Overview
The low-lying, originally volcanic islands of Antigua and Barbuda are part of the Leeward Islands in the north-eastern Caribbean Sea. Not surprisingly, water is a part of everyday life here, including that of visitors. Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbor is the best known of Antigua and Barbuda’s vibrant yachting and sailing scene. In addition to the many water sports activities, the islands also have a rich bird and insect life. Barbuda is a pristine natural habitat for wild deer and exotic birds and is home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. There are also national parks and blowholes to explore, and of course the Devil’s Bridge, a rock formation formed by the crashing of the Atlantic and Caribbean surf. The local population is proud of their history, documenting the liberation from colonial power, slavery and sugar plantations. The importance of Antigua and Barbuda’s independence is reflected in proud city names such as Liberta and Freetown. See other countries in North America on topb2bwebsites.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Condor (DE) flies from Frankfurt/M. once or twice a week non-stop to Antigua; Lufthansa (LH) offers feeder flights from Berlin, Düsseldorf, Munich, Vienna and Geneva, among others, as well as Swiss (LX) from Zurich. British Airways (BA) flies to Antigua from Germany, Austria and Switzerland with a stopover and airport change in London. Feeder flights to London with Lufthansa (LH), Austrian Airlines (OS) and Swiss (LX) are possible.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Antigua: 9 hrs 40 mins (direct flight); Vienna – Antigua: 10 hours 55 minutes, Zurich – Antigua: 10 hours 5 minutes (pure flight time, stay times at stopovers vary).
Departure fee
Approx. €17 on departure. Children under the age of 16 and transit travelers who continue their journey within 24 hours are exempt.
Arrival by ship
The deep-water port of St. John’s is particularly frequented by cruise ships from the USA, Puerto Rico, South America and Europe. Numerous smaller ships go to other Caribbean islands.
Cruise ships
A combined flight-cruise program with a stopover in Antigua is offered by Royal Caribbean, among others. MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard call at Antigua on their Caribbean cruises; MSC also offers cruises from Genoa via Antigua.
Ferry provider
Barbuda Express connects St. John’s (Antigua) to Barbuda six times a week with a high-speed catamaran ferry.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Airplane charter is available.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network is relatively well developed. Caution is advised in traffic because of roaming animals, potholes and sometimes winding roads.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
The roads in Antigua are of rather poor quality. There are only sand roads in Barbuda.
Car rental
Rental cars are available in Antigua and Barbuda from international and local companies including Avis, Budget and Hertz.
Taxi
Uniform tariffs apply to taxis. Nevertheless, travelers should inquire about the price before starting their journey. US dollars are preferred.
Bicycle
Some car rental companies also rent out mopeds and bicycles.
Coach
Bus travel in Antigua is cheap and safe. The buses serve locations throughout the island. All routes run through the two bus stations in St. John’s. There are no posting plans. Barbuda does not have public transport.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: left-hand traffic. Speed limits: – urban: 32 km/h; – extra-urban: 64 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of vehicle damage: Tel. +49 (89) 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (89) 76 76 76.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, you must carry your international driver’s license and a local driver’s license, which are available from rental car companies for US$ 20.
Traveling by ship
Barbuda Express connects St. John’s (Antigua) to Barbuda six times a week with a high-speed catamaran ferry.
