✈ How to Get There
Getting to and around Trinidad & Tobago
✈ Flying to Trinidad & Tobago
Piarco International Airport (POS) — Trinidad
Piarco International Airport (POS) is Trinidad’s main international gateway, located 25km east of Port of Spain. It is the hub for Caribbean Airlines—the flag carrier of Trinidad and Tobago—and handles direct flights from New York, Miami, Toronto, London, and other Caribbean islands. The journey from Piarco to central Port of Spain takes 25–35 minutes by taxi.
Main international routes into Piarco:
- Caribbean Airlines (BW) — New York JFK, Miami, Toronto, London Gatwick, and throughout the Caribbean
- American Airlines (AA) — Miami
- JetBlue (B6) — New York JFK, Fort Lauderdale
- United Airlines (UA) — Houston, Newark
- Copa Airlines (CM) — Panama City (hub for South and Central American connections)
- British Airways (BA) — London Gatwick (seasonal direct)
- Condor (DE) — Frankfurt (seasonal charter)
A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (TAB) — Tobago
A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (TAB) is located at Crown Point in southwest Tobago, 3km from the main beach hotels. Most visitors arriving directly in Tobago fly Caribbean Airlines from Trinidad or catch charter flights from the UK and Germany. The airport is small but efficient—baggage arrives quickly.
💡 Flight Tip
From the UK, London to Trinidad is a 9–10-hour direct flight. From the US east coast, New York to Trinidad is approximately 4.5 hours. The cheapest routing from Europe is often London Gatwick with Caribbean Airlines direct. From South America, Copa via Panama connects most cities.
🚘 From Piarco Airport to Port of Spain
Taxi (Standard Option)
Licensed taxis from Piarco to central Port of Spain cost approximately TTD 150–200 (US$22–30). Journey time: 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. Negotiate the fare before getting in—meters are rare. The Piarco taxi stand is at the arrivals exit; use only marked taxis in the designated area.
Maxi-Taxi (Shared Minibus — Cheapest Option)
Maxi-taxis are shared minibuses that run fixed routes at fixed low fares across Trinidad. The route from Piarco toward Port of Spain stops along the Eastern Main Road. Fares are typically TTD 5–8 (under US$1.50). Slower than private taxi due to stops, but an authentic local experience and perfectly safe.
Uber
Uber operates in Port of Spain and surrounding areas. Coverage at Piarco is improving but not guaranteed—app availability depends on driver supply at the airport. Better used within Port of Spain once you’ve arrived.
From ANR Robinson (TAB) to Tobago Hotels
Crown Point area hotels are a 5–10 minute taxi ride from the airport. Scarborough (Tobago’s capital) is 20–25 minutes. Speyside on the northeast coast is approximately 75 minutes. Taxis are metered at TAB—fixed zone rates apply. Rental cars are available at the airport and recommended for independent Tobago exploration.
✈ Getting Between Trinidad and Tobago
Caribbean Airlines — 25-Minute Flight
Caribbean Airlines operates approximately 14–18 flights daily between Piarco (POS) and ANR Robinson (TAB), from early morning through late evening. Flight time is 25 minutes. Fares for residents are subsidised—visitors pay more, typically TTD 200–600 (US$30–90) return depending on timing. Book in advance during school holidays and Carnival. Book on Caribbean Airlines →
TTIT Inter-Island Ferry — 2.5–3 Hours
The Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transportation Company (TTIT) operates the fast ferry service between Port of Spain (Waterfront Terminal, Wrightson Road) and Scarborough Harbour in Tobago. The crossing takes approximately 2.5–3 hours each way. Fares: TTD 50 (adult, one way)—significantly cheaper than flying. Vessels include the T&T Spirit and APT James. The ferry is popular with families, locals travelling with vehicles, and those who prefer the sea journey. Book early for peak dates—Carnival, Easter, and school holidays sell out. View ferry schedule →
💡 Ferry vs. Flight
The flight saves 2+ hours each way but costs significantly more. For a short Tobago stay (2–3 nights), fly both ways. For a week or more in Tobago, many travellers take the ferry one direction—the sea approach to Scarborough Harbour with the hills above is worth experiencing at least once.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa-free for most Western passport holders. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, EU member states, and Australia can enter Trinidad and Tobago visa-free for tourism stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport, proof of onward travel, and proof of sufficient funds are required at the border.
Nationals of many other countries require a visa, which must be obtained in advance through the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs. An eVisa system is available for eligible nationalities. Check the official visa page for the current list of visa-required countries before booking flights.
Official visa requirements for Trinidad & Tobago →🚘 Getting Around Trinidad
Maxi-Taxis (Shared Minibuses)
Maxi-taxis are Trinidad’s most used public transport. Colour-coded by route: yellow for Port of Spain to Arima (Eastern Main Road), red for San Fernando to Port of Spain, green for Diego Martin. Fixed fares of TTD 5–12 depending on distance. Flag them on any main road. No advance booking—they fill and go. PTSC bus schedules →
PTSC Public Buses
The Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) operates larger buses on major routes across Trinidad. Fares TTD 2–12. Less frequent than maxi-taxis but air-conditioned on most routes. Reliable for the Port of Spain to San Fernando corridor.
Taxis
Private taxis (H-plates) are widely available. Prices are negotiated before travel—meters are not used. Use Uber in Port of Spain for transparent pricing. In Tobago, resort taxis operate on a zone-rate system displayed at the airport.
Uber
Uber operates in Port of Spain, San Fernando, and expanding areas of Trinidad. Not yet available in Tobago. Useful for point-to-point travel within the capital without price negotiation.
🚗 Drive on the Left
Trinidad and Tobago drives on the left—a legacy of British colonial rule. Traffic in Port of Spain can be heavy during morning (7–9am) and evening (4–7pm) rush hours. The main north coast road over the Northern Range mountain to Maracas Bay is narrow and winding in sections—allow 45 minutes and drive carefully. Tobago roads are generally quieter but can be single-track in the northeast.
🚙 Renting a Car
Recommended for exploring Trinidad’s north coast (Maracas Bay, Las Cuevas), Asa Wright Nature Centre in Arima Valley, and the Pitch Lake in La Brea. In Tobago, a rental car unlocks the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, Speyside, and Charlotteville that are impractical by taxi.
Things to Know
- Drive on the left side of the road
- Valid foreign driving licences accepted for up to 90 days
- Minimum rental age typically 25 (some operators accept 21 with surcharge)
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on highways
- Fuel stations plentiful in Trinidad; fewer in Tobago’s northeast—fill up in Scarborough before heading to Speyside
- Rental companies at Piarco (POS) and Crown Point (TAB) airports
🚙 Compare Rental Cars in Trinidad & Tobago
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Fly Trinidad first, then Tobago: International flights into Piarco (POS) are cheaper than direct routes to Tobago. The Caribbean Airlines inter-island hop to TAB is quick and inexpensive
- Take the ferry one way: The TTIT ferry is a fraction of the cost of flying. If time allows, take the ferry to Tobago and fly back—or vice versa
- Use maxi-taxis for short hops: For transport within Port of Spain or between nearby towns, maxi-taxis cost under TTD 10 (US$1.50) versus TTD 100+ for a private taxi
- Book Caribbean Airlines early: Inter-island fares increase significantly closer to departure, especially during Carnival (January–February) and school holidays
- Avoid taxis from cruise ship berths: The Port of Spain cruise terminal has inflated taxi rates. Walk 500m to the main road for standard maxi-taxis
- Currency: TTD (Trinidad and Tobago Dollar) is the currency. USD is widely accepted but at unfavourable exchange rates. Withdraw TTD from ATMs for best value