Hailing a taxi is an easy way to travel around the island, but nothing compares to hopping on a city bus.
One of the best public transport networks in the Caribbean is located in Barbados. Public transit has its advantages, with modern, electric government-run buses, always entertaining private buses and minivans, and a B$3.50 price tag.
Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.Buses can take you everywhere if you walk a little. Taxis go anywhere the buses don't if you're going off the beaten path.
The buses of the Transport Board are painted in the national colors of blue and yellow and are the main mode of transportation in the area.
Outside the city terminals, these buses only stop at designated stops, which are marked "to city" and "out of city" to prevent hapless visitors from going in the wrong direction. You can pay with cash or check the website for the timetable.
For comfort, swap for minibuses. These smaller private buses are painted with the same color scheme as the blue government buses, but are not for the faint hearted.
It's not necessary to change the schedule of the yellow buses because they run on demand. Outside the downtown area, many are equipped with impressive sound systems that add an island soundtrack to the beautiful scenery.
There are a lot of things to do in the country.
Privately run ZR vans are a cheap, convenient and fun way to travel around the island.
Running on 11 short-to-medium routes across the island, these mainstays of the Barbadian transport system are usually slightly damaged Toyota Hiaces or Nissan Urvans, which can be easily identified by the maroon stripe on an otherwise white paint job.
During peak hours before and after work, the vans can get crowded, and while there are technically passenger limits, they aren't always followed.
The ZR vans are more frequent than buses and can be hailed in Bridgetown and Speightstown. Change is not required, but small denominations are appreciated. You have to call the bus stop before you get to your destination.
The best place to stay up to date on the hottest music on the island is via the speakers of the ZRs. There is a seat at the back of the club. Don't use the folding seats behind the driver. You will get up every time a passenger hops on or off the ride.
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Taxis are the most comfortable way to get around in the island. They are identifiable by their blue license plates that start with Z and have a taxi light on the roof, as well as minivan taxis with ZM plates that are a good option for larger groups. A few house drivers hang out at larger hotels and resorts.
Even though there are no meters, it is a good idea to check the price before you go. Heading into town from the beaches of the southwest costs B$40, and a short trip across Bridgetown starts at B$10.
The BeepBus journey-planner app has route information for all three types of bus services, as well as timetable for Transport Board buses and live bus tracking on some ZR lines.
The pickUp Barbados app connects passengers with taxi drivers across the island. You can get a fare estimate before you book.
With the introduction of the Transport Board's new wheelchair-friendly electric buses, public transport on the island is more accessible for people with reduced mobility. The yellow minibuses are still a challenge. You can find more information on accessible travel on the Barbados Council for the Disabled website.
The article was first published in February of this year.
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