How to Get Around St Lucia

Getting in. Hewanorra International at Vieux Fort, in the far south, takes the long-haul flights and is about ninety minutes from the northern resorts. George F. L. Charles Airport at Castries handles regional flights and is far more convenient for the north. Cruise ships dock at Castries and Soufrière.

Minibuses are the local transport: cheap, frequent on the main routes between Castries, Gros Islet and Vieux Fort, and they leave when full. They stop running early in the evening.

Taxis are not metered; agree the fare before setting off, and note that rates are often quoted in US dollars.

Driving is on the left, and a temporary local permit is required, issued on the spot with your home licence. The roads are steep, narrow and heavily potholed in places, with blind hairpins — a small car and a slow pace are the right approach.

Water taxis run along the west coast and are often the quickest way between Soufrière and Marigot Bay.