# St. Johns Airport Transfer Guide (ANU) 本文件提供中文说明与当前英文指南原文。详细机场内容为英文，并非经过核实的完整中文翻译；请以实时预订流程确认价格、可用性及服务条款。 V.C. Bird Airport to your resort in Antigua: transfer options, how taxi fares are set, late night advice and practical tips for arrivals. **Airport:** ANU **City:** St. Johns **Country:** Antigua and Barbuda **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/anu **Last updated:** 2026-07-25 Prices and transport schedules in this editorial guide are indicative. Confirm current public transport fares with the operator. Current transfer prices, availability and terms are shown in the live booking flow. ## Main Guide ### Quick answer V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) is located on the northeast coast of Antigua, about 7 km from the capital St. Johns. However, most visitors are heading to resorts or villas scattered across the island rather than to St. Johns itself. Depending on your destination, the ride can take anywhere from 15 minutes (St. Johns, Dickenson Bay) to 45 minutes (English Harbour, Jolly Harbour). Taxis and pre-booked transfers are the main options — there is no public bus service from the airport. ### What actually happens after landing ANU has one terminal that handles all flights. After landing, you walk to immigration — lines can be long, especially when multiple flights from the US, UK, and Canada arrive within the same window. Budget 20 to 50 minutes for immigration during peak times. Off-peak, it moves faster. Baggage claim is a single hall with a couple of carousels. Luggage handling is generally reliable but not fast — 15-25 minutes is typical. After customs, you exit into the arrivals hall where you will find a few tour desks, a taxi dispatcher, and people holding signs for resort pickups. The terminal is air-conditioned inside but you step into Caribbean heat the moment you walk out. The pickup area is directly in front of the terminal — compact and manageable. ### Transport options explained honestly **Pre-booked private transfer:** The most common choice for resort visitors. A driver meets you at arrivals with your name, loads luggage, and takes you directly to your accommodation. Prices are fixed at booking. This is especially practical for destinations on the south or west coast (English Harbour, Jolly Harbour) where the drive is 30-45 minutes. **Taxis:** Available outside the terminal, dispatched by a coordinator. Antigua taxis do not use meters — fares are set on a zone basis by the Antigua & Barbuda Transport Board, with government approval, and all ground transport operating at the airport is approved by the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority. The fare sheet is not published online and the airport does not list rates, so ask the dispatcher for the rate to your destination and confirm it before you get in. Prices are per taxi (not per person) for up to 4 passengers, with extra charges for additional people or excess luggage. **Resort shuttles:** Many all-inclusive resorts and larger hotels offer airport transfers, sometimes included in your package. Sandals, Jumby Bay, Curtain Bluff, and others provide this. Check with your resort before arrival — if it is included, there is no reason to arrange anything else. **Rental cars:** Available at the airport from local and international agencies. You need a temporary Antiguan driving licence, which the rental agency arranges for a fee, and driving is on the left. Roads are narrow and sometimes poorly maintained. A rental car is useful for exploring but not necessary for the airport-to-resort transfer. **There is no public bus from the airport.** Local buses exist on the island but do not serve the airport reliably and are not practical with luggage. ### Realistic pricing expectations Antigua taxi fares from the airport are government-regulated: the Antigua & Barbuda Transport Board sets an official zone-based schedule, and licensed drivers should all charge the same rate for the same route. The catch is that the schedule is not published anywhere current. The airport lists no fares, and the copies of the Board's rate sheet circulating online are years out of date. Third-party sites quote wildly different figures for the same journey, which tells you they do not have it either. So rather than print a number that would be a guess dressed up as a rate, here is what actually works: - **Ask the dispatcher** at the taxi coordination point for the official rate to your destination, and confirm it before you get in. That is the current schedule, and it is the only reliable source. - **The fare is per taxi, not per person**, for up to 4 passengers. Extra passengers and excess luggage carry surcharges — ask about those at the same time. - **Distance drives everything.** The north coast (St. John's, Dickenson Bay) is a 15-minute run and the cheapest. The west coast (Jolly Harbour) is 25-30 minutes. The south coast (English Harbour, Half Moon Bay) is 35-45 minutes and the most expensive. - **Pre-booked transfers** are typically similar to or slightly above taxi rates, with the added convenience of guaranteed pickup and online payment. The quote is fixed when you book, so you can compare it against the dispatcher's rate. Tipping taxi drivers is customary in Antigua. ### Late night arrivals ANU receives several evening flights, particularly from the US and UK, with some arriving between 8 PM and midnight. The terminal remains operational for these flights, and taxis are available — the dispatcher coordinates pickups for arriving flights. However, late-night taxi availability can thin out after the last flights, and you may wait longer than during the day. Pre-booking is sensible for any arrival after 