how to get to barbuda

by ferry

There are currently three boats operating from Antigua to Barbuda, mostly leaving early in the morning from Antigua and returning to Antigua the same day in the afternoon. The ferries are preferred by Barbudans because of their greater capacity to carry cargo including shopping and luggage back over to Barbuda in one go, and the larger number of seats available. It’s helpful if you ask the name of the boat you have booked and it is reccommended you confirm the departure time and place close to your day of travel if you book ahead.

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 may be cancelled. All boats arrive in Barbuda at River Wharf, which is a fifteen minute drive into the village and too far to walk. There is no taxi rank at the ferry, so maybe you will want to book a taxi or a hire car or bike in advance to meet you there – there is no public transport on Barbuda. The ferry 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.

They can ocassionally 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.seabridgeferries.com and look at their Facebook page for last minute info. For reservations call + 268 764-2291 or + 268 560-7989 or e-mail info@seabridge.com.

They now have an office on Antigua (open from 6.30am to 2.00pm) to check in or buy tickets – look out for their new building in the parking lot near the ferry dock at Heritage Quay. Payments for the ferry can also be made via card, or ACB Merchant Transfer (NOT peer to peer) Look for Sea Bridge Ltd.

how to get to barbuda by plane

The new (international) airport is now open and the old Codrington village airport is closed but the promises of better local services are not being fulfilled. SVG have an unrelaible and intermittent service – usually twice a day – but are currently turning up at any time and have turned off their online booking system. You can try their current phone numbers:

Tel: +1 (268) 484 1416 or +1 (268) 484 1443 or (268) 727-2712

We were promised LIAT as well, what happened to them? Two flights full of Antiguan government officials to open the new airport and then nothing?

If by some miracle a flight does come without a delay or cancellation, you will need to call a taxi or tour guide in advance if you want someone to meet you with transport as there are no taxi ranks on Barbuda. If you own a private jet none of this applies – plus you get a completely separate VIP building that still has a roof. 

Calvin Air (see below) have a new plane that can be chartered if there are a few of you to share the cost. 

ANTIGUA BARBUDA AIRPORT AUTHORITY – On Barbuda it’s Judith Harris – (268) 720 9560

how to get to barbuda by helicopter

An exciting and popular way to see Barbuda from the sky without weather hold-ups or flight cancellations, this is a great service for visitors nipping over for lunch at Nobu. There is also a plane available for charter and 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.