British Virgin Islands "40 Islands of sailing fantasyland"

Local Travel Info
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Local Travel Info

Internal Flights and Major International Airports in the British Virgin Islands

There are no direct flights to the British Virgin Islands from the UK, Europe or United States. International flights arrive in one of the nearby Caribbean Islands such as San Juan, St. Kitts or Antigua where connecting flights will take you to one of the British Virgin Islands three airports.


Getting to and from the Airport in the British Virgin Islands

Whichever airport your final destination is in the British Virgin Islands transportation from the airport is made easy.

Anegada Airport

There are only a couple of transport options to get from the airport to your destination in Jakarta. The DAMRI shuttle bus runs between the terminals and downtown Jakarta, stopping at Rawamangun, Gambir, Blok M/Kebayoran, Bekasi, Depok and Bogor. This shuttle takes about an hour to reach downtown Jakarta, but it’s cheap and easy to use. Taxis are also available for hire at special taxi counters in the Arrivals area and take around 40 minutes to reach the city. A new light rail train link will connect the airport to the city centre in 2009.

There are only a couple of transport options to get from the airport to your destination in Jakarta. The DAMRI shuttle bus runs between the terminals and downtown Jakarta, stopping at Rawamangun, Gambir, Blok M/Kebayoran, Bekasi, Depok and Bogor. This shuttle takes about an hour to reach downtown Jakarta, but it’s cheap and easy to use. Taxis are also available for hire at special taxi counters in the Arrivals area and take around 40 minutes to reach the city. A new light rail train link now connects the airport to the city centre.

Anegada is only 11 miles long and three feet wide. A short taxi drive to your accommodation is the only means of transport from the airport for around £5. Alternatively you can hire a car, jeep or minivan from the airport.

Tortola Airport

Beef Island airport in Tortola takes the most visitors and transportation can be made either by taxi, bus or car rental. Both taxi's and buses are on hand to meet every scheduled flight. A typical fare is around £12. Alternatively, a bus service is available for around £2. What is referred to as buses in the British Virgin Islands are actually mini buses and though they are cheap can be uncomfortable for long journeys. Alternatively car rental is available for a reasonable price but due to demand it is recommended you book to reserve a car well in advance.

Virgin Gorda Airport

The airport at Virgin Gorda is small and only accepts trans-Caribbean flights. Transportation from the airport will either be by taxi or car rental.

Jakarta International Airport

Jakarta International is The British Virgin Islands's premier airport. There are only a couple of transport options to get from the airport to your destination in Jakarta. The DAMRI shuttle bus runs between the terminals and downtown Jakarta, stopping at Rawamangun, Gambir, Blok M/Kebayoran, Bekasi, Depok and Bogor. This shuttle takes about an hour to reach downtown Jakarta, but it’s cheap and easy to use. Taxis are also available for hire at special taxi counters in the Arrivals area and take around 40 minutes to reach the city. A new light rail train link will connect the airport to the city centre in 2009.

 

Renting Cars in the British Virgin Islands

Renting a car in the British Virgin Islands allows visitor's to explore these beautiful islands at their own pace. Car hire however, is very popular with tourists and it is advised to anybody intended to hire a car whilst in the British Virgin Islands to pre-book well in advance to save disappointment. Car rental ranges from around £36 a day for a two-seater jeep or £45 for a family car.

View our British Virgin Islands car hire section in the main tab above to book the cheapest car rental online. We have searched the net to provide all Ok Alpha users with the best car hire deals.


Drivers License Requirements in the British Virgin Islands

To be eligible to drive in the British Virgin Islands visitor's must be at least 25 years-old and are required to hold a valid BVI drivers licence which can be purchased for £6 ($10 US dollars) from the Traffic licensing Office or car rental agencies. In order to obtain a BVI drivers licence however, a valid driver's licence from the country of residence must be produced. They drive on the left hand side of the road. A seatbelt must be worn at all times and the speed limit is 20mph in built up areas and 35 mph on minor roads. Roads are not so well maintained however, so going faster can be uncomfortable. Severe fines and imprisonment are awarded to anybody found driving with more than 0.80mg of alcohol in their system.


British Virgin Islands by Bus

Buses in the British Virgin are exceptionally cheap with fares ranging between 60p and £1.20 depending on the distance you are travelling. As many of the islands are not very big however, this is not usually that far, the only exception being the largest and most advanced of the islands, Tortola. What is referred to as a 'bus' throughout the British Virgin Islands is actually a mini van.


British Virgin Islands by Taxi

Taxis readily available in the British Virgin Islands and as the distance visitor's are mostly covering are relatively cheap. The drivers are friendly and take great delight in telling tourists about the island. Taxis in the British Virgin Islands are not on a meter so it is advised that a fare is agreed with the driver before you set off. Most taxi's are licensed and are identified by the taxi sign on the car and the driver's taxi licence. However, there are some people running 'gypsy taxi,' in unmarked cars and do not adhere to the rules of taxiing and tend to overcharge for the journey. They usually operate outside bars and grocery stores and should be avoided.


British Virgin Islands by Ferry

Boats and ferries are a way of life in the Virgin Islands and are a great way to explore the archipelago. Schedules differ very slightly from one island to the next, but they all have a regular service running either on the hour or every 45 minutes. Prices are also very reasonable though the cost depends on the distance you are travelling though you can expect to pay somewhere in the region of £6 for adults and £2 for children and concessions.


Cycling in the British Virgin Islands

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the British Virgin Islands. The natural volcanic terrain and sloping hills provide a challenge as well as a lofty position to take in the archipelago's breathtaking panoramic views. Meet friendly locals and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you venture through quiet villages to what is left of the primeval rainforest or admire the colourful vines as you take a leisurely ride through the Botanical Gardens at Road Town. Bikes are easily accessible on boats and ferries also making it easier for the keen cyclist to roam each of the British Virgin Islands to their hearts desire.