Guernsey Taxis and Car Rental
Guernsey taxis are registered and metered, with several companies providing transport around the capital and island. You can find them at taxi stands in St Peter Port instead of hailing them on the streets. You can also negotiate for an island tour, with minibuses available for larger groups. Delta Taxis (+44-1481-200-000) and Ray’s Taxis (+44-7781-109-551) can both be booked by calling ahead.
Guernsey is definitely one of those places where renting a car is beneficial. It’s only a dozen or so miles long by road, and the driving is pleasant—think idyllic country roads and coastal views. The pace is leisurely with a speed limit of only 35 mph on open roads and 25 mph in the towns. There is also free timed parking, and the cost of gas is cheaper than in the neighboring UK or France. Car rental rates are also cheaper and you can pre-book online with Avis or Europcar at the Guernsey Airport, or use local companies in St Peter Port. Just take note that driving is on the left.
Guernsey Water Taxis
Ferries operate from Portsmouth and Weymouth in the UK, as well as from destinations in France like St Malo. Both conventional (6 hours, 30 minutes) and high-speed catamarans (two hours) run from the south coast of England with Portsmouth being the main base. These vessels can carry vehicles, but check ahead if you can take rentals you have from the mainland. A summer service also runs from Poole to St Peter Port.
There are also regular passenger services from St Helier in Jersey—the main base of the Channel Islands—while Alderney, Herm, and Sark are also accessible by ferry. Boat tours visit Herm and Sark, which lie just off the eastern shore of Guernsey.
Guernsey Trains and Buses
Guernsey’s bus network is very useful, with routes to all main villages, beaches, and the main attractions from St Peter Port. Service is provided by Island Coachways, which has disability access and is very cheap. Routes and timetables are available at bus stops or you can pick up a free map and schedule from the Guernsey Information Center or the main terminal in St Peter Port. Check online for routes at http://www.hctgroup.org/thehctgroup/ctplusguernsey.
There are no trains on Guernsey, but if you don’t fancy bussing it and don’t have a rental car, the island is small enough to cover by bicycle. In fact, it is a wonderful way to get around.