Transport

…n.

Roads crisscross the archipelago, connecting must-see sites such as the Soufrière volcano, Pointe des Châteaux, and the Cousteau Reserve. However, getting around Guadeloupe requires careful planning, as options vary depending on the island and travelers' needs. This guide provides an overview of available transportation options, their costs, distances, and practical tips for a smooth trip.

How to get around Guadeloupe without a car ?

1. Ground transportation : Explore the main islands

Car rental : The choice of freedom

The car is undoubtedly the best way to discover Guadeloupe in all its splendor. With a network of over 2,000 kilometers of roads, you can easily reach iconic sites such as Pointe des Châteaux, La Soufrière, and the Cousteau Reserve. Car rental is very affordable, with local and international agencies offering competitive prices. For an economy car, you should budget between $30 and $50 per day, an option that guarantees freedom and flexibility. The distances between the main points of interest are relatively short. For example, from Pointe-à-Pitre, you can reach Sainte-Anne in just 30 minutes, covering a distance of 22 km, or Basse-Terre in just over an hour. However, some roads, particularly in the mountains, can be winding. A suitable car is therefore recommended if you are planning excursions to more remote areas.

Buses : an affordable way to immerse yourself in local culture

The Karu’lis bus network mainly covers Grande-Terre and parts of Basse-Terre. This mode of public transport is an economical solution, ideal for travelers who have time and want to experience the local way of life. Fares average €1.20, and the main routes connect cities such as Pointe-à-Pitre, Sainte-Anne, and Saint-François. However, it should be noted that schedules are limited. Buses generally run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, with reduced frequencies on weekends. This can be a problem for evening travel or for visiting more remote locations. It is advisable to consult the Karu'lis app to plan your trips and purchase your tickets.

Shared taxis : authenticity on every journey

Shared taxis, also known as "bush taxis," are minibuses that run between major cities. They operate on a simple principle: they only leave when the vehicle is full. This mode of transportation, although irregular, offers an authentic and friendly experience. Drivers are often informal ambassadors of local culture, ready to share anecdotes or advice on places to visit. Fares vary between €2 and €5 depending on the distance. However, it is important to note that these shared taxis mainly operate during the day and become scarce in the evening. Nevertheless, they remain an attractive option for short journeys or for exploring areas that are less accessible by bus.

2. Ferries : a gateway to neighboring islands

Ferries are the main means of transport for exploring the islands surrounding Guadeloupe, such as Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, and La Désirade. Several shipping companies, including Express des Îles and Valferry, provide regular services. The journeys are quick and pleasant, with frequent departures from Pointe-à-Pitre or Trois-Rivières.

It takes about an hour to reach Marie-Galante from Pointe-à-Pitre, while it takes 30 minutes to reach Les Saintes from Trois-Rivières. La Désirade can be reached in 45 minutes from Saint-François. One-way tickets cost an average of between $20 and $25. For those wishing to extend their stay to other Caribbean destinations such as Martinique or Dominica, inter-island connections are also available. Always book your tickets in advance, especially during high season, to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

List of maritime connections :

• L'Express des Îles : This shipping company, a leader in the West Indies for over 35 years, serves several Caribbean destinations. It offers regular rotations between Guadeloupe, Martinique, Dominica, and Saint Lucia. Round-trip fares start at €99 with one piece of luggage included. For example, the crossing between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Fort-de-France (Martinique) takes approximately 3 hours without stops.

• Valferry : This company operates routes between Guadeloupe and Martinique, with possible stops in Marie-Galante and Les Saintes. Schedules and fares vary depending on the season and destination.

Air travel : fast and convenient

For longer journeys, such as traveling to another Caribbean island, flying is a fast and efficient option. Airlines such as Air Antilles and LIAT offer regular flights to nearby destinations such as Saint Martin, Dominica, and Saint Lucia. Flight times are short, often less than an hour, making this an ideal solution for regional getaways.

For international arrivals and departures, Maryse Condé Airport in Les Abymes is the main gateway to Guadeloupe. It serves many destinations, including Paris, Miami, Montreal, and several European cities, thanks to airlines such as Air France, Corsair, and Air Caraïbes.

List of flight connections :

• Air Antilles : Based in Guadeloupe, this regional airline offers daily flights to several Caribbean islands, including Martinique, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, Dominica, and Saint Lucia. Fares and schedules vary depending on the destination and time of year.
• LIAT (Leeward Islands Air Transport) : Although the company has faced economic difficulties in recent years, it remains a key player in intra-Caribbean air travel. LIAT connects Guadeloupe to destinations such as Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. These short flights, often less than an hour long, enable quick connections within the region.
• Air Caraïbes : In addition to its international routes, Air Caraïbes offers regional flights connecting Guadeloupe to Martinique and Saint Martin. These flights are particularly popular for their punctuality and service.

