Visiting Trinidad and Tobago is an exciting adventure, but figuring out how to get around the islands can be challenging. As a tourist, you may wonder what is the best way to get around Trinidad and Tobago. Should you rent a car or rely on ride sharing? In this guide, we’ll walk you through both options in a friendly, easy-to-understand way. By the end, you’ll know all the technical details and practical tips to confidently decide between car hire and ride sharing on your holiday in Trinidad and Tobago.
Most of Trinidad and Tobago's transportation is by road, so it's important to know your options. These islands don't have trains or many internal flights, so the best way to get around is by car. Many people in the area have cars, and most of the traffic is made up of personal vehicles.
In Trinidad, the bigger island, people rely heavily on their cars to get around daily. This differs from some smaller Caribbean islands, where you might use golf carts or bikes. Public buses and maxi-taxis (minibus taxis) go to most major attractions, but they might not go to all of them. Most towns have buses and maxi-taxis, but the service can be spotty in rural areas, so you might have to wait a long time for a ride.
Private taxis and tour shuttles are two other choices. However, shuttles and guided tours usually only go to the main attractions on set schedules. That makes it harder to reach smaller towns or less well-known beaches. You can hire a private driver or taxi, but it can be expensive if you take more than one trip. Also, you must agree on prices because taxis don't have meters.
In Trinidad and Tobago, you can also use local apps to share rides in cities and towns. You can ask for rides on demand with these ride-hailing apps. They are great if you don't want to drive or only need to go somewhere occasionally. You can also get a regular taxi by calling or going to a taxi stand. Remember that taxis in Trinidad and Tobago don't usually have meters, so you need to agree on a price before you get in. People there often haggle or know the usual prices, so you should check the approximate cost.
If you rent a car, there are some technical aspects to know about driving in Trinidad and Tobago. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road here. The traffic laws set speed limits of 55 km/h in towns and 80 km/h on rural roads, with highways allowing up to 110 km/h. Cars are mostly right-hand drive models. Road signs are in English, and both fixed and mobile speed cameras are used to enforce limits.
To hire a car, you’ll need a valid driver’s licence from your home country and usually a credit card for the deposit. If your licence is in English or issued in the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, or the Bahamas, you can use it to rent and drive in Trinidad and Tobago for up to 90 days as a visitor. In other cases, or for extra peace of mind, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 25 years old and to have held a licence for over 2 years. A few agencies will rent to younger drivers (minimum 21 years) but often charge a young driver surcharge.
You get ultimate freedom. You can go anywhere on both islands on your own schedule, whether it’s a late-night food run or an early hike at sunrise. Many of Trinidad’s and Tobago’s best spots, like hidden beaches, nature reserves, or hidden villages, are easiest to reach by car. Another benefit is saving time. Driving can be much faster than waiting for buses or arranging multiple taxis daily.
You must do the driving, which can be challenging if you’re not used to the local driving stle or left-side traffic. Urban areas like downtown Port of Spain have many one-way streets and can be confusing for newcomers. Traffic jams are common in peak periods. Also, you’ll need to find parking spots and pay attention to parking rules (e.g., some streets prohibit parking during rush hour). If you’re only sticking around a small area or a resort, a rental car might sit idle. Additionally, rental costs can add up. Don’t forget to budget for fuel and possibly insurance if your booking doesn’t include full coverage. Finally, for safety, stick to known tourist routes or ask locals if you’re unsure about an area.
Ride sharing in Trinidad and Tobago relies on GPS navigation and cashless payments. Each offers unique features, such as pre-booking or ride options for women, but all work on the same principle. When you request a ride through your phone, the system matches you with a nearby driver.
The driver’s location is tracked in real time, and your fare is calculated based on distance and time. This gives you an upfront estimate and an electronic receipt. Ride sharing is active across Trinidad and Tobago. Prices are often lower than traditional taxis, with fares calculated per kilometre and adjusted for distance or traffic. Some services also offer flat-rate or hourly booking options for travellers with multiple stops.
Certain operators also offer additional services such as delivery or advance scheduling for Tobago trips. In urban areas like Port of Spain, you can usually connect with a driver within minutes. However, in more remote or rural locations, you may need to wait longer or use a traditional taxi if no drivers are nearby.
