ST. LUCIA - GETTING HERE & THERE

Traveling By Air

There are two (2) airports on the island: Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort (UVF) is located 40 miles south of Castries and George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU) which adorns a pleasant coastline on the outskirts Castries. 

For visitors coming from the United States, American Airlines offers a nonstop daily service from Miami, and commencing November 15 2007 will offer a non-stop flight from JFK. US Airways offers two flights every Saturday from Philadelphia and Charlotte. Air Jamaica offers direct flights from New York on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.  Delta now offers daily non-stop service from Atlanta. American Eagle flies daily to and from Puerto Rico into George Charles Airport. During the peak season there may also be additional charters from various destinations.  LIAT Star of The Caribbean offers an extensive service for regional travel and connections to international destinations. Commencing September 5 2007 American Eagle offers a flight between St. Lucia and Barbados on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Traveling By Sea

St. Lucia has long been known as a beautiful and tranquil destination for cruise ships. You can do a lot in St. Lucia on a short visit, but there is so much to do and see that you may have to return for a longer stay! The main seaport is Castries and many cruise ships anchor at Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage. There is an additional deepwater anchorage for cargo and container ships at Vieux Fort in the south near the airport.

Getting Around St. Lucia

Taxis
Taxi Associations operate at the two airports; the cruise ports in Castries and at all the major hotels, tourist spots and shopping malls throughout St. Lucia.

Rental Cars
If you enjoy exploring on your own, or just want to take things in your own time why not rent an automobile. There are a several reputable rental companies on island. Cars, 4-wheel drive vehicles and scooters can be booked in advance through your travel agent or at the airports, hotels or car rental offices on island.  Regular weekly rates range from US$300 to US$400 depending on the type of vehicle. Driving is on the left and the use of seat belts is compulsory. Observe the speed limits and no parking zones.   Visitors to St. Lucia who do not possess an international driving permit must purchase a temporary permit in order to drive in St. Lucia. The permit is good for three months and costs $54 EC or $20 US. Permits can be obtained from the immigration department at either airport or at any police department. You must present your drivers license. They are also available at most major car rental companies. International drivers must have their permit stamped at immigration. There is no charge for this.