TT Trinidad and Tobago: how to get around

Unlicensed "gypsy cabs" are available as well. Locally they are called "PH" because they are private cars illegally used for hire. Use caution as "PH" drivers have been linked to crime including murder, kidnapping and robbery and carry no insurance for hired passengers.

• All taxi fares are to be paid in cash in TT dollars. Some drivers accept US dollars, Canadian dollars or euros. Exchange rates vary. It's okay to ask your fare in advance. In Maxi taxis, pay the conductor, or the driver if there is no conductor. Tipping is not expected except for airport taxis. However, if you feel generous, you can give a tip if you desire. Taxi drivers usually do not provide receipts.
• If going off the usual designated route (usually the main road), tell the taxi driver before you board the taxi. Some may not want to go off the main road due to crime or bad roads. If you fail to notify them in advance, they may just drop you off at a close point to your destination and you'll have to walk. Maxi taxis will usually not go off the designated route, however, some of them will ask passengers if an alternate route can be taken if there is excessive traffic. If in doubt as to whether the maxi will miss your destination, ask the conductor.
• Avoid looking for a taxi or maxi during rush hour (AM and PM, but PM is worse). The taxi stands tend to be crowded, and others may resort to stopping the taxi before the taxi stand. The net result is that the taxi is full before it reaches the stand and the wait may be exceedingly long.
• Some maxi and taxi drivers will want to put more than the legal number of passengers in the vehicle. This is a dangerous and illegal practice, as there is no insurance coverage for any of the passengers if the maxi taxi is overloaded and gets into an accident. Politely decline or at least know what you're risking.
• If your taxi or maxi is involved in a crash, make a report to the police as soon as possible in order to secure your legal rights. Taxi drivers are required to carry insurance for all passengers. Police reports can be made in person to the police station that has jurisdiction. Ask a local. They will know. If you or someone requires immediate medical attention, dial 999 or 990.
• Some taxi stands will fill up the taxis from the back going forward. This is more common in the cities and boroughs.
• To stop a maxi taxi while on it (i.e. to stop at your destination) push the stop button. They will sometimes not be labeled, but by law maxi taxis are required to have them.
• Smoking in public buildings is against the law.

Buses are run by the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) owned by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Buses and bus tickets are available at City Gate in Port-of-Spain, King's Wharf in San Fernando and various other terminals and bus stops. A ticket is required to board the bus. Bus drivers do not accept cash or credit cards.

There is a domestic ferry operating on the island of Trinidad between the two main cities of Port-of-Spain in the north and San Fernando in the south. The ferry ride is approximately 45 minutes between destinations and a one-way trip costs TT$15 (approximately US$2.50).

Car rental is widely available, and driving is on the left side (British style). There are several companies that rent cars including international chains such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. There are also local companies such as Auto Rentals, Kalloo's, Xtra and many others. It is best to reserve a car in advance. Some companies have 2-day minimum renting period

However, one can rent a car at the airport upon arrival. Some private individuals will rent cars, but this is an illegal practice and could be problematic for insurance coverage.

Previously, rental cars were marked with an “R” as the first letter of their license plate. It is becoming common practice for criminals to target drivers of rental cars since many locals seem to believe that foreigners carry large sums of cash. So more and more car rental firms are now outfitting their cars with "P" in hopes that it would disguise the fact that the car is actually a rental.

Beware of drivers who do not follow the laws of the road. Some may not stop at red lights, and make unannounced turns. If you're only accustomed to right-side driving, strongly consider not driving at all. Drive to stay alive. If you foresee the possibility of unpleasantness, especially one that can turn into a road rage incident, avoid it.

Speed limits are in effect (100 km/h on highways). Many road signs are not highly visible at night due to dust and pollution settling on them, with blue color on highways. Distances are marked in kilometers. It is a fun experience, if you can drive well, to enjoy the roads especially late at night or early morning. Avoid speeding on the main highways in rush hour or around the Queen's Park Savannah at any time. The local police (TTPS) has enforce seatbelt usage and drunk driving laws.

Be careful when parking, especially in Port of Spain and San Fernando. Always park in visible, well-lit areas and always park legally. Lock your vehicle and never leave the keys inside. Do not leave visibly exposed valuables in the car, especially luggage, electronics or jewelry. Car theft, break-ins and the risk of being quickly towed by the “wrecker” can leave you without a car and possible charges by the rental company if you have not opted in to insurance coverage.

Although you will see some drivers doing it, it is against the law to make a left turn on red (equivalent to a right turn on red in left-hand drive countries such as the United States). U-turns are also illegal.

Taxis and Maxi Taxis in particular have been linked to a lot of crashes and traffic deaths. They will often stop without warning to pick up or drop off passengers, make risky maneuvers and generally drive recklessly. While these may illegal, the police don't seem to bother them except for occasional spot checks and road blocks. Police action involving Maxi Taxis and Taxis usually happens when they cause serious traffic problems, in which case, it is not uncommon for the Police and the town or city to relocate the Maxi Taxis.

People will also park their vehicles in the middle of the road where there is no shoulder. Wait until the opposite lane clears, then go around the parked car.

In more populated areas, such as the cities of Port of Spain and San Fernando, watch out for pedestrians, as jaywalking is the norm. Pedestrian crossing traffic signals are few and far between. Additionally, they require people to push the button in most cases. Most people don't bother and just wait for traffic to clear, or run across the road. Be cautious as hitting a pedestrian, jaywalking or not, can land you in more trouble than hitting a car.

Random, unmarked speed bumps on side streets are prevalent. Large potholes are also prevalent. If renting a car it is better to get an SUV which is more rugged to handle the road conditions.

If you are planning to go to the other side of the island (Trinidad), get an early start and allow the entire day with nothing important scheduled for the late afternoon. Although the island is not huge, getting somewhere can take longer than you might think. With the influx of used cars from Asia (locally called "foreign used") cars and the growing economy, more people own cars than ever. Therefore traffic jams are not uncommon, especially when going to Port of Spain.

There are two options for travel between Trinidad and Tobago - by ferry and by air.

Traveling by air will cost TT$400 round trip or TT$200 one way per person. There are twelve flights per day. Flight time is approximately 25 minutes each way. Caribbean Airlines runs the service. All seating is main cabin. There is no first or business class.

There are two types of ferry service: passenger and cargo.

Traveling by passenger ferry costs TT$75 one way and TT$150 return for adults. Children 3-11 are charged TT$50 one way and TT$100 return. These are economy fares. Premium class is double the economy fare. Senior citizens 60 years and over who are Trinidad and Tobago nationals with ID get a discount off economy fare only. Vessels are the T&T spirit, Galleons Passage and APT James. The journey is approximately 3-4 hours.

Travelling by cargo ferry costs TT$37.50 one way and TT$75 return, but the journey is approximately 7 hours. One of the voyages is overnight. The Cabo Star is the vessel used. There is no premium class on the cargo ferry.

Infants 2 years of age and under travel at no cost but must be accompanied by an adult.

Vehicles can be taken aboard the ferry, but this incurs a different charge which varies by size and weight. A return trip for a private car costs TT$146.73 one way or $246.78 return. This does not include the cost of a driver. You are unlikely to be able to take a rental car on the ferry since you need to show vehicle registration documents. Heavier vehicles such as pickup trucks cost more and are charged based on weight.

Only tickets for same day standby travel can be purchased at the ferry terminals in Port of Spain and Scarborough. For advance tickets, you must purchase tickets online; at peak times tickets sell out quickly, particularly for vehicles. For ferry schedules and to purchase tickets, see the Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transportation Company Ltd.