An island with excellent infrastructure, Barbados boasts a highly developed network of roadways complete with major highways, numerous roundabouts and many secondary roads. Getting around is quite easy and best accomplished using buses and minivans or private vehicles. Below are tips for using each of these options.
Car RentalsBarbados is home to a wide selection of car rental companies including Go Car Rentals and Drive-a-matic Car Rentals. The closest car rental company to The Crane Resort is Stoutes Car Rentals, conveniently located at the closest gas station in Kirton's, St. Philip. For resort guests, vehicles can also be rented on the property, and our Concierge is always happy to assist. The cost of a car rental varies depending on the type of vehicle. The most affordable options available are usually smaller models like mini-mokes or Suzuki Swifts, the latter of which is ubiquitous on the island.
Long-stay guests of The Crane benefit from exclusive car rental rates, starting from US$37 per day, including all taxes, fees, and Barbados driver’s permit.
Car Fuel Prices
As petrol and diesel costs fluctuate and can be costly, remember that the amount you use will directly depend on the length of your commute, how often you drive, and the type of vehicle. The average Barbadian spends between BDS$60 - $100 (US$30 - $50) per week on fuel. A large SUV can cost more to fill up than a small economy car, but this also depends on the model. One way to spend less on car fuel is to consider driving a hybrid or an electric vehicle, available from car dealerships on the island including Megapower.
Driving in Barbados
It is important to note that we drive on the left-hand side of the road and have a culture of ‘giving way’ to pedestrians and other drivers as a sign of courtesy. Visitors are required to have a national or international license in order to obtain a Barbados driver's license.
Public Transportation
Transport Board Buses are identifiable by their large size and vibrant blue colour. They tend to run on the hour (more often on certain routes) and are the most dependable form of public transportation. Recently, a big boost to the fleet has come by the way of electrically-powered buses and this has had a positive effect on the reliability of the bus service. The major bus terminal in Barbados is located in Fairchild Street, Bridgetown with two additional bus terminals at Princess Alice Highway, St. Michael and Speightstown, St. Peter. The bus fare for adults is BDS$3.50 payable in cash.
Privately Owned Public Transport
Minibusses are privately owned vehicles painted in a bright yellow colour with a horizontal blue stripe on the side. Minibusses largely run similar routes to the Transport Board buses, especially in the more central parishes but don’t necessarily run on the hour.
ZR’s are also privately owned minivans which are distinguishable by the white exterior with a purple line running horizontally across the side. They tend to run less by a set time frame but are seen far more frequently as they mostly run shorter routes than transport buses or minibusses which means they are able to do more rounds.
Both Minibuses and ZR’s share the same terminals: Constitution River Terminal, Cheapside Terminal, and Speightstown Terminal.
There are many options for getting around the island, and fortunately, Barbados has a developed road system easy to traverse. Even better, travelling in Barbados is largely safe and the locals are usually happy to help point anyone in the right direction, which is another adventure in itself.
Living at The Crane is the perfect starting point for exploration of Barbados. Enjoy life at its finest with a long-term stay at The Crane Resort in a fully-equipped, ultra-spacious 1, 2 or 3-bedroom residence, with options of private pools and spacious decks for outdoor living - all the conveniences necessary for longer stays! Long-stay rental rates start from US$3,500/month. For more information or book now, click here or email residences@thecrane.com.
