Getting from Antigua Airport to Your Resort with Kids

Antigua is a popular family holiday destination, and the airport is well-accustomed to families arriving with children, strollers, and plenty of luggage. The process is manageable, but a few things are worth knowing in advance.

Immigration with children

All travelers, including children, need valid passports. If you are traveling with a child who has a different surname, carry a birth certificate or custody documentation — Antiguan immigration occasionally asks. The immigration line can be long (20-50 minutes during peak arrivals), and there is no dedicated family lane. Bring snacks and distractions for younger children.

The baggage and exit process

The terminal is one level with a straightforward layout. Luggage trolleys are available at baggage claim. If you checked a stroller, it either arrives at the carousel or at the aircraft door — ask your airline at check-in. From baggage claim to the exit is a short walk.

Once outside, you are immediately in the Caribbean heat. Have water ready for the kids and move to your vehicle promptly.

Child seats

Antiguan taxis do not routinely carry child seats. This is consistent across the Caribbean. Your options:

• Bring a portable car seat or booster: The safest and most reliable option. Travel-friendly car seats that fold compact are designed exactly for this situation.
• Request one with a pre-booked transfer: Some providers can supply a child seat if requested at booking time. Confirm availability explicitly — do not assume.
• Ask your resort: Some resorts that provide airport transfers can arrange a child seat in their vehicle. Worth asking when you confirm your transfer.

For very short rides (5-10 minutes to Dickenson Bay), some families accept a taxi without a car seat. For the 40-minute ride to English Harbour on winding roads, a proper car seat is more important.

Vehicle size for families

A typical family of four with two suitcases and a stroller fits comfortably in a standard taxi or sedan transfer. Larger families (5+ people) or those with extra gear (beach equipment, pack-n-play, etc.) need a minivan.

When pre-booking, specify:

• Number of adults and children
• Ages of children (for car seat sizing)
• Number and size of bags
• Stroller (yes/no)
• Any extra gear

Getting this right at booking time means the right vehicle shows up. With a taxi, you work with whatever the dispatcher assigns — and if it is too small, you wait for a larger one.

The drive to your resort

Antiguan roads vary in quality. Main routes are paved and reasonable. Secondary roads to some resorts can be narrow and bumpy. Speed limits are low and driving is on the left. The ride is not stressful, but it is not highway-smooth either.

Most resorts on the north coast are 15-20 minutes from the airport. West coast destinations (Jolly Harbour) take 25-30 minutes. South coast (English Harbour) takes 35-45 minutes. For longer rides, ensure you have entertainment and snacks for the children.

Tips for families arriving in Antigua

• Apply sunscreen before exiting the terminal — the walk to the car is under the Caribbean sun.
• Have accommodation details accessible on your phone in case the driver needs the exact address.
• If your resort includes transfers, confirm whether they provide car seats when you book your stay.
• The airport has basic restrooms but no baby changing rooms. Handle changes before exiting customs if possible.
• Carry EC$ or USD cash for tipping and any incidentals.

Antigua is a welcoming island for families. The airport transfer is a brief part of your trip — handle the car seat and vehicle size in advance, and the rest takes care of itself.