Your Guide to Getting Around Turks and Caicos

Navigating Providenciales is a key part of planning your Turks and Caicos adventure. Here’s your guide to everything you need to know before touching down in Turks and Caicos.

Touching down at Providenciales International Airport, you’ll have a few options on how you plan to get to your accommodations.

1. Pre-arrange a shuttle service with your hotel
2. Hop into one of the taxis waiting at the airport’s designated taxi stand
3. Arrange a rental car
4. Reserve private transportation services

No Ubers, No Problem

Unlike other major cities, Turks and Caicos do not have Uber services on the island. But fear not! Taxis are everywhere and readily available, so you will always find a way to get to and from places on the island.

Taxi Services

So, you land at the airport, and the last thing on your mind is dealing with a rental car. No worries – that’s where taxis come to the rescue.

Once you exit the airport, you’ll spot a taxi stand right by the curb where someone will direct you to the van based on your destination. The ride we took to Seven Stars Resort was about 30 minutes and only cost $30 for me and my husband. Most resorts keep a steady flow of taxis, so getting to your hotel is a breeze. Full disclosure: we were a tad nervous about going car-less, but honestly, it was no issue at all.

Rental Cars for Island Exploration

For those who want to explore all of what Turks and Caicos have to offer, renting a car is the way to go. There’s a bunch of rental agencies scattered around the islands, like Grace Bay Car Rentals,  with a variety of zippy compacts to larger SUVs. Just make sure you have your driver’s license, and get the lowdown on local driving rules (yep, they drive on the other side here!).

Even though we opted not to rent a car on this trip, we heard from others that getting around Turks and Caicos is effortless once you familiarize yourself with the roads.

Cycling and Walking

Turks and Caicos is a haven for walkers and cyclists, especially in Providenciales. Feel free to stroll or pedal your way around town, soaking in the entire experience without venturing too far. Many hotels offer bicycles for rent, giving you the freedom to cruise through the streets and coastal pathways as you please.

If you are staying in Grace Bay, you’ll want to explore a lot of the town by foot and it’s a great walkable area. Be mindful at night as the roads aren’t well-lit and not great for cycling. The furthest we walked at night was from Grace Bay over to Coco Bistro and that was a decent walk.

Top Tips for Getting Around the Island

1. Taxis and Cash: Taxis are a convenient way to navigate the island. While some accept credit cards, having cash is advisable for smaller transactions and tips.
2. Island Time: Embrace the laid-back island pace. While services are reliable, factor in a bit of extra time for transportation arrangements. Especially if you are in a shuttle van that is making multiple stops before you reach your destination.
3. Reserve Ahead: If you have specific transportation needs or are traveling during peak seasons, consider booking services like airport transfers or rental cars in advance.