Duration: at least one week
Budget: $ 45- 75 per day
When I first visited Trinidad, I had one thing on my mind—freedom. I wanted the flexibility to explore every hidden corner of the island at my own pace. If you’re like me, someone who loves to stop for every scenic view, charming little village, or quiet riverbank you stumble across, driving yourself in Trinidad is the way to go. It’s an adventure, and yes, it might be a bit intimidating at first, but trust me—it’s totally worth it.
Here’s everything you need to know about driving in Trinidad, from practical tips to personal insights.
Port of Spain has a special place in my heart, not just because it’s full of life and culture but because it feels like home in a way no other city does—my boyfriend lives here. Walking its streets, I’m struck by the city’s rhythm, from the hum of street vendors selling doubles to the music that spills out of passing cars. The blend of vibrant neighborhoods, lively markets, and quiet moments at the Queen’s Park Savannah gives the city a personality that feels alive and authentic.
Why Drive Yourself in Trinidad?
I quickly learned that Trinidad isn’t your typical tourist destination. Organized tours are limited, and public transport won’t get you to some of the most beautiful spots on the island. Sure, there are taxis and TT Rideshare (Trinidad’s version of Uber), but they mainly operate around Port of Spain and can be unreliable in the evenings or in more remote areas.
Driving yourself is a game-changer here, and here’s why:
- Total Freedom: Want to pull over at a breathtaking coastal viewpoint or a roadside vendor selling juicy mangoes? No problem.
- Perfect for Day Trips: Trinidad is full of incredible places—beaches, mountains, waterfalls—and having a car lets you plan multiple stops without worrying about taxi fares adding up.
Cost-Effective: Speaking of fares, taxi rides to popular spots like Maracas Bay, Paria Waterfalls, or the La Brea Pitch Lake can get expensive fast. Renting a car will save you money if you’re planning to explore a lot.
Is Driving in Trinidad Really That Scary?
I know what you’re probably thinking: “Driving on the left side of the road? On an island? No thanks!” I get it. As someone used to driving on the right-hand side, I was a bit nervous too. But after a few days, I found Trinidad to be one of the easiest Caribbean islands to drive in.
Here’s why:
- Good Roads: Trinidad is one of the world’s biggest asphalt producers, so the main roads are in pretty good shape. Sure, there are a few potholes here and there, but it’s nothing compared to places like Jamaica.
- Friendly Drivers: Trinidadians are surprisingly chill on the road. I didn’t encounter any aggressive drivers or road rage. Most people follow what I call the “upping principle”—they’ll let you merge and give you the right of way without a fuss.
Tips for First-Time Drivers in Trinidad
If you’re new to driving on the left, don’t worry. Here are a few tricks that helped me get comfortable behind the wheel:
- Set Your Mind to It: Confidence is key. It might feel awkward at first, but you’ll adjust. I used every taxi ride to mentally follow along with the driver—thinking about which lane I’d turn into or when I’d need to give way.
- Start in Easy Areas: Skip the busy city streets on your first day. I recommend starting in a quiet suburb or on the highway to build your confidence. Once you’re comfortable, you can tackle narrow mountain roads and the bustling streets of Port of Spain.
- Drive During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid the morning and evening rush hours. Driving mid-morning or early afternoon is a lot more relaxed.
Bring a Passenger: Having a co-pilot is incredibly helpful. They can guide you, help with navigation, and keep you centered in your lane. My boyfriend was a lifesaver on my first few drives!
How to Rent a Car in Trinidad
Renting a car in Trinidad is straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- License Requirements: If you have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you can drive in Trinidad for up to (insert number of days) without any issues.
- Rental Locations: Most rental companies operate out of Piarco International Airport. You’ll find big names like Hertz and Budget, but I recommend checking out local options like Kalloo Caribbean. Local companies often have better rates, and supporting small businesses helps the community.
- Insurance: Don’t skip insurance! Some credit cards, like the American Express Gold, offer rental car coverage, but double-check to be safe.
- Test Drive: I always like to take my rental car for a spin around the airport area before heading out. A quick drive to nearby Trinity Mall helped me get used to the car and driving on the left.
