Overview
The Turks and Caicos Islands may be a little-known Caribbean destination, but the tranquil islands have everything you could want for a dream beach vacation: fine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and world-class diving spots. There are also a number of national parks, both land and sea, as well as nature reserves, reserves and places of historical interest that provide a little variety. Despite an increase in tourism, particularly in and around Grace Bay on Providenciales and the modern cruise center on Grand Turk, the rest of the islands have remained largely unspoiled. See other countries in North America on a2zgov.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Lufthansa (LH) connects Frankfurt/M. with Providenciales in cooperation with Air Canada (AC) via Toronto, with American Airlines (AA) via Miami and with United (UA) via Newark. Feeder flights to Frankfurt/M. are possible from Vienna with Lufthansa (LH) or Austrian Airlines (OS). Swiss (LX) flies in cooperation with United (UA) from Zurich via Newark to Providenciales. Swiss (LX) and Austrian Airlines (OS) offer feeder flights from Vienna to Zurich. interCaribbean Airways (JY) connects the Turks and Caicos Islands with the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, among others.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Providenciales: about 32 hours; Vienna – Providenciales: approx. 35 hours; Zurich – Providenciales: approx. 26 hours. Travel times vary depending on the length of stay and the number of stops. On flights to Providenciales, the overnight stops are very long; the duration of the return flights is sometimes much shorter.
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by ship
The main ports are Cockburn Harbor (Southern Caicos), Salt Cay, Grand Turk and Providenciales. Cruise ships call at Grand Turk regularly. It is possible to rent boats and go to the Bahamas or Haiti.
Cruise ships
Cruise operator Costa makes a stopover in Grand Turk on its world voyages departing from Europe. Cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises also call at Grand Turk coming from the USA.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
interCaribbean Airways (JY) and Caicos Express Airways (9Q) serve domestic air traffic. In addition to the major airports at Providenciales and Grand Turk, there are airstrips on Middle Caicos, North Caicos, South Caicos, Parrot Cay, Pine Cay, and Salt Cay.
Traveling by car/bus
The entire road network has a length of approx. 120 km. The main thoroughfare, the Leeward Highway, runs on Providenciales east of downtown and west is the Millennium Highway. On Grand Turk, it is best to use Lighthouse Road to the north of the island and Osborne Road to the south.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
More and more streets are paved. On Providenciales and Grand Turk, the road network is best developed and easy to drive on. In rural areas the roads are rather bad.
Car rental
Car rentals are available at Providenciales Airport and from local companies in Providenciales, Grand Turk, North, Central and South Caicos. The minimum age for drivers is stated by most car rental companies as 25; the maximum age is 70 years.
Taxi
Taxis can be found at most airports. You may have to share a taxi with other passengers. The fare should be agreed before departure.
Bicycle
Scooters, dune buggies and three-wheel roadsters can be rented from various providers. Electric golf carts are primarily used for motorized locomotion on Salt Cay.
Coach
There is no regular bus service on the islands. The often overloaded jitneys that operate there are not recommended.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – seat belts are compulsory; – Alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰. Speed limits: – urban: 32 km/h; – extra-urban: 64 km/h.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, a temporary driver’s license is required, which can be obtained from the rental company for a fee and upon presentation of the driver’s license.
Traveling in the city
The most common means of transportation in the cities are taxis or rental cars. There is no public transport.
Traveling by ship
Caribbean Cruisin’ ferries connect Providenciales to North Caicos several times a day (journey time: 30 minutes) and several times a week to South Caicos (journey time: 90 minutes). There is also a ferry connection between Grand Turk and Salt Cay several times a week (journey time: approx. 1 hour). Boats can be rented on most of the inhabited islands.
