Travel - Internal
Air
There are no internal services.
Road
Barbados has a good network of roads which covers the entire island, but there are many potholes (except on the main highway) on the roads and care should be taken. In rural areas, roads are often narrow, unlit or lack sufficient grip. Driving time to the east coast from Bridgetown has been greatly reduced following the completion of the trans-insular highway. Traffic drives on the left. Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (40, 60 and 80 kph maximum) and are lower than in the UK. The road journey from Bridgetown to Speightstown takes about 30 minutes and to Holetown or Oistins about 20 minutes. Bus: Buses are frequent and provide comprehensive coverage of the island at a flat rate of approximately Bds$1.50 for all journeys. Although cheap, buses are crowded during the rush hours. All buses terminate at Speightstown. Mini vans: Licensed mini vans, identifiable by their ‘ZR’ licence plate, operate around the island and can be flagged down by tourists and locals. There are no fixed schedules, but service is frequent. Rates are the same as for buses, but mini-vans are usually quicker and not for the faint-hearted. Taxi: Taxis do not have meters but fares are regulated by the Government. Listings are available from the Tourist Office. It is advised to check the fare before travel. The fare can usually be paid in US dollars (fixed exchange rate: Bd$2 - US$1) as well as in Barbados dollars. Car hire: Anything from a mini-moke to a limousine may be hired at the airport, at offices in Bridgetown and at main hotels. Petrol is comparatively cheap. Cars may be hired by the hour, day or week. Cars can be booked by calling a car hire agency, which will then send a car over to the applicant's hotel. Courtesy Car Rentals is the only car hire agency situated at the airport, and is located in the Arrivals Hall. Documentation: A Barbados driving permit is required. This can be obtained from car hire companies, the Ministry of Transport (Mon-Fri 0830-1430), the airport (every day 0800-2200) or police stations in Hastings, Worthing and Holetown. There is a registration fee of Bd$10. A valid national licence or an International Driving Permit should also be held.
Urban
Bridgetown has a local bus network and taxis are available.
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