St. Lucia has two airports: Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort and Vigie Airport near Castries. British Airways, American Airlines, Amerijet International Inc., Air Canada, and BWIA provide international flights.

Vigie Airport just outside Castries is served by LIAT, BWIA, Air Martinique, American Eagle, Helenair, and Eagle Air.

Travelling By Sea

The main sea port is Castries. There is an additional deep water anchorage for cargo and container ships at Vieux Fort in the south near the airport. Pointe Seraphine is the port of entry for cruise ships.

Car Rental

Cars and four-wheel-drive vehicles can be booked in advance through a travel agent or at the airports, hotels or at the following car rental offices on the island:

The rental rate per week ranges from US$295 to US$390 depending on the type of car and the company. The average daily rates are US$65.00, not including insurance, which can be an additional US$15-20 per day. A temporary driving licence is required for visitors and can be obtained on production of a current driver's licence on arrival at the airport, at the police station in Castries or at the car rental office. The cost is EC$30.

Driving Tips:

Driving is on the left, British style.
Seat belts should be worn.
Drinking and driving is against the law.
Observe the speed limits, especially a 30 mph limit within Castries.
Parking tickets are issued for vehicles parked in "no parking" zones, and the penalties start at around EC$40.

In case of a breakdown or accident, make sure to have the telephone number of the car rental company. If a breakdown occurs during business hours, the company will send a mechanic to fix or exchange the car. If it is after business hours, leave the vehicle and report the breakdown first thing next morning.

Domestic Travel Within the Island

Tour Operators:

Helicopters:

Transfers are available from Hewanorra to Castries. Windjammer Landing, Jalousie Plantation, Pointe Seraphine and Rodney Bay also have Heli-Pads. These trips can be booked through a tour operator or directly through the companies in St. Lucia:

St. Lucia Helicopters Ltd.: 758-453-6950

Eastern Caribbean Helicopters: 758-453-6952

Boats:

The hotels Anse Chastanet and Jalousie provide service between Soufriere and Castries for their guests.

Buses:

Northern St. Lucia, around Castries and Gros Islet, has regular bus service until approximately 10:00pm (later on Friday nights), but there is no scheduled timetable. Fare from Castries to the north is EC$1.50; from Castries to the south is EC$7.00.

Taxis:

Taxis can be obtained at taxi stands or by telephone; minibuses (accommodating 10 persons) can also be hired as taxis for groups. Fare from Castries to Hewanorra Airport is EC$120 up to four persons; Castries to Rodney Bay is EC$40 up to four persons.

Inter-Island Transport:

Caribbean Express, a high-speed Catamaran service, operates between St. Lucia, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Dominica. It can be booked through travel agencies in St. Lucia.

There is a wide variety of vessels available for both self operated and crewed charters from St. Lucia to the Grenadines and other destinations. The two most popular marinas are at Marigot Bay and Rodney Bay. The following companies offer yacht charter services: