Antigua and Barbuda
Travel to Antigua and Barbuda
V C Bird International Airport is located on Antigua, eight kilometres north-east of the island's capital, St John's. This is the main point of entry for visitors travelling to either island and serves flights to the USA, Canada, Europe and other Caribbean Islands. Barbuda is best reached by flying to Antigua and then flying on to Barbuda. There are direct flights to Antigua and connections from America and Europe. Flight time from London is eight hours.
To reach Barbuda, you can fly from Antigua to the airport in Codrington with WinAir. There are two flights per day and it only takes 20 minutes. Alternatively, the Barbuda Express is a high speed boat taking just 90 minutes to travel between St John's in Antigua and Barbuda. This service operates five days a week and is a popular way of travelling between the two islands.
Antigua Ferries website.
On arrival in Antigua and Barbuda
On arrival in Antigua
From the small airport in Codrington, Barbuda, there is only one road and until recently it was more of a dirt track. There are a handful of taxis and car hire in Barbuda is informal - some locals will rent you a four-wheel drive with no paperwork and just a small fee. Bicycles are also available for hire on the island.
Getting around Antigua and Barbuda
Taxis are available throughout Antigua and prices are fixed for the common journeys: to the airport, harbour and major hotels. For the budget traveller there is a local bus service and a number of organised tour providers. Picking up car hire in Antigua is easy and an ideal way to explore the island under your own steam. There are car hire companies at the airport and in the capital St John's. You can also rent bicycles to get around on, often for less than $20 a day.
Travelling further afield
Cruise ships frequently stop in Nelsons Harbour, St John's allowing passengers to enjoy a day or two in Antigua . There are yacht charter companies available if you are interested in taking a yacht, either bareboat or crewed, around the other Leeward Islands such as Guadeloupe, St Kitts, Anguilla and even up to the British Virgin Islands.