Overview
The home of carnival, calypso, limbo and angostura bitters – Trinidad and Tobago – brings many sensual pleasures to the world. Equally at home with Hindus and Latin Americans as well as Muslims and Christians, the ethnically diverse country offers visitors a cosmopolitan atmosphere, amazing festivals and beautiful scenery. The laid-back, amiable Trinidadians are the social glue that holds all this diversity together. Talking for the sake of talking (liming) is particularly popular here, but other national hobbies – football, cricket, dancing and partying – are also passionately pursued. Surrounded by green, rolling hills, Port of Spain is the largest city in Trinidad, where there are significant oil deposits. Modern skyscrapers tower over bazaars, mosques and cathedrals stand side by side, all part of the boisterous carnival, possibly the biggest party on the planet. Beyond the capital lie volcanoes, the unique natural asphalt lake that refills itself and impressive bird sanctuaries. Tobago, on the other hand, which is 20 miles northeast of Trinidad, is a much wilder island. In this paradise of ecotourism you can explore coral reefs, watch turtles nesting, hike secluded mountain trails and go diving in crystal clear waters. See other countries in North America on areacodesexplorer.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
There are no non-stop flights to Trinidad and Tobago from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The national carrier, Caribbean Airlines (BW), flies non-stop from Toronto and Miami to Port of Spain (Trinidad). In cooperation with American Airlines (AA), Lufthansa (LH) connects Frankfurt/M. via Miami with Port of Spain; the flight to Miami is also offered by United (UA). Feeder flights to Frankfurt/M. from Vienna and Zurich are possible with Lufthansa (LH) or the respective national airline. In the summer months (late June to early September), Condor (DE) flies from Frankfurt/M in cooperation with Caribbean Airlines (BW). via Toronto to Port of Spain. Virgin Atlantic (VS) connects London Gatwick with Tobago once a week via St. Lucia (winter) and Antigua (summer). There are feeder flights to London from Munich, Düsseldorf, Bremen, Vienna and Zurich.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Port of Spain: 18 hours 11 minutes; Vienna – Port of Spain: 20 hrs; Zurich – Port of Spain: 20 hrs 10 mins (Journey times vary depending on length of stopovers.)
Departure fee
The fees of around €12 (TT$100) are usually included in the ticket price. This does not apply to transit passengers and children under the age of 5.
Arrival by car
Tolls: There are currently no toll roads in Trinidad and Tobago. Documents: The national driving license is sufficient for a stay of up to 3 months. An international driving license is valid for 1 year.
Arrival by ship
The main ports of Port of Spain on Trinidad and Scarborough on Tobago are also served by cruise ships.
Cruise ships
Cruise lines such as Phoenix, P&O Cruises and Costa call at Scarborough on their cruises departing from European ports; MSC in Port of Spain.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Caribbean Airlines (BW) connects Trinidad (Port of Spain) non-stop with Tobago (Crown Point) several times a day. Advance booking is recommended during peak season.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network has a total length of almost 10,000 kilometers. In Trinidad, the main north-south and east-west roads connect the larger island towns. Side roads lead to the interior of the island. On Tobago, most of the island is easily accessible. Roads lead both along the coast and through the interior of the island. Tolls: There are currently no toll roads in Trinidad and Tobago. Petrol Stations: Petrol stations are rarely found outside of Port of Spain.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
The main roads are relatively easy to drive on; the secondary roads, especially when it rains, are rather bad. In general, the roads are narrow and winding, and potholes are to be expected. Special caution is required at night, as road users are sometimes without lights or only with a working headlight. In smaller towns there are often children or animals on the road.
Car rental
Car hire is available at the airport, in Port of Spain, Scarborough and many other locations, as well as through hotels. Drivers must be at least 25 years old and have held a driver’s license for at least two years.
Taxi
Taxis can be found at airports and in cities. Taxi prices are posted at the airport; However, it is advisable to agree on the taxi price before you start your journey. Night surcharges are common. There are shared taxis along the main roads, with around 4-5 passengers, which you can hail on the street or get on at the stops in Port of Spain and other major towns. Their license plate begins with the letter H. Furthermore, maxi-taxis (minibuses) operate on fixed routes; they too stop at hand signals along the route.
Bicycle
Bicycles can be hired from various providers in both Trinidad and Tobago. Motorbikes are available at the airport and in the cities.
Coach
The Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) operates bus services on the main islands. In Trinidad, buses run several times a day every 30 to 60 minutes from Port of Spain east via Arima to Sangre Grande and south via San Fernando to Point Fortin. From the bus station in Scarborough, Tobago, buses run to various locations; Information about routes and departure times is available on site.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰; – Seat belts are compulsory in the front seats; – Children under the age of 5 must be carried in the rear seat in suitable restraints; – Helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – extra-urban: 80 km/h.
Documentation
The national driving license is valid for a stay of up to 3 months and the international driving license up to 1 year.
Traveling in the city
Since the bus line network is only small, shared taxis predominate in local public transport; they drive at fixed prices on fixed routes, which are marked by different colors. Shared taxis can be boarded at stops, where they usually only leave when they are fully occupied, or you can stop them on the street. Single occupancy taxis are more expensive and it is a good idea to agree the fare before you travel.
Locally on the way by train
There is no rail transport on the islands.
Traveling by ship
The Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago operates ferry services between the two islands several times a day. The slower car ferry takes about 7 hours for the crossing, the faster catamaran ferry only about 3 hours. NIDCO offers a water taxi service between Port of Spain and San Fernando.
