JetBlue lands in St. Lucia
St. Lucia Transportation
Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) is located in Vieux Fort, 40 miles south of Castries, the capital city. George F.L. Charles Airport is an inter-island airport just outside Castries. If visiting St. Lucia, you are required to have a valid passport and obtain a valid St. Lucian visa. St. Lucian visas are issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration Department, Visa Office (phone 758-456-3825).
Daily flights in and out of Piarco are by JetBlue, Copa Airlines, Delta, American, Air Canada, Caribbean Airlines, Air Caribes, Air Antilles, LIAT, Virgin Atlantic, Condor, British Airways, Transjet, Westjet and United Airlines. Flights leave frequently from Atlanta, Newark, NYC, Boston, Toronto, The Main Terminal is modernized with the usual amenities of a small Caribbean International airport including:
– Bookstores & gift shops
– Immigration
– Currency Exchange
– Post Office
– Car Rentals
Departure tax is included in the price of the ticket for all passengers over 12 years leaving the island by air. For passengers leaving via sea travel, the departure tax is US$13
Ground Transport
Car Rentals require a temporary drivers permit and a valid driver’s license from your home country. It is neither expensive nor difficult to obtain, and lasts 3 months. You can usually get your driving permit at the car rental office. They are also available at Gros Islet from the Transportation Office. In St. Lucia, drive on the left-hand side of the road, whereas United States and Canada drive on the right-hand side.
Minibuses are available island-wide. There is no scheduled timetable. Minibuses at filled with passengers are frequent between the main towns of Castries to Gros Islet. They run from early morning to 10pm, and a little later on Friday nights. Fares between Castries and the north coast area range from $4 to $10. To prevent issues on the local buses, convert from U.S. dollars to local monies (EC) otherwise, some drivers will over-charge you. Also, double check the route with each driver before boarding. Minibuses, which can accommodate up to 14 passengers, can also be hired as taxis for small groups. See, http://stluciabus.wix.com/lucia
Taxis are available at designated taxi stands and can be called for pick-up by telephone. Taxicab fare from Castries to Hewanorra Airport is about US$80 and Castries to Rodney Bay is about US$30 for up to 3 passengers.
Water taxis are available for hire at all ports and most resort beaches.
Visit www.express-des-iles.com to see the ferry service between St. Lucia and Martinique.
