Getting Around Anguilla | Transport Tips & Best Options

Getting Around Anguilla The Honest Insider Guide

I have spent considerable time exploring Anguilla over multiple visits, and I can tell you with complete honesty that transportation here is refreshingly straightforward compared to many other Caribbean islands. This is actually one of Anguilla's greatest strengths for visitors. The island is small, friendly, and you have several solid options for moving around without feeling stressed or trapped.

Let me be direct about what you need to know about getting around Anguilla. You will almost certainly want to rent a car for flexibility, though you can absolutely manage with taxis and ride-sharing apps if you are staying in one main area. The good news is that driving here is easy, roads are well-maintained, and distances are short. The challenging part is simply deciding which transportation method works best for your specific trip.

The Quick Answer: Rent a car if you want to explore multiple beaches and restaurants. Use taxis or Uber if you are staying near The Valley or want to avoid driving. Scooters and ATVs work for confident riders who want adventure. I personally rent a car on every visit because Anguilla's 33 beaches are so spread out and each one feels worth discovering.

Renting a Car in Anguilla

In my experience, car rental is genuinely the best way to experience Anguilla if you have any interest in exploring beyond your resort. I have rented from multiple companies here, and the process is straightforward and affordable compared to North America or Europe.

When you land at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, you will find car rental desks right in the arrivals area. The major companies represented include Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National, but I have had better experiences with local companies like Connor Car Rental and Tropical Car Rental. Local companies typically offer better customer service, more flexibility on minor damages, and sometimes better pricing for multi-day rentals.

Expect to pay between $35 and $60 per day for a basic economy car, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. During peak winter season (December through March), prices climb toward the higher end. I always book through the company websites directly rather than aggregators, because I have found that local Anguilla rental companies will sometimes match or beat online rates if you contact them directly.

Here is what I need to tell you honestly: Anguillian roads are generally excellent, but driving is on the left side of the road. If you are from North America, this takes about thirty minutes to adjust to, and then you stop thinking about it. What matters more is that Anguillians drive aggressively by Caribbean standards. People exceed the posted speed limits, pass unexpectedly, and drive at night with minimal lighting. I drive defensively here, stick to posted limits, and never rush.

Your rental agreement will come with a temporary Anguilla driving permit that costs about $20 and is valid for three months. Make sure the rental company provides this before you drive. Police conduct frequent checkpoints, particularly on the main road between The Valley and the north coast, and they will stop you if you do not have the permit visible on your dashboard.

Fuel is readily available at several gas stations throughout the island. Prices are slightly higher than in North America, typically around $1.10 to $1.30 per liter (or roughly $4 to $5 per gallon). There is a Shell station in The Valley, several independent stations scattered around the island, and even a small fuel station near Blowing Point if you are coming from the ferry. None of this is shocking compared to what you might pay in Europe, so budget accordingly.

Parking is generally free at beaches and restaurants. There are no parking meters on the island. At some beach bars and resorts, parking areas might be small, but I have never had real difficulty finding a spot except perhaps at the most popular north coast beaches on Saturday afternoons.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Apps

If you do not want to drive, taxis are readily available and drivers are knowledgeable and friendly. I have taken taxis numerous times in Anguilla, and I have never felt unsafe or overcharged, which is more than I can say for some Caribbean islands.

Taxis operate on a fixed rate system rather than meters. The government sets standard fares between major locations. From the airport to The Valley costs roughly $25 to $30. From The Valley to a north coast beach like Shoal Bay runs about $15 to $20. From the airport to a north coast resort might be $35 to $45. These prices are per taxi, not per person, so if you are traveling with others, the cost per person drops significantly.

You can hail taxis from the airport, at your hotel, or by calling ahead. Most resorts have relationships with trusted taxi drivers and will call one for you. I always ask my hotel concierge to arrange a taxi pickup time rather than assuming I can hail one on the spot, particularly if I am going out to dinner in the evening.

Uber launched in Anguilla a few years ago and operates reasonably well in and around The Valley and along the north coast. Prices are fairly standard, and the app works as expected. However, Uber coverage is not island-wide. If you are staying at a remote south coast resort, Uber might not be available. I use Uber when I am in populated areas and fall back to calling a taxi company when I venture to quieter parts of the island.

One thing I genuinely appreciate about Anguilla is that taxi drivers will negotiate short waiting periods without extra charges. If you want to run into a shop for fifteen minutes, most drivers will wait. This is not guaranteed everywhere on the island, but it happens frequently enough that I trust it.

