Overview
The beautiful islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are an enchanting blend of sun, sea, lush greenery, world-class spa facilities and sheer luxury. The islands have remained uncompromised, allowing visitors to enjoy the laid-back, quiet way of life of the locals, which has survived almost unchanged from modern influences. The exotic island of St. Kitts is more reminiscent of a tropical island paradise typical of the South Pacific than the Caribbean. The atmosphere here is downright luxurious. At the center of the island sits spectacular, cloud-shrouded Mount Liamuiga, an extinct volcano covered by dense jungle. Nevis has been known as the ‘Queen of the Caribbean’ since the 18th century and over the last 100 years the island has grown into one of the most exclusive holiday and spa destinations in the world. See other countries in North America on commit4fitness.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
American Airlines (AA) and KLM (KL) offer flight connections from Frankfurt/M., Vienna and Zurich to St. Kitts and Nevis. Cape Air (9K) connects San Juan (Puerto Rico) with St. Kitts and Nevis daily. Air Sunshine (YI) also flies from San Juan and Fly Montserrat (5M) from Antigua to St. Kitts and Nevis. Seaborne Airlines (BB) and Winair (WM) fly to St Kitts and Nevis from various destinations in the Caribbean.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – St Kitts: 17 hrs 19 mins; Vienna – St Kitts: 18 hrs 30 mins; Zurich – St. Kitts: 18 hrs. (Flight times vary depending on length of stay.)
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
Toll: There are no toll roads. Documentation: The national driver’s license is not sufficient to use a rental car; if you rent the vehicle, you will receive a driving license for the islands for a fee of approx. 20 € for the time of your stay.
Arrival by ship
Basseterre is a deep-sea port that can accommodate ships up to 120 m in length. Cruise ships and ferries dock here.
Cruise ships
Cruises departing from Kiel with AIDA include Basseterre in the program. Cruise ships from shipping lines such as MSC, Phoenix, Cunard, P&O Cruises and Costa also call at Basseterre from European ports.
Transportation
Traveling by car/bus
All places can be reached in a few minutes via the relatively well-developed road network on the islands. Coastal roads lead around both islands.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
The roads are in good condition, but quite narrow and sometimes very winding.
Car rental
Rental cars are available in Basseterre at the airport and in the city, among others, and in Charlestown at the train station and port in Nevis, among others. In order to be able to rent a car, drivers usually have to be at least 25 years old.
Taxi
Taxis have fixed fares on both islands, which can be inquired about before boarding. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., a 50% higher rate applies. Taxi drivers expect a 10% tip.
Coach
Buses from the islands’ private companies provide comfortable and frequent, but not scheduled, services to all localities. Buses can also be stopped on the street away from the bus stops; they can be recognized by their green number plates beginning with the letters H or HA.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰; it is also strictly forbidden to carry alcoholic beverages in the car; – Seatbelt obligation. Speed limits: – urban: 40 km/h (25 mph); – extra-urban: 65 km/h (40 mph).
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 damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
The national driver’s license is not sufficient to use a rental car; if you rent the vehicle, you will receive a driving license for the islands for a fee of approx. 20 € for the time of your stay.
Locally on the way by train
The St. Kitts Scenic Railway Tour offers magnificent island, sea and cliff views for 50 kilometers around St. Kitts. About 30 kilometers of the route will be covered by train, the rest by bus.
Traveling by ship
Both car ferries (journey time: 20 minutes) and smaller passenger ferries (journey time: 30-45 minutes) operate several times a day between Basseterre (St. Kitts) and Charlestown (Nevis).
