Trinidad and Tobago is a Caribbean nation made up of two main islands. They have around 9,600 kilometres of roads, and driving is on the left side. Modern highways connect cities like Port of Spain and San Fernando with speed limits of 110 km/h, while many rural roads are narrower and less well-lit.
When planning your trip, you might wonder what the best choice is: to rent a car or rely on public buses and taxis? In this guide, you will discover the transportation options in Trinidad and Tobago, the advantages of renting a car, and how it compares with local buses, maxi-taxis, and ferries.
Trinidad and Tobago’s transport network includes roads, buses, taxis, and ferries. In Port of Spain, the City Gate terminal is the main hub for buses and maxi-taxis. Tobago has a central bus station in Scarborough at Sangster Hill. Here are the main options:
Public buses operate with air-conditioned PTSC vehicles that serve major routes between towns. They depart from City Gate in Port of Spain and travel to San Fernando, Sangre Grande, and Scarborough destinations. You must buy a ticket in advance from the main terminals or local shops, as payment on board is not accepted. Fares are around $2 to TT$8 each way, and daytime schedules usually run from 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. In Tobago, the bus terminal on Sangster Hill serves the entire island. Outside commuter hours, waiting times can be long, so buses are best for travellers following a fixed timetable.
Maxi-taxis are privately owned minibuses with 10 to 25 seats that run set routes and can pick up or drop off anywhere. In Trinidad, each region has colour-coded maxis — yellow for west, red for east, green for centre, and brown for south-west. In Tobago, blue maxis operate between Scarborough and Charlotteville.
There is no fixed timetable, but frequency increases during morning and evening rush hours. You can flag a maxi along the road by waving and telling the driver your stop. Fares range from $3 to $20, though rides can be crowded, routes may feel confusing for first-time visitors.
There are ordinary cars with an “H” plate that act as shared route taxis or private hires. Route taxis leave their stand only when full with three to four passengers and follow set courses in towns or between villages. They are faster than maxis but slightly more expensive. Regular metered taxis offer point-to-point hire and can be hailed or booked. However, you should agree on a fare before starting. Hotels and the airport can arrange drivers, but these services often cost several times more than a bus fare.
Renting a car is easy at airports or in major towns. A rental car lets you drive to beaches, parks, and small villages at your own pace. Most cars seat four to five people plus the driver, have space for luggage, and are air-conditioned for comfort. You must be at least 21 to 25 years old and have held a driver’s licence for two years. Licences from the UK, USA, Canada, and others are valid for up to 90 days, while others require an International Driving Permit.
To travel between Trinidad and Tobago, you can take the inter-island ferry, which accepts both passengers and vehicles. A foot passenger ferry runs three times daily from Port of Spain to Scarborough and back. The journey takes about 3 hours and costs around $75 oneway.
Vehicles can also board the ferry, but you must book in advance and check in three hours before departure. The total distance by road is roughly 167 kilometres, but the ferry offers a more convenient and scenic option than flying or driving. Flights between Piarco and Crown Point airports take about 20 minutes, though this guide focuses on ground transport.
If you are choosing how to get around Trinidad, you will weigh cost, time, and comfort. Public transport, such as buses and maxi-taxis, is cheap per trip, but schedules can be slow.
Driving your own hire car comes with costs and responsibilities. Daily rental rates in Trinidad are around US$46 to US$80, depending on the size and car type. You may also pay insurance coverage.Driving can be less convenient in busy urban traffic or areas with limited parking than taking a taxi or walking. Roads can be congested during rush hours (6 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.).
Driving in Trinidad and Tobago has many benefits. To begin with, a car is flexible and efficient: you can visit several sites in one day without waiting for schedules. Some attractions like the Asa Wright Nature Centre, Maracas Bay, or secluded Cocoa or Mayaro beaches are hard to reach by bus. With your own car, you simply go there directly.
Here are some key advantages:
Travelling by public transport in Trinidad and Tobago has many advantages. Here are some to take note of:
So, what is the best way to get around Trinidad and Tobago? The answer depends on your plans:
Exploring Trinidad and Tobago is an exciting journey with beaches, mountains, and lively towns. You can move around easily using public buses, maxi-taxis, or driving your rental car. Public transport is ideal for short rides and local experiences, while a car gives you more freedom to explore remote areas at your own pace.
Rent a car in Tobago with Final Rentals for a smooth and stress-free experience. Choose your pick-up and drop-off points in Robinson International Airport or Port of Scarborough and select from compact cars or spacious SUVs. Enjoy instant booking confirmation, transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and 24/7 airport service. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