For exploring restaurants and beach bars where you might drink, taxis are genuinely the smartest move. Many visitors ask their dinner spot to call a taxi at the end of the meal. Wait times are typically under fifteen minutes.

Scooters, Motorbikes, and ATV Rentals

If you are comfortable on two wheels and want an adventurous way to explore Anguilla, scooters and ATVs are affordable and popular with younger travelers. I see them everywhere, particularly during the busy winter season.

Rental prices typically run $30 to $50 per day for a scooter and $40 to $70 per day for an ATV. You will need a valid driver's license and usually a credit card for the security deposit. Most rental shops require helmets, though enforcement varies by location. I strongly encourage wearing a helmet even when the rental shop does not enforce it.

Here is my honest take: Anguilla's roads work fine for scooters if you are an experienced rider and respect the traffic conditions I mentioned earlier. However, Anguillian drivers do not always expect scooters, potholes appear without warning in some areas, and the road shoulders can be rough. I have friends who rent scooters annually and love them. I have also seen tourists injured on scooters here. Only do this if you are genuinely comfortable riding in developing world conditions.

ATV tours are offered by several outfitters and provide a structured, safer experience than renting independently. These guided tours typically last two to three hours, cost $75 to $125 per person, and include knowledge about the island's history and culture. I have taken one ATV tour in Anguilla and found it genuinely enjoyable, though quite dusty.

Parking for scooters and ATVs is never an issue. Most beach bars have designated two-wheeler parking areas. I have never seen a scooter theft or security issue in Anguilla.

Ferry Service to Neighboring Islands

If you want to take a day trip to nearby St. Martin or St. Barts, ferry service is quick and reliable. The Blowing Point ferry terminal is located at the southern tip of Anguilla, about fifteen to twenty minutes from The Valley by car or taxi.

Ferry service to Marigot, St. Martin runs regularly throughout the day. The journey takes about twenty minutes. Cost is approximately $15 to $20 one way for passengers. Car transport is available if you want to bring a rental across, though I have never done this. The ferry terminal has ample parking if you are leaving your rental car behind.

I have taken the ferry to St. Martin multiple times for day trips. The boats are modern and comfortable. Schedules are reliable, though I always verify current times because they can shift seasonally. The Blowing Point Ferry Terminal website has updated schedules.

Ferry service to St. Barts is less frequent and more expensive, typically running a few times weekly. The journey takes about thirty to forty-five minutes. I have heard good reviews from travelers who have made this journey, but I have not personally done the St. Barts ferry.

Walking and Cycling Options

Walking is practical if you are staying in The Valley or along the north coast near concentrated resort areas. I have walked around The Valley multiple times for lunch and shopping, and it is pleasant and safe during daylight hours. Distances are short, and the downtown area is compact.

However, walking between beaches is not realistic for most visitors. Anguilla is not densely developed, and there is often significant distance between major attractions without sidewalks. I would not recommend walking from your hotel to a beach three miles away, even though it might seem like a manageable distance on paper.

Cycling is possible but less common than in some Caribbean islands. Bike rentals are available at a few shops, typically costing $15 to $25 per day for a basic bicycle. The terrain is generally flat, which is excellent. However, roads do not always have dedicated bike lanes, and drivers do not always expect cyclists. If you are an experienced city cyclist, you can manage Anguilla. If you are casual about cycling, stick to a car or taxi.

I have not personally explored Anguilla extensively by bike, and I think there is probably unrealized potential here for serious cyclists interested in quiet routes. But I cannot recommend it confidently to the average visitor.

Understanding Anguilla's Geography and Distances

Anguilla is small. The island is approximately sixteen miles long and three miles wide at its widest point. However, do not let this fool you into thinking everything is equally convenient. Some areas feel remote, and driving to them takes longer than the short distance might suggest due to winding roads and traffic.

From the airport to The Valley town center takes about ten to fifteen minutes by car. From The Valley to Shoal Bay on the north coast takes about twenty minutes. From The Valley to Meads Bay takes about fifteen minutes. Getting to the south coast takes twenty-five to thirty-five minutes depending on your exact destination.

I mention this because I have seen visitors surprised to discover that their hotel is thirty minutes from dinner reservations they made assuming a five-minute drive. Everything on Anguilla is accessible, but nothing is instantaneous. Plan transportation time accordingly.

Most beaches are accessible by paved road, though some final approaches