How do you get to Port of Spain?
Getting There1.4/10Among the 5% hardest cities to reach
- Main airport
- Piarco International Airport (POS)
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: welcomepickups.com, airporttransferportal.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Piarco Airport is about 27 km from Port of Spain; allow 30–60 minutes travel time depending on traffic and transport mode.
- Official airport taxis are identified by licence plates beginning with 'H'. Use only authorized taxis from the official rank to avoid overcharging.
- Cash in TTD is essential. ATMs and currency exchanges are available in the Arrivals Hall, but rates may be poor. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if possible.
- PTSC buses offer the cheapest transport but are unpredictable with potential delays and cancellations; they do not operate after 19:05.
- For evening or late-night arrivals (after 19:05), pre-book a private transfer or arrange a hotel shuttle, as public buses will not be running.
- Ferry service between Trinidad and Tobago can be rough and cause seasickness; consider taking the faster domestic flight if you are prone to motion sickness.
- Book ferry tickets in advance during weekends, public holidays, and school vacations. Tickets are sold in person only at the Port of Spain Ferry Terminal or select travel agencies.
- The water taxi between Port of Spain and San Fernando or Chaguaramas is a scenic and less congested alternative to road travel during peak hours.
- Driving is on the left side of the road. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours (6–8 AM and 3–6 PM); plan travel outside these times if possible.
- City Gate (South Quay) is the main transportation hub for all public buses and maxi-taxis within Trinidad. It is centrally located in Port of Spain.
- Reliable mobile data is extremely helpful for maps and checking schedules.
Airport
- Name
- Piarco International Airport (POS)
- Distance From City Center
- 27 km (about 30 minutes drive)
Transport Options
Taxi (Official Airport Taxi)
- Cost
- TTD 350
- Travel Time
- 20–30 minutes
- Notes
- Unmetered but fixed-rate by destination. Up to 4 passengers can share at the same fare. Night surcharges may apply after 10 PM (typically TTD 50–100 additional). Most drivers accept USD at unfavorable rates; use TTD when possible. Cash only.
- Description
- Fixed-rate taxis operate 24/7 from the taxi rank outside Arrivals. Fares are posted at the taxi stand by destination zone.
Bus (PTSC – Public Transport Service Corporation)
- Cost
- TTD 4.00
- Travel Time
- 30–40 minutes
- Notes
- Most budget-friendly option. Buses can be unpredictable with delays and cancellations. No evening service; not available after 19:05. Cash only. You will likely need additional transport to reach your final destination from City Gate.
- Description
- Hourly public buses from Bay 4 outside Arrivals Hall, heading to City Gate near the city center. Services run Monday to Saturday, approximately 07:15 to 19:05.
Private Transfer (Pre-booked)
- Cost
- TTD 373
- Travel Time
- 25–35 minutes
- Notes
- Fixed price booked in advance; no negotiation. More reliable and comfortable than street taxis. Suitable for families, those with lots of luggage, or late arrivals.
- Description
- Pre-arranged transfers through hotels or specialist services. Includes flight tracking and waiting time.
Car Rental
- Travel Time
- Self-drive
- Notes
- No set rate; depends on vehicle and rental company. Best if you plan to explore Trinidad beyond the city. Traffic between Piarco and Port of Spain can be heavy, especially on the Priority Bus Route and Churchill-Roosevelt Highway.
- Description
- Several agencies (Hertz, Avis, local operators) have desks in the Arrivals Hall. Driving is on the left side of the road.
Water Taxi
- Notes
- Terminal located on Wrightson Road, adjacent to the Tobago ferry terminal. Approximately 16 daily sailings. A fast and comfortable alternative to busy roads.
- Description
- Local water taxi service within Trinidad
Routes
45 Minutes
- From To
- Port of Spain to San Fernando
- Cost One Way
- TTD 15
15 Minutes
- From To
- Port of Spain to Chaguaramas
- Cost One Way
- TTD 10
Inter Island Transport
- Description
- To travel between Trinidad and Tobago
Options
2.5–3 Hours
- Type
- Ferry (Trinidad & Tobago Inter-Island Ferry Service)
- Route
- Port of Spain Ferry Terminal (Wrightson Road) to Scarborough, Tobago
- Frequency
- 3 daily sailings (typical schedule)
- Vessel Names
- T&T Express, T&T Spirit (fast ferries), Blue Wave Harmony
- Cost Economy Adult
- TTD 75
- Cost Economy Child
- TTD 50
- Notes
- Journey can be rough due to strong currents (Bocas), causing seasickness. Fast ferries are more popular but may experience engine delays. Premium Class seating available at higher cost. Vehicles can be transported; check specific vessel and booking requirements. Book in advance on weekends, holidays, and peak travel periods. Tickets sold at Port of Spain Ferry Terminal ticket office or select travel agencies. Arrive 1–2 hours before departure.
20–25 Minutes
- Type
- Domestic Flight
- Route
- Piarco International Airport (POS) to Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson International Airport (TAB), Tobago
- Airline
- Caribbean Airlines
- Frequency
- Hourly departures, multiple times daily
- Cost Return
- TTD 325
- Cost One Way
- TTD 162
- Notes
- Quickest option between islands. Book online or visit ticket offices (Piarco Airport: daily 4:15 AM–7 PM; Independence Square, Port of Spain: Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM, Sat 8 AM–noon). Consider traffic when planning travel to/from airport.
Ground Transport
- Note
- No operational railway system in Trinidad and Tobago. Public buses and maxi-taxis (shared minibuses) serve routes within the island. All services depart from City Gate (South Quay) in Port of Spain. Maxi-taxis are color-coded by route.
Typical Maxi Taxi Fares
- Cost
- TTD 8.00
- Description
- For example, Port of Spain to Arima
Day Trips And Accessibility
- Note
- Port of Spain serves as the main transportation hub for Trinidad. From City Gate, you can access most parts of the island via public buses and maxi-taxis. Popular day-trip destinations include northern beaches (Maracas, Las Cuevas), the Caroni Swamp, and towns along the East–West Corridor (Arima, San Fernando). Ferry access to Tobago (2.5–3 hours) allows for feasible day trips or overnight stays.
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 Port of Spain
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.