Getting around Barbados: buses, ZRs, taxis and driving on the left

About Getting around Barbados: buses, ZRs, taxis and driving on the left

By the ULTIMATE Barbados Editorial Team

Barbados is small, but its roads are busy and its buses are an experience. Here is how to get about, whether you are taking the bus to the beach or hiring a car for the east coast.

Buses

The government’s Transport Board runs the big blue buses with yellow stripes, seen on every major route in town and country. Visit Barbados calls them the least expensive way to travel anywhere on the island. Routes and the fare policy are on the Transport Board’s site, and its customer service line is +1 246 535 3500.

Minibuses and ZRs

Privately owned yellow minibuses with blue stripes and white ZR route taxis with maroon stripes ply almost every route. They are quick, lively and full of character, and an easy way to hop along the coasts.

Here’s a sure thing: by the time you reach your hotel, you’ll have come across a bus.

Taxis

Visit Barbados lists taxi services such as the Bridgetown Port Taxi Co-op and the Sunset Crest and Accra Beach taxi stands. Agree the fare before you set off. Bimride is a local ride-share app.

Hiring a car

To drive, you need your valid licence from home and a visitor’s driving permit, issued by the car-hire firms or the Barbados Licensing Authority. Visit Barbados says the permit lasts two months from the date of issue; check the current fee when you collect the car. Firms such as Stoutes and Drive-A-Matic deliver to hotels.

The rules of the road

Barbados drives on the left, seatbelts are compulsory and speed limits vary, so watch the signs. And as Visit Barbados says, you can’t really get lost: there is always someone happy to give directions.

Good to know

In an emergency, call the police on 211, an ambulance on 511 and the fire service on 311.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Getting around Barbados: buses, ZRs, taxis and driving on the left before you go.