No Uber. No Lyft. Just island taxis, safari buses, and one of the most scenic drives in the Caribbean. Here's everything you need to know.
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Drive on the LEFT in the BVI
The British Virgin Islands follows British driving rules — traffic moves on the left side of the road. This applies to taxis, rental cars, and all vehicles. Roads are narrow and hilly in many parts of Tortola. First-time visitors should take extra care, especially at roundabouts and on mountain passes.
🚕 EIS Airport Rates
Taxi Rates from the Airport
Rates below are approximate per-person shared taxi fares from Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island. Rates are regulated by the BVI Taxi Association — confirm with your driver before departure.
Destination
Approx. Fare (per person)
Notes
Road Town
~$15
20–25 min drive via Queen Elizabeth II Bridge
Cane Garden Bay
~$20
~30 min, over Tortola's mountain ridge
West End (Ferry Dock)
~$25
~45 min, other end of the island
Nanny Cay
~$18
Popular marina and resort area
Scrub Island / East End
~$10
Short ride — eastern tip of Tortola
Private (whole taxi)
Negotiated
Agree on flat rate before departing
💡 Rates are per person for shared taxis. If you want the whole vehicle to yourself, negotiate a flat rate with the driver before getting in. Always confirm the fare before departing.
💡 What You Need to Know
Taxi Tips for Tortola
Tortola taxis work differently from what most mainland travelers expect. Here's the local knowledge.
🚐 Open-Air Safari Buses
Many Tortola "taxis" are actually open-air safari buses — flatbed trucks with bench seating and a roof. They're the traditional island way to travel and perfectly comfortable for luggage-light trips across the island. Expect the breeze and the views.
💵 Cash is King
Most Tortola taxi drivers prefer cash in U.S. dollars. The BVI uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency. Credit cards are not always accepted in taxis. Have small bills ready — $20s and $10s work best for shared fares.
🕐 Taxis Queue at the Airport
Licensed taxis wait outside the EIS terminal after each arrival. You don't need to book in advance for standard airport-to-destination runs. The queue is orderly — take the first available taxi or ask the taxi marshal if present.
🏔️ Mountain Roads
Tortola is hilly — very hilly. The road from the airport to Cane Garden Bay crosses the island's spine and involves tight switchbacks. Drivers know these roads well, but it can be a white-knuckle experience for first-timers. Enjoy it.
📞 Pre-booking for Departures
For early morning flights, pre-book your taxi the night before. Ask your hotel or villa manager for a reliable driver recommendation. Taxi supply at EIS can be thin at 5–6 AM.
🚫 No Rideshare Apps
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare platforms do not operate in the BVI. Your options are licensed taxis, rental cars, or arranging transport through your hotel or villa. Plan ahead.
