Tobago Transportation

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You won’t get lost using this small International Airport located at Crown Point on the south end of Tobago. Its not hard to figure out and there are FEW conveniences to be had here. There’s not an over abundance of shops to pick up last minute gifts or snacks so don’t depend on the airport as a last chance for last minute shopping or a good meal if you’re hungry.

Crown Point is seemingly serviced well enough and there are daily flights to and from Port of Spain and Tobago with Caribbean Airlines.
Another regional carrier, LIAT also has daily flights in and out to various islands such as Grenada and Barbados.
Tobago is also serviced by carriers out of the UK and Frankfurt ad Crown Point is the destination airport for these flights.

A word of caution, given the small size of the airport, the ticketing and check in area of the airport is kind of small and likely has the potential to jam up easily when any of the Euro flights are preparing. ARRIVE EARLY!!

As it was, my outbound flight co-incided with one of these flights but because I had arrived early I avoided having to suffer any major line ups

The arrivals area is also small and when I arrived on a flight from Barbados we were the only people that they were processing and so it was a fairly fast exit from baggage pick up and Customs, but again, if arriving on a large aircraft be prepared for some waiting. I wouldn’t imagine it would be a fast process given the number of Customs stations and the confined space.

There was good availability of taxis waiting for our inbound flight and there is signage indicating fixed rates for different communities throughout Tobago. I whisked myself out of there as soon as possible and I didn’t wander around at all.

The link that I’ll provide below is I think the official website for the airport but seemingly is primarily a vehicle for advertisement.

Tobago is a small island. Depending on how long you want to spend in any particular place, you can easily circumnavigate the island in a day. You can stretch it do two days if you want to be leisurely or make some excursions.

When you arrive, you will no doubt see how many rental car companies there are. In all my travels, I am having a hard time thinking where else I have see as many for such a small town.

Rates will be relatively reasonable and standard between all companies. Some offer free pick-up and delivery in the Crown Point area. Based on reputation, some have better track records for quality cars and less unwarranted disputes for scratches/dents.

Sheppy's is an agency that has a good reputation. Asking other travelers and locals, I found no reason not to rent from them. Rates start about $45 USD per day (~ $280 TT).
51 Store Bay Local Road, Crown Point

[I was warned to stay away from "Lady In Red" rental]

Trinidad Express, now operated by Caribbean Airlines as the "Air Bridge", offers $300TT tickets one-way between Port of Spain and Crown Point (Tobago). Tickets are valid for one year with no penalty of changing dates. Therefore many people do not adjust their tickets or simply buy them for an arbitrary date and then use them at their convenience. To this end, often times the flights appear to be sold-out, but in reality space is almost always available. Using the internet and calling the airline office, I unsuccessful tried to book tickets several times.

However for both myself, mother and friends, we have not once had to wait more than one flight by using the stand-by line. Alternatively, if you wait for the ferry on a stand-by list, your odds are less and you will have fewer options if not successful.

Flights are approximately once every hour and a half. Flights are everyday of the week.

Alternatively, you can take the ferry:
www.tntisland.com/ferry.html
Port Authority for Tobago ferry (7:30-4:00 M/F) not for ticket sales
PoS - 868 625-4906
Scarborough - 868 639-2417
Check the website for schedule and confirm foot notes for if vessels are in dry dock for servicing.

2 kinds of buses that go round the island - Maxi Taxis, that stop for you at the side of the road, you get on, pay and go - easy peasy.

Island buses that stop for you at the side of the road, let you on, and then you find out you need a ticket before getting on the bus and bus doesn't have them on board. Beware.

Alternatively, stick your thumb out, as you travel round the island you'll see that this is one of the main ways of getting about for most people, on Trinidad as well, but Tobago be a bit safer for all ye tourist types.

Alternatimertilaverly, you can rent a banger from various places in Scarborough, you may end up with a jollopy, but they generally go and the garages are pretty flexible.

There are 2 ships which operates between Trinidad & Tobago. It leaves to from the main Port of Trinidad (Port of Spain) to Tobago (Scarbourough).
1. MV sonia - which takes 4:30hrs the economy ticket is around TT$25, Tourist class-TT$30, Cabin class - TT$80.
2. Linx or CAT - which is a fast catamaran boat, takes around 2:30hrs and has only economy class, cost around TT$25.

In both Port of Spain & Scarborough there are ticket counters inside the port. If you want to transport your vechicle, you have to be there by 3hrs before departure of the boat else 2hrs. All the ticket counter closess 2 hrs before, its always good in advance. The ship/boat timings vary depends on the working day & publish holiday and even depends on the crowd.