Country Information

Air Caraïbe (TX) (www.aircaraibes.com) and LIAT (LI) (www.liatairline.com) connect Guadeloupe with the smaller islands in the group. There are domestic airports on the islands of La Désirade and Marie-Galante.

L'Express des Iles (www.express-des-iles.com) provides services from Guadeloupe to Martinique (about three hours) and Dominica (just under three hours) and St Lucia. It is also one of several ferry companies that offer inter-island services between Guadeloupe and the off-islands of Les Saintes, Marie-Galante and Désirade. Travel time is about an hour.

Leave from Pointe à Pitre to go to les Saintes, Marie-Galante and Désirade, from Trois Rivières to go to Les Saintes (Societe Maritime des Iles du Sude), and from Saint François or Saint-Anne to go to Marie-Galante and Désirade (Comatrile). Marie-Galante and Les Saintes are served several times a day.

Roads are generally good on Guadeloupe and vehicles drive on the right. Drivers are skilful but everyone seems to be in a hurry and tailgating is common.

When entering roundabouts, always yield to others and stay to the right until you see your exit. If you have an appointment to keep, allow extra time for slow moving trucks or groups of bicyclists (cycling is a major sport on the island), since many roads are only two lanes.

The Point de la Gabare bridge over the Rivière Salée connects the two main islands of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre.

Bus: There is regular bus service throughout the island. Buses arrive at most areas roughly every 15 minutes. Buses run from 0500 until 1800. There are bus-stop signs and shelters but a wave to the driver from the roadside will usually get you aboard. Buses are inexpensive and can be fun, but might be time consuming because of all the stops.

Taxi: Taxis are available in all the main towns and at the airport when flights are due. Check with the driver for the fare before entering the cab. Fares are 40% higher between 2100 and 0700 daily and on Sundays and holidays.

Car hire: Since Guadeloupe is a large island with many interesting places to visit, renting a car is the best way to get around. Vehicle rentals can be arranged in advance by calling the large, international companies, most of which are based at the international airport. Local car rental companies operate from the airport and other island locations on the island. Most larger hotels offer car rental services to their clients. Traffic rules and signage are the same as in France. Renters must be at least 21 years of age.

Documentation: For stays of 20 days or less, a valid driver's license is needed. For longer stays, an international driver's permit is necessary. Car rental companies will provide drivers with emergency contact information.