By Bus:

Bus service is efficient, inexpensive, and plentiful. Blue
buses with a yellow stripe are public, yellow buses with a
blue stripe are private, and private “Zed-R” vans (so called
for their ZR license plate designation) are white with a maroon
stripe. All buses travel frequently along Highway 1 (St. James
Road) and Highway 7 (South Coast Main Road), as well as inland
routes. The fare is Bds$1.50 (75¢) for any one destination; exact
change in either local or U.S. currency is appreciated. Buses pass
along main roads about every 20 minutes. Stops are marked by small
signs on roadside poles that say to city or out of city, meaning
the direction relative to Bridgetown. Flag down the bus with your
hand, even if you’re standing at the stop. Bridgetown terminals
are at Fairchild Street for buses to the south and east and at
Lower Green for buses to Speightstown via the west coast.

By Car:

Barbados has nearly 975 mi (1,570 km) of paved roads that follow
the coastline and meander through the countryside. A network of
main highways facilitates traffic flow into and out of Bridgetown.
The Adams-Barrow-Cummins (ABC) Highway bypasses Bridgetown, which
saves time getting from coast to coast. Small signs tacked to trees
and poles at intersections point the way to most attractions, and
local people are helpful if you get lost. Remote roads are in fairly
good repair, yet few are lighted at night — and night falls quickly
at about 6 PM year-round. Even in full daylight, the tall sugarcane
fields lining both sides of the road in interior sections can hinder
visibility.

Gasoline is expensive; stations are located in and around Bridgetown,
on the main highways along the west and south coasts, and in most
inland parishes. Although times vary, you can find most open daily
with hours that extend into the evening; a few are open 24 hours a day.

Drive on the left, British style. Be mindful of pedestrians and
occasional livestock walking on country roads. When someone flashes
headlights at you at an intersection, it means “after you.” Be
especially careful negotiating roundabouts (traffic circles). The
speed limit, in keeping with the pace of life and the narrow roads,
is 30 mph in the country, 20 mph in town. Bridgetown actually has
rush hours: 7-9 and 4-6. Park only in approved parking areas;
downtown parking costs Bds75¢-Bds$1 per hour.

Car Rentals:

To rent a car in Barbados, you must have a valid driver’s license
and major credit card. More than 75 agencies rent cars, Jeeps, or
minimokes (small, open-air vehicles), and rates are expensive-about
$100-$125 or more per day (or $400-$500 or more per week) in high
season, depending on the vehicle and whether it has air-conditioning.
Most firms also offer discounted three-day rates. The rental generally
includes insurance, pickup and delivery service, maps, 24-hour emergency
service, and unlimited mileage. Baby seats are usually available upon request.

Coconut Car Rentals
(Bay St., Bridgetown, St. Michael,
Barbados. PHONE: 246/437-0297).

Courtesy Rent-A-Car
(Grantley Adams International Airport, Christ Church,
Barbados. PHONE: 246/418-2500).

National Car Rentals
(Lower Carlton, St. James,
Barbados. PHONE: 246/426-0603).

Sunny Isle Sixt Car Rentals
(Worthing, Christ Church,
Barbados. PHONE: 246/435-7979).

Sunset Crest Car Rental
(Sunset Crest, Holetown, St. James,
Barbados. PHONE: 246/432-2222).

By Taxi:

Taxis operate 24 hours a day. They aren’t metered but charge
according to fixed rates set by the government. They carry up
to four passengers, and the fare may be shared. For short trips,
the rate per mile (or part thereof) should not exceed $1.50.
Drivers are courteous and knowledgeable; most will narrate a
tour at an hourly rate of about $25 for up to three people. Be
sure to settle the price before you start off and agree on
whether it’s in U.S. or Barbados dollars.