Getting to Antigua: Flights, Arrival and Getting Around

Antigua is one of the easier Caribbean islands to reach. Its international airport receives flights from several major markets, and most resorts and villas are within a manageable drive. A little planning around arrival and transport keeps the first day simple. Getting to Antigua is easier than for many Caribbean islands.

Getting to Antigua by air

V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU) is on the northeast of the island, near the capital, St John’s. It is served by scheduled flights from North America, the United Kingdom and other Caribbean islands, with routes and frequencies that vary by season. Check current schedules with airlines, and compare direct options with connections through regional hubs.

Airlines serving V.C. Bird International

The tourism authority’s Getting Here page lists American Airlines, Delta, United and JetBlue from the United States; British Airways, Condor and Virgin Atlantic from the United Kingdom and Europe; Air Canada Rouge, Sunwing and WestJet from Canada; and LIAT Air, Caribbean Airlines, interCaribbean, Winair, Sunrise Airways and Sky High within the Caribbean. The airport’s airlines page, as published in September 2026, directs travellers to each airline’s website for schedules, so treat both as a starting point, not a timetable.

Before you fly, complete the electronic immigration and customs form at ArriveAntigua.com, which the airport says can be filed within 72 hours of the scheduled flight; it produces a QR code and needs no app. Cash above US$10,000 must be declared to Customs.

On arrival

Confirm your transfer before you land. Resorts and villas commonly arrange airport pickups, and taxis are available outside arrivals. Agree the fare and currency before setting off; US dollars are widely accepted, but prices may be quoted in East Caribbean dollars.

Getting around

• Taxis: convenient for short trips and evenings out. Ask your hotel or host for a trusted driver.
• Rental cars: useful for exploring beaches and English Harbour. Driving is on the left, roads can be narrow and potholed, and signage is limited in places. Check what documents and local permits the rental company requires.
• Private drivers and tours: a relaxed way to see the island in a day.

Distances are short, but journeys can take longer than expected. English Harbour, on the south coast, is the farthest major area from the airport.

Airport taxis and the temporary driving permit

The airport states that the United Taxi Company serves passengers daily and that drivers must be uniformed with a badge displayed in the front window; no fare table is published, so confirm the fare before travel.

Renting a car requires a temporary driver’s licence. The Royal Police Force lists the requirements as an original valid driving licence, a local address and a fee of EC$50 or US$20, as published in September 2026; ask the rental company whether it issues the permit at the counter. Driving is on the left. For where each base sits relative to the airport, read where to stay in Antigua, and for the weeks when roads around St John’s are busiest, the best time to visit Antigua.

Reaching Jumby Bay Island

Jumby Bay Island, a private island off Antigua’s north coast, is reached by boat. The resort operator describes the crossing as taking less than ten minutes, and guests are typically met at the airport and taken to the island’s dock. Read our guide to Jumby Bay Island.

Barbuda and other islands

Barbuda is reached by ferry or small aircraft from Antigua. Day trips to smaller offshore islands are usually by boat tour. The Barbuda Express, operated by Sea Bridge Ferries, leaves from the ferry dock at the bottom of High Street in St John’s, takes about 90 minutes each way, sails daily according to the operator’s September 2026 site with adult one-way fares from US$65, and captains may cancel in poor weather.

Driving tips

• Visitors need a temporary local driving permit as well as their licence; rental companies usually arrange it.
• Drive on the left and take roundabouts slowly.
• Watch for potholes, speed bumps, pedestrians and animals, especially after dark.
• Download an offline map, as signage and street names can be limited.

Planning your arrival time

Many international flights land in the afternoon or evening. If you arrive late, pre-arrange your transfer, ask your host about groceries for the first night, and avoid driving unfamiliar roads in the dark. Confirm check-in instructions, gate codes and a local contact number before you fly.

Practical tips

• Check entry requirements for your nationality before travel.
• Allow extra time for immigration at busy arrival times.
• Book rental cars early in high season.
• Carry some cash for taxis and beach bars.

Getting to Antigua is easy; getting around takes a little more planning. For help choosing a base, read where to stay in Antigua.