how to get to barbuda

by plane

Our new ‘international’ airport is now open and the old Codrington airport is  closed – allow more time to get there, it’s further away and out of the village. You will need to call a taxi in advance if you want one to meet you there, as there are no taxi ranks on Barbuda. The facilities are slightly improved for us but there is no difference to the service. No Liat 2020 – that was just for the publicity pictures. If you own a private jet you get a completely separate VIP building.

All kinds of things have been promised but the reality is we are still having the same two flights a day on the small 7 seater plane to Barbuda from Antigua run by SVG (BMN) Airlines. One arrives in the early morning at around 7.00am and one in the late afternoon at around 4.00pm. Sometimes they add more flights and some of the charters going to and from Barbuda may have empty seats, so it’s always worth asking about other times or extra flights on the day. Book online through BMN/SVG by sending e mail, or by calling their Antigua office on + 1 (268) 484-1416.

You can book/change and/or pay for flights if you are here on Barbuda, by going to the airport office and the current number for this is also on their constantly changing website. It’s best to go to the airport when flights are arriving or leaving as an SVG rep has to be there then. Always double check your reservation a few days before in case there are any time changes or cancellations.The flight cost has increased several times to a prohibitive $400 ec + round trip, and Barbudans also have to pay this high charge in full to travel to our twin island state. We do not get a subsidised local rate.

Check and double check SVG’s info – their contact numbers and prices might be changed and unless we travel often (which is too expensive) we would have no idea. They also operate a very strict weight allowance policy so if you are over-weight in person or in luggage you will be charged extra.

by helicopter

An exciting way to see Barbuda from the sky, this is a popular service for visitors to Nobu and Barbuda Ocean Club. Calvin Air have also kindly assisted Barbudans when other options to transport medical emergencies are unavailable. Calvin Air Helicopters operate tours of Antigua, Barbuda and Montserrat (with amazing views of the volcano) so contact them here for information on their fares to Barbuda.

by ferry

There are currently four boats operating from Antigua to Barbuda, mostly leaving early in the morning from Antigua and returning to Antigua the same day in the afternoon. It’s helpful if you know the name of the boat you have booked as it can be confusing as they might change their days/schedules and sometimes leave from the same place. The ferries are preferred by Barbudans because of their greater capacity to carry shopping and luggage back over to Barbuda in one go, and the larger number of seats available. Booking is better but not essential and confirming the exact departure time and the place is a good idea as there can be last-minute changes. The crossing can be rough but most of the people who complain about the trip may be better off on the much shorter flight, or should have lived in Barbuda when we didn’t have a ferry at all. The ferries do not run in risky conditions so safety is a priority and if the weather is unpredictable it will be cancelled. All boats arrive in Barbuda at River Wharf, which is a fifteen minute drive into the village. There is no taxi rank at the ferry, so maybe you will want to book a taxi or a hire car in advance to meet you there – there is no public transport on Barbuda and it’s a long, hot walk.

The journey takes about 90 minutes although it passes quickly in good weather and we have sometimes even seen whales on the crossing – but so far we haven’t hit one.

Barbuda Express Ltd

Three of the four boats are run by Barbuda Express Ltd who have a passenger ferry Barbuda Express which also ocassionally runs to and from Jolly Harbour in the season for day tourists. Their Typhoon Express and Leeward Express boats are primarily cargo boats with some seating for passengers. They can carry vehicles (but not for day trips) and can off-load large items by crane.They may leave from Crabbes Peninsula and/or from St John’s. For info on all three of their schedules and to book using what’s app, see the web site at www.barbudaexpress.com and look at their Facebook page for last minute info. For reservations call + 268 764-2291 or e-mail info@barbudaexpress.com.   For larger cargo such as vehicles contact the owner Greg directly on +268 764-2689