BVI On Island and Inter-Island Transportation

Air
Regional airlines connect Beef Island with international hubs (e.g., San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Antigua) and other Caribbean islands. Small planes fly between Beef Island and Virgin Gorda and St. Thomas, USVI. Charter planes are also available to the outer islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands from the airport on Beef Island.

Land
The British Virgin Islands have 150 roads, of which 118 are paved. The two main roads on Tortola are Blackburne Road, which runs along the seashore from the eastern to the western end of the island, and Ridge Road, which runs centrally over the hills. Both offer spectacular scenic views of the islands.

Buses
Mini and safari bus outings are usually arranged by the hotels, and are also available for other long group trips and scenic sightseeing.

Car Rentals
Renting a car is both economical and convenient. There are several agencies offering reasonable rates, unlimited mileage, emergency services and additional insurance. Credit card or cash deposit and a driver's licence are required. At a cost of $10 (and with a valid driver's licence from another country), a temporary licence can be obtained from the Traffic Licensing Office or car rental agencies. This is only necessary if your stay will be longer than three months. Driving is on the left hand side of the road.

Ferry Services
The main ferry boat docks on Tortola are in Road Town and at West End. Inter-island boat services operate several times per day between Tortola and several other islands in the BVI (including Marina Cay, Virgin Gorda, Peter Island and Jost Van Dyke) and the USVI (St. Thomas and St. John). Ferry services to Anegada are provided on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Departure and arrival information can be obtained at the front desk of your hotel.

Taxis
Taxis are available at the airport, hotels, taxi stands and other venues throughout the islands. Some hotels have a franchised taxi arrangement for guests or will quickly order a taxi from the front desk. Taxi drivers usually provide running commentaries on local history and other useful information. The new government rates are now in effect but are subject to change because of the uncertain nature of gasoline prices. Check with your driver in advance.

Tortola
The minimum from the airport is $24 for up to three passengers. Extra passengers pay $12 each. A chartered taxi from town to any of the villages is $12, and the regular fare around town is $5. Farther out to the suburbs is $6, and the minimum fare from Road Town to West End is $24.

Tours
(two-and-a-half hours maximum) for up to three people are $60 (fixed rate) and $15 for each additional person. Waiting charges: first 10 minutes are free, and every 15 minutes, or part thereof, cost $4.

Virgin Gorda
Grand tours (one-and-a-half hours) for up to three people are $50 per tour. Each additional person is $15-20.

Jost Van Dyke
Sightseeing for complete island tour averages about $20 per person for a group of six. For smaller groups, the cost may vary.

For additional useful information about visiting the British Virgin Islands, please click here.

Cape Air
660 Barnstable Road, Hyannis, MA 02601
Tel: 800-352-0714; 495-2100
Fax: 508-775-8815
E-mail: lduda@flycapeair.com
Website: www.flycapeair.com
Flying with Cape Air is like a new experience. Start your trip in a vacation state of mind. Island-hop to and from San Juan and spend less time waiting. You can even earn Continental Airlines OnePass miles on flights connecting with Continental.

Dohm's Water Taxi
Red Hook, St. Thomas
Tel: 340-775-6501
Fax: 340-715-1398
E-mail: vitaxi@viaccess.net
Website: www.watertaxi-vi.com
Operating like a land taxi, Dohm's Water Taxi leaves the dock of your choice at the time you choose and takes you exactly where you want to go — practically anywhere in the USVI and BVI.

Island Birds - Private Air Charter
Tortola, BVI and St. Thomas, USVI
Tel: 495-2002 (BVI); 877-515-5066 (U.S.)
Fax: 495-0143
E-mail: info@islandbirds
Website: www.islandbirds.com
Island Birds is the largest private charter airline flying on-demand throughout the Caribbean. Island Birds' fleet of luxury twin engine Pipers offer seamless jet connections, escort service through customs and immigration plus island tours and day trips. Owner-Captain Robert Lemire is a former U.S. Airways pilot who adheres to the highest FAA standards and is proud of Island Birds' perfect safety record.

Mahogany Car Rentals
Spanish Town, The Valley
Tel: 495-5469
Fax: 495-5072
E-mail: mahoganycarrentals@surfbvi.com
Website: www.mahoganycarrentalsbvi.com
"Mahogany is especially helpful." — Fodor's Travel. Explore the crown jewel of the BVI with a dependable Jeep or car from Mahogany. Island-wide delivery is free in Spanish Town. Guided tours and open-air buses are available. Ask about year-round discounts and group rates.

Speedy's
The Valley
Tel: 495-5240
Fax: 249-5755
E-mail: speedysbvi@surfbvi.com
Website: www.speedysbvi.com
Providing inter-island travel for more than 30 years, Speedy's offers daily trips between Virgin Gorda and Tortola, with an evening schedule on Wednesdays and Saturdays so you can dine on a different island. Ferry service to St. Thomas is available three days a week. Jeep rentals, taxis and safari tours offered on Virgin Gorda. Transportation is the company's specialty.

To get to the British Virgin Islands call American Airlines at 1-800-433-7300, book your trip on aa.com, or for travel information, visit www.EagleLatitudes.com.

Book you stay direct and save - using our BVI hotel guide.

Back to transportation listings.