- Return Process: Returning the car is easy. Most rental agencies have a 24-hour drop-off desk at the airport, so you can leave your keys even if you have an early flight.
My Favorite Driving Routes in Trinidad
Driving in Trinidad isn’t just practical—it’s downright magical. Here are a few routes that made me fall in love with the island:
- Port of Spain to Maracas Bay: This coastal drive is spectacular. You’ll pass lookout points with panoramic views of the ocean and can stop for bake and shark at Maracas Bay.
- North Coast Road: Continue past Maracas to discover more secluded beaches like Las Cuevas and Blanchisseuse.
- San Fernando to La Brea Pitch Lake: If you’re into geology, this route takes you to the world’s largest natural asphalt lake.
- Central Trinidad: Visit the Temple in the Sea and the Caroni Bird Sanctuary for a mix of culture and wildlife.
- Mountain Drives: For nature lovers, head to the Paria Waterfalls or the Asa Wright Nature Centre. The views along the way are stunning, but the roads can be narrow—so take your time.
A Few Safety Tips
- Drive defensively, especially on rural roads where wildlife may appear unexpectedly.
- Avoid driving at night in areas with poor street lighting.
- Keep TT Rideshare or a local taxi number handy in case of emergencies.
Practical Travel Tips for Trinidad
Language: English
Currency: TT Dollar
Public Transport in Trinidad & Tobago
Public transport in Trinidad and is fairly reliable, safe, and easy to use (you just might need time). The main form of public transportation is the maxi taxi or minibus which are basically large vans that can fit between 8-12 people. Taxis are also available for hire from most major cities and airports. TT rideshare is the Trini version of Uber and works great! Loved it!
Tobago is a different story, especially as you venture away from Scarborough. TT Rideshare does not work in Tobago and so you’ll have to rely on taxis, buses (which run quite infrequent) and rides you catch with locals.
Best time to travel Trinidad & Tobago
The best time to visit is between December and May when the weather is dry and somewhat cool. This makes it the perfect time for beach trips and outdoor activities like hiking.
The two islands also have their own unique festivals. In Trinidad, the annual Trinidad Carnival is a must-see event that takes place in February and lasts for several days with parades, music, dancing, and lots of fun.
Trinidad and Tobago are outside of the hurrican belt. Therefore you do not have to fear hurricanes though the rain can get super heavy during the rain season which last from June to October.
Are Trinidad & Tobago safe?
It is generally safe to travel Trinidad and Tobago and we always felt very well looked out for. While the capital city of Port of Spain has become somewhat more notorious, we could fully enjoy the city with certain precautions taken in any capital in the region.
Internet & Phone
Internet and phone service is available in the major cities and on most of the countryside. You can purchase SIM cards for your cell phone to use with local carriers such as Digicel or Bmobile. The wifi speeds are decent, although they tend to be slower in more rural areas.
Tap water in Trinidad & Tobago
Tap water in Trinidad and Tobago is generally safe to drink, but it may come out of the tap hot or with an unpleasant taste. I still always fell better to use my water filter just to be sure.
Transport between Trinidad and Tobago
The most convenient and fastest way to get between Trinidad and Tobago is the inter-island ferry. It takes around 2 hours and there are several departure times a day. The ferry typically costs around $ US 70 each way, although prices can vary depending on time of year and day of the week. Alternatively, you can fly between the two islands with Caribbean Airlines or a few other smaller regional airlines.
Biggest challenges for the responsible traveler
Trash. Street food almost always comes wrapped in aluminum foil, and many restaurants serve it in to-go boxes. Luckily enough, a foldable food container will go a long way.
Generally speaking, responsible tourism practices are not (yet) prevalent in Trinidad or Tobago. Therefore, wear eco-friendly sunscreen when visiting waterfalls and the beach.
Sunscreen: Protect Marine life and wear reef-friendly sunscreen!
Sunscreen: Protect Trinidads coast by using reef-friendly sunscreen.
Packing List Caribbean
Are you getting ready to travel to Trinidad and Tobago? Check out my packing list to come prepared. You’ll find anything from cloths to useful travel gadgets and eco friendly travel products!
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