Located in the middle of the stunning blue waters of the Caribbean, the Turks and Caicos Islands are an exceptional vacation destination that welcomes over a million visitors each year. If you’re planning an upcoming getaway, this blog will help you discover how to get around Turks and Caicos while you’re here.
With limited options, planning your transportation before you arrive is paramount and can save you a lot of money! From rental cars or a taxi service to golf carts or small planes, there are several unique ways to see the island. Check out the different options and decide what’s right for your family as you plan your Turks and Caicos vacation.
Taxi Services
As there is no public transport in Turks and Caicos (this includes Uber and Lyft), taxi services are the closest you’ll get to assisted car travel during your vacation. Unlike the iconic yellow cabs you may be used to, taxis in TCI tend to be large vans.
This makes traveling with bigger groups or things like car seats much easier. However, because of the large size of the taxis, they tend to operate on a shared basis. This means several groups ride together to their respective destinations, which can add time to your already long travel days. You can pre-book a private ride to avoid sharing a taxi; however, prices will likely be higher.
Taxi Service FAQ
How do Turks and Caicos taxis set their rates?
There are no meters in the taxis in Turks and Caicos. Instead, there are statutory fares for certain routes and distances. Prices can be charged by person or as a whole, and it’s important to clarify which your driver will use before you ride.
Are there any discounts for children in Taxis?
Yes. Children under two ride for free. However, children over two are the same price as adults.
What is the average fare from Jags McCartney International Airport GDT to Grace Bay Beach?
Anticipate a fee of $28 – $34 for two people.
Estimated rates from the airport to other top locations:
- Turtle Cove: $16
- Graceway IGA Supermarket: $20
- Beaches Resort: $27
- Long Bay Beach: $45
- Chalk Sound: $36
- Leeward: $43
- Amanyara Resort: $86
What should I confirm before I get in a shared taxi?
Confirm the price for the trip, including any charges for additional people in your party or charges for your luggage.
Rental Companies
From ease to reliability, the most popular answer for how to get around Turks and Caicos is to rent a car. Walking distances to shops and restaurants can be spread out, making it a less-than-desirable option, and constant taxi rides can add up quickly.
Renting a car means you can travel at your own pace and explore wherever you want. Plus, with a fixed daily rate, which starts around $40 per day, you can cap your cost. Being an island, the inventory of most rental services is limited, so if you need a larger vehicle, you should reserve your ride well in advance of your arrival, as smaller compact cars are the most readily available.
When you book your rental car, be sure to check the company reviews of your selected provider. Many rental car companies have a poor reputation due to exorbitant cleaning fees, bait-and-switch tactics, and overselling. Some of the top car rental services include Grace Bay Car Rentals, Scott’s Rental Car, and Scooter Bob’s.
For travel ideas during your stay, check out these three day-trip itineraries!
Car Rental FAQ
When should I book my Turks and Caicos rental car?
Book as early as possible, especially if you’re visiting at a popular time of year, for the best rates and the best chance of getting the car you want.
Where are the rental cars at Jags McCartney International Airport?
GDT airport’s arrivals hall features several franchised global rental car brands. Other agencies have off-site locations and offer shuttle service to their facilities.
What do I need to be able to rent a car in Turks and Caicos?
Be sure you have a valid driver’s license, a credit card in the driver’s name, and proof of insurance. International visitors should have their passports and an International Driving Permit (if applicable).
Can I drive on the beach in Turks and Caicos?
No. It’s illegal to drive on the beach or in tidal pools, as the majority of salt flats and ponds are protected nature reserves. Large fines will be given if you’re found in restricted areas. Additionally, it’s easy to get stuck, resulting in expensive towing fees.
Scooters, Jeeps, and Golf Carts
Beyond day-to-day transportation, you can add some fun to your Turks and Caicos transportation when you rent a scooter, a 4×4 Jeep Wrangler, or even a golf cart! Keep in mind some roads are better suited for certain vehicles than others.
If you’re sticking to the tourist districts of Grace Bay, the Bight, Turtle Cove, or Leeward, a scooter is a fun and unique way to see the sights. Beyond that, when you venture to scenic regions of Chalk Sound, Sapodilla Bay, or sights along Leeward Highway or South Dock Road, a soft-top Jeep is a better option. While four-wheel drive vehicles are available, you won’t likely need them, so don’t fret if you can’t find one.
For resort areas, golf carts offer another leisurely way to explore. Unlike scooters which only seat one person, you can find four to six-seater golf carts at places like Paradise Carts.
Inter-Island Planes
Inter-island travel in Turks and Caicos is facilitated by local airlines, interCaribbean and Caicos Express, which connect Providenciales with Grand Turk, South Caicos, and Salt Cay through daily or frequent flights.
While Providenciales and Grand Turk flights may include a brief stop in South Caicos, services to Salt Cay are less frequent and vary by demand, often allowing for day trips. Private islands like Pine Cay and Ambergris Cay have airstrips without scheduled service, while airfares between the islands start around $135, with reservations highly recommended.
Important Turks and Caicos Transportation Rules
You may be surprised to learn that traffic drives on the left in Turks and Caicos. When you’re renting a car, be sure to ask if the car you’ve selected is left- or right-hand oriented. You’ll also find a mix of traffic signs from both the United States and England, so be sure to take it easy and pay attention, as drivers can be erratic, and roads are often narrow.
From North Caicos and Middle Caicos to South Caicos and Grand Turk, you’ll likely find the drivers on the islands to be a bit reckless. Opting for insurance is a very good idea no matter what you rent or reserve, and selecting a defensive, confident driver will definitely make a difference.
Book a Vacation Property that Comes with a Rental Car
At Villa Esencia, located in beautiful Long Bay Beach, you’ll find gorgeous Turks and Caicos vacation rentals perfect for your group or family. Plus, some villas even come with a rental car, like the stunning Wyakha 4 Ocean View property!
Rent this property by a single unit or opt for the entire villa and enjoy luxury furnishings, impeccable views, and top amenities like a five-seater SUV! Plus, when you book directly with us, you’ll avoid all the third-party fees online travel agencies add to the bottom line.
Villa Esencia is the perfect location, situated in groves of coconut trees right on the shores of Long Bay, where kite surfers ride in the distance and visitors relax in peaceful properties complete with hot tubs, private pools, and more. We invite you to explore all our villa options and contact us for more information on booking or local tips for how to get around Turks and Caicos. We’re here and excited to help you book the vacation of a lifetime!