Ride-sharing in Trinidad and Tobago is convenient. There’s no need to drive yourself or worry about parking. You open the app, hit a button, and a driver approaches you. This is the solution for visitors who are not confident about driving on the left or navigating unknown roads. The fare estimate is given upfront, so you know roughly what you’ll pay, and it’s automatically charged. If you plan to enjoy the nightlife, taking a ride-share or taxi is definitely safer than driving after drinking. Another advantage is that the apps cover both Trinidad and Tobago. You can use them on either island, though be aware that driver availability in Tobago is smaller, so it helps to pre-book rides there when possible.
One of the downsides of ride sharing in Trinidad and Tobago is that you depend on driver availability. You might open the app during peak hours or late at night and find no drivers nearby. While the main areas of Trinidad usually have good coverage, smaller towns often have fewer drivers, so you will have to wait longer. In Tobago, rides are even less predictable, so schedule airport trips or early morning transfers in advance.
Another limitation is flexibility. Ride sharing is designed for point-to-point travel. If you spot a fruit stall or want to detour quickly, you must ask the driver to stop. Some drivers might agree, but the fare continues to run while you wait. This makes the experience less spontaneous compared to renting your own car, where you can start and stop whenever you like. Costs can also add up quickly if you plan to explore widely.
For example, a one-way ride from Port of Spain to the airport can add to the cost. Do this multiple times, or take long round-trips to distant attractions, and the total can rival the price of a day’s car rental. There are also added charges to consider. Some services use surge pricing during busy hours, while others may add night surcharges or holiday fees. These small additions can raise the total cost of frequent travel.
The answer to whether it’s better to rent a car or ride a shared one depends on your personal preferences and travel plans. Let’s break it down in simple terms by comparing key factors:
If you’re watching your budget closely, compare quickly. A rental car can cost around $41.80 per day. Add a bit for petrol, and you’ll clearly have an idea of your daily transport expenses. Ride sharing, by contrast, depends entirely on how often you use it. If you only need occasional rides, such as to dinner or for a short excursion, ride sharing can be cheaper since you avoid paying for days when you don’t need transport. However, if you plan to explore different parts of the island every day, the cost of multiple ride-share trips can easily exceed a flat daily rental rate.
If your itinerary includes beaches, hiking trails in the Northern Range, or villages with limited transport, renting a car is almost essential. You can change plans, take scenic detours, or stay longer at enjoyable spots. Having a car also makes it easier to carry your belongings, from beach gear and coolers to souvenirs.
On the other hand, if you stick mainly to well-known tourist attractions or stay within cities like Port of Spain, San Fernando, or Scarborough, you may not need a car. Ride sharing can cover city travel and common routes to significant sites, such as the Queen’s Park Savannah, the zoo, restaurants, and shopping areas.
Do you feel comfortable driving in a foreign country on the left side, in potentially heavy traffic? If navigating unknown roads and getting lost stresses you out, ride-sharing or taxis are better. Let a local driver handle the road while you enjoy the scenery. On the other hand, if you’re an experienced driver and find driving fun, then take the wheel. Many tourists enjoy the adventure of driving in a new place. Trinidad’s roads range from modern highways to narrow country lanes. You’ll experience the country more richly by driving yourself. In Tobago, driving is generally calmer than in Trinidad.
Are you traveling solo, as a couple, or as a family? If you are with a family or a group of friends, renting one car can be more cost-effective than multiple ride-share trips. Also, with kids, having a car lets you easily carry child seats, snacks, extra diapers, etc. Also, you can handle unpredictable kid needs like sudden bathroom breaks or tantrums more easily by pulling over in your car. If you’re solo, a small car rental is still fine, but you may lean towards ride-shares since you don’t have to worry about anything, and the cost per person might be lower when it’s just one fare at a time.
For a short trip of 1 to 3 days, you might manage entirely with ride-shares and taxis. You can arrange airport transfers and a tour without needing a car. For a longer stay or when you’re changing hotels multiple times, a rental car could make life easier for luggage hauling and spontaneity.
Exploring Trinidad and Tobago is simple once you know your transport options. Ride sharing is convenient for short city trips or nights out, but renting a car gives you the freedom, flexibility, and comfort to reach remote beaches, hidden trails, and small villages. Think about your budget, where you want to go, and how long you’ll stay to decide the best option for your holiday.
Rent a car in Trinidad and Tobago with Final Rentals to make your journey smoother. Choose from budget-friendly cars to spacious SUVs, with easy airport pick-up in Robinson International Airport and Port of Scarborough. With transparent pricing and online booking, you’ll have reliable transport before your arrival.
