Nevis / Local Transport

Local buses (actually private minibuses) work the circular island road, running both ways out of Charlestown. Buses headed along Pinney’s Beach and north start in Dr Walwyn Plaza and buses headed east leave from West Memorial Square. There is no schedule. Instead they leave when they are full or at the whim of the driver. To get off you shout “driver, stop!” and to hail them from the side of the road you point rapidly and repeatedly at the ground. Bus drivers will pick up anywhere along the route. If you are heading for a destination off the main road then the driver will often take you right to your door.

See here for article by the late Jim Johnson, “Back to Buses”.

Taxis

Taxi rates are fixed rather than metered. There are not that many taxis on the island, so it is advisable to arrange them in advance.

Fares from the airport are currently:
Charlestown – US$20
Pinney’s Beach – US$20
Montpelier Plantation Inn – US$25

Fares from Charlestown:
Four Seasons Hotel – US$10
Hermitage Plantation Inn – US$15
Nisbet Plantation beach Club - $20

There are taxi stands at the airport, Newcastle Taxi Stand, t 469 9790, and in Charlestown, t 469 5631/5515.

Taxi drivers are all qualified as guides and will conduct island tours. An island tour by taxi lasts around three hours and costs approximately US$75.

You can also get a water taxi to run you over to the southern end of St Kitts, to a beach. They generally leave/pick up from Oualie Beach. Contact Nevis Watersports Ltd, Scuba Safaris or Tambo, who operates out of Turtle Beach in St Kitts.