remote beaches and attractions at set times.
Rental Car
Gives you the most flexibility, especially for the Southeast Peninsula and remote beaches. You can circumnavigate Nevis entirely in around 2 hours by car. Drive on the left. Local driving permit required (USD 24, available through rental companies).
Bike & Scooter
Rental scooters and bikes are available on both islands — good for Nevis given its compact size and quieter roads. Check safety equipment and insurance before renting.
💡 Island Size
St. Kitts is 168 km² and Nevis is 93 km². Both are small enough to explore in a day. You don't need a car for the whole trip — taxis work perfectly well for most itineraries.
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Fly in high season (Dec–Apr): More flight options from North America and UK, but prices are higher — shoulder season (May, November) can offer better deals
- Book via Miami: American Airlines' daily Miami–SKB service gives year-round options and often competitive fares
- Avoid Saturdays at SKB: Multiple charter and scheduled flights depart Saturday afternoons — the airport gets very busy
- Take the ferry to Nevis: Much cheaper than the inter-island flight and a scenic experience in itself
- Share taxis: Taxi rates are per vehicle — travelling as a group or sharing with other travelers cuts costs significantly