How do you get to Castries?
Getting There6.6/10Easier to reach than about 60% of cities
- Rail
- No rail service in Saint Lucia
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: en.wikipedia.org, secretflying.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- George F. L. Charles Airport is only 2 km from Castries city center, making it the fastest entry point if arriving on inter-island flights.
- Most international visitors arrive at Hewanorra (UVF) in the south and face a 60-90 minute drive north to Castries; pre-booking a private transfer is strongly recommended for comfort and reliability.
- Water taxi from Hewanorra is a scenic alternative to road transfer but takes 90-120 minutes; best for visitors with time and interest in the Caribbean experience.
- Castries ferry terminal connects the island to Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe daily, making island-hopping straightforward.
- Public minibuses exist but are crowded, unreliable, and not designed for tourists with luggage; taxis and private transfers are preferred.
- Driving: Saint Lucia uses left-side traffic. Rental cars available but mountain roads are winding and challenging, especially after long flights.
- Taxi fares from Castries airport rank are typically $15-30 USD to central locations; negotiate in advance if the taxi is not metered.
Airports
George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU)
- Type
- Regional airport
- Location
- 2 km north of Castries
- Destinations
- Barbados, Antigua, Dominica, Martinique, St. Vincent, and other Caribbean islands
- Description
- Smaller airport serving inter-island Caribbean flights. Also known as Vigie Airport. Open-air terminal with basic facilities.
Airlines
- Air Antilles
- Air Caraïbes
- Air Sunshine
- Caribbean Airlines
- InterCaribbean Airways
- LIAT
Hewanorra International Airport (UVF)
- Type
- International airport
- Airlines
- Major US and international carriers
- Location
- Vieux Fort, ~56 km south of Castries (60-90 minute drive)
- Description
- Saint Lucia's primary international gateway handling long-haul and intercontinental flights from North America, Europe, and beyond.
Ferry Connections
- Facilities
- Arrival hall, air-conditioned departure lounge, restaurant, bar, ATMs, taxi rank, toilets
- Port Location
- Castries ferry terminal (harbor, foot of city, ~4 km from George F. L. Charles Airport)
Routes
1 Hour 30 Minutes
- Operator
- L'Express des Iles (high-speed catamaran)
- Frequency
- ~5 sailings weekly
- Destination
- Fort de France, Martinique
Variable
- Operator
- L'Express des Iles
- Frequency
- Multiple weekly
- Destination
- Dominica (Roseau)
7 Hours 15 Minutes
- Operator
- L'Express des Iles
- Frequency
- Multiple weekly
- Destination
- Guadeloupe (Pointe à Pitre)
Ground Transport From Airports
Pre-booked private transfer
From Hewanorra
- Time
- 60-90 minutes
- Estimated Cost To Castries
- EC$230
- Note
- Up to 3 persons; $25 USD per person for 4+ persons
- Description
- Recommended option for international arrivals
From Gfl Charles
- Time
- 5-10 minutes
- Estimated Cost To Castries
- EC$40
- Description
- Door-to-door service with advance booking
Taxi (metered and non-metered)
From Hewanorra
- Time
- 70+ minutes
- Estimated Cost To Castries
- EC$230
- Description
- Available at taxi rank; fares not metered, negotiate in advance
From Gfl Charles
- Time
- ~5 minutes
- Estimated Cost To Castries
- EC$54
- Description
- Readily available at airport. Quick journey to city center.
Water taxi/ferry service (Hewanorra only)
From Hewanorra
- Operator
- FunToSee Island and other water taxi operators
- Amenities
- Complimentary beverages, snacks, scenic Caribbean views
- Journey Time
- 90-120 minutes on water
- Estimated Cost Per Person
- EC$405
- Description
- Scenic boat transfer departing ~15 minutes from airport, docks at Castries, Rodney Bay, Marigot, or Soufrière with ground transfer included
Public minibus (adventurous budget option)
From Hewanorra
- Time
- Slow, variable
- Estimated Cost
- Minimal
- Note
- Route runs Vieux Fort to Castries
- Description
- Very low-cost but no schedule, crowded, slow, not recommended for luggage
Car rental
- Note
- Road from south to north is mountainous and challenging, especially after long flights
- Description
- Major agencies at both airports. Temporary local driver's permit required (obtained at rental desk). Driving on left side of road; mountain roads can be winding.
Rail
No rail service in Saint Lucia
Local Taxi Within Castries
- Taxi Ranks
- Available throughout Castries; commonly on Bridge Street and outside Massy Supermarket
- Minimum Fare
- EC$20
- Note
- Not all taxis metered; agree on fare before travel. Cash payment expected. Light blue license plates beginning with 'TX'.
- Description
- Abundant in city center; government-regulated standard fares
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Castries
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.