Examples of intra-Caribbean flights :

• Pointe-à-Pitre ↔ Fort-de-France (Martinique) : Approximately 45 minutes flight time with fares starting at $80 one way.
• Pointe-à-Pitre ↔ Saint Martin (Juliana) : Approximately 1 hour flight time, average fare $100 one way.
• Pointe-à-Pitre ↔ Saint Lucia : Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, with direct flights or flights with stopovers.

Maritime connections (continued) :

• Short trips to neighboring islands : Ferries operated by companies such as Valferry and Express des Îles provide regular services, ideal for day trips or short breaks. For example:

1. Guadeloupe ↔ Dominica : Approximately 2 hours from Pointe-à-Pitre, with fares around €60 one way.
2. Guadeloupe ↔ Saint Lucia : Approximately 4 hours, including stopovers, average fare €90 one way.

• Combined trips : Some companies offer packages combining sea transport and accommodation, allowing visitors to discover several islands in a single trip.

Guadeloupe's strategic role in the Caribbean :

Guadeloupe plays a central role in economic, tourist, and cultural exchanges in the Lesser Antilles thanks to its modern infrastructure, such as Maryse Condé International Airport and its well-developed ports. A true logistics and tourism hub, the archipelago facilitates intra-Caribbean travel, allowing travelers to explore the region's rich cultural and natural diversity. These connections, whether by sea or air, open up numerous possibilities for discovering neighboring islands such as Martinique, Dominica, and Saint Lucia.

To take full advantage of these connections, it is advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season between December and April, when demand is high. It is also important to check the administrative requirements, as some destinations require a passport or specific visas, even within the Caribbean region. Finally, weather conditions, particularly during the hurricane season from June to November, can cause delays or cancellations. With careful planning, these connections offer a total immersion in the diverse cultures and enchanting landscapes of the Caribbean.

Guadeloupe's international connections : A Caribbean crossroads open to the world

Thanks to its main airport, Maryse Condé, located in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe is well connected to major European, North American, and Caribbean cities.

Guadeloupe, thanks to its strategic location in the heart of the Caribbean, benefits from diverse international connections, making it easily accessible from Europe, North America, and other Caribbean islands. The Pôle Caraïbes airport, located in Les Abymes near Pointe-à-Pitre, is the main gateway to the archipelago. It welcomes more than 2 million passengers each year and offers direct flights to several international destinations.

• From Europe : Daily flights connect Guadeloupe to major French cities such as Paris (Orly and Charles-de-Gaulle), Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux. These routes are operated by airlines such as Air France, Corsair, Air Caraïbes, and Level, with flight times of approximately 8 hours from Paris.
• From North America : Air Canada and American Airlines offer direct flights from Montreal and Miami, strengthening connections with the North American continent. These flights, which take 4 to 6 hours, make Guadeloupe a popular destination for Canadians and Americans.
• In the Caribbean region : Connections with neighboring islands are essential for regional dynamism. The Express des Îles ferries allow you to reach Martinique, Dominica, and Saint Lucia in just a few hours. In addition, regional flights operated by Air Antilles and LIAT connect Guadeloupe to Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Connections between Guadeloupe and its Caribbean neighbors, particularly Martinique, are limited to specific destinations in the region. Maritime and air services are primarily designed for routes connecting the main islands such as Martinique, Dominica, and occasionally Saint Lucia. However, these options do not cover all Caribbean islands, and travelers wishing to visit less-served destinations will often have to make stopovers. These connections remain essential for exploring the cultural and natural diversity of the Lesser Antilles, but it is advisable to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid inconveniences related to limited frequencies or weather conditions.

### 3. Our practical tips for optimal mobility

To fully enjoy your stay, it is essential to be well organized. If you decide to rent a car, make a reservation in advance, especially during the high season, and check the insurance conditions. If you opt for buses or ferries, it is recommended to check the schedules to avoid long queues. Finally, be flexible: Guadeloupe, with its relaxed pace and unexpected surprises, encourages you to let go and enjoy every moment. With these various transportation options, you have all the information you need to discover the wonders of the archipelago. Each mode of transportation, whether it's a car for its freedom, a bus for its economy, or ferries for a maritime adventure, guarantees you a unique and unforgettable experience.