The magnificient bay of Soufriere Photo by Antoine Hubert via Flickr Creative Commons

Dominica Taxis and Car Rental

There are plenty of taxis on Dominica, and hotels are happy to hail them for their guests. Fares can be expensive, which is why many travelers choose to rent cars instead. From the airport, cabs can take you to any point on the island. Check if the driver is uniformed and that the license plate has an "H" or "HA" on it. The government has set fixed prices and tipping is not required. However, you can negotiate special rates if you are riding with other passengers. Nature Island Taxi Association (+767-448-1679) and The Dominica Taxi Association (+767-449-8533) are the two main taxi providers in Dominica. You can find cabs throughout the day, but they can be rare after 6:00 p.m., so make arrangements beforehand if you plan to travel at night.

Renting a car is highly recommended, especially if you are taking many long trips around Dominica. Local and international car companies offer a good selection of rental plans and vehicles to suit any budget and need. Avis (+767-448-0413) has an office in Roseau, while Budget (+767-449-2080) is based in Canefield.

Standard sedans and four-wheel drive vehicles are available. If you are heading to remote or rural areas, four-wheel drive is more practical. Two things to note though, driving is on the left-hand side of the road and gas stations are open only from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. To rent a car in Dominica, you must be over the age of 25 and have at least two years of driving experience. You need a valid driver’s license as well as a temporary local permit, which can be obtained from Roseau’s High Street Traffic Division, any car rental office or at the airport. Before you set out, make sure you have accident insurance and an updated road map of Dominica.

Dominica Trains and Buses

There are no trains in Dominica, so taking the bus is the most plausible mode of public transportation for those who don’t rent a car. The bus system is reliable compared to other Caribbean islands, but buses are actually converted minivans that can seat up to 15 passengers. They are privately owned and typically congregate at Old Market Square. The minivans are easily recognizable because of their colorful ornaments and license plates that start with "H." Buses roam the streets from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.

Click here to learn about Airports in Dominica