8 PM, particularly if your destination is on the far side of the island (a 40-minute drive on dark, unlit roads is not ideal in an unknown taxi). The road from the airport to the south coast passes through areas without street lighting. A pre-booked driver who knows the route is worth the peace of mind. ### Families and luggage Antigua is a family holiday destination, and the airport handles family groups routinely. The main considerations are vehicle size and child seats. Families with children, strollers, beach gear, and multiple bags will likely need a larger vehicle. Standard taxis are sedans or small SUVs. If you have more than 4 people or significant luggage, you may need a minivan — easier to guarantee with a pre-booked transfer. Child seats are not standard in Antiguan taxis. If you need one, request it when pre-booking your transfer and confirm it is available. Some families bring their own travel car seats. ### Where you meet the driver Pre-booked transfer drivers and resort representatives wait in the arrivals hall or just outside the exit with name signs. The area is small enough that finding them is straightforward. For taxis, a dispatcher outside the terminal directs you to the next available car. You tell them your destination, they confirm the fare, and you go. It is an organized system, not a free-for-all. ### Decision helper **Book a private transfer if:** you are heading to the south or west coast (long ride), arriving at night, traveling with kids, or want the simplicity of pre-arranged transport. **Take a taxi if:** you are heading to St. Johns or the nearby north coast, traveling light, and arriving during normal hours. The dispatched taxi system works well. **Use a resort shuttle if:** your resort includes airport transfers. This is the easiest option when available. **Rent a car if:** you plan to explore the island on your own over several days. Not needed just for the airport transfer. ## Summary Arriving in Antigua is the start of an island holiday, and the airport-to-resort transfer is a brief chapter. The island is small enough that nowhere is far, but the absence of public transport from the airport means you need a car, a taxi, or a pre-booked ride. Sorting it before you land means you step off the plane and into vacation mode without delay. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How far is ANU airport from English Harbour?** About 25 km, which takes 35-45 minutes by car depending on road conditions and traffic. **Q: Do Antigua taxis use meters?** No. Fares are set on a zone basis by the Antigua & Barbuda Transport Board, with government approval. The schedule is not published online, so ask the taxi dispatcher for the rate to your destination and confirm it before departing. **Q: What currency should I have for a taxi?** Taxis accept both US dollars and Eastern Caribbean dollars (EC$). US dollars are widely used across Antigua. **Q: Is there Uber in Antigua?** No. Ride-hailing apps do not operate in Antigua as of 2026. Taxis and pre-booked transfers are the options. **Q: Can I share a taxi with other travelers?** The dispatched system assigns taxis individually, but if you meet other travelers heading the same way, sharing is possible and splits the cost. Fares are per taxi, not per person (up to 4 passengers). **Q: How long does immigration take at ANU?** Between 20 and 50 minutes, depending on how many flights have arrived simultaneously. Peak times are mid-afternoon when US and UK flights cluster. **Q: Do I need a visa for Antigua?** Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, and most EU countries do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Check current requirements for your nationality before traveling. **Q: Is it safe to drive in Antigua?** Driving is on the left. Roads are narrow and sometimes in poor condition. Local driving style can be assertive. A rental car works for the confident driver, but for the airport transfer itself, a taxi or pre-booked ride is simpler. **Q: Can I get a transfer to Barbuda from ANU?** Barbuda is reached by a short flight or ferry from Antigua, not by road. You would need to arrange separate transport from ANU to the ferry terminal or domestic flight. **Q: Should I tip the taxi driver?** Tipping is customary and appreciated in Antigua. ## Arriving Late at Night at Antigua Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/anu/late-night Several international flights to Antigua arrive in the evening, particularly from the US East Coast and UK. Some land as late as 10 PM or beyond. Here is what to plan for if you are on one of those flights. ## The airport after dark The terminal stays open for scheduled arrivals. Immigration and customs operate as usual, though the lines may be shorter for late flights since fewer aircraft arrive simultaneously. The arrivals hall has basic lighting and a few desks open. Once you clear customs and exit, the area outside is dimly lit compared to daytime. There are no 24-hour restaurants, lounges, or services at ANU. If your transfer is delayed, waiting options are limited to the arrivals hall. ## Taxi availability at night The taxi dispatcher coordinates pickups for evening flights, so taxis are available for scheduled late arrivals. However, the number of available drivers is smaller than during the day. If your flight is delayed and lands well after the scheduled time, taxi availability becomes less predictable. A nighttime surcharge may apply on top of the standard zone rate. Confirm the fare with the dispatcher before getting in. ## Why pre-booking matters at night Antigua's roads are not well-lit outside of St. Johns and resort areas. The drive from the airport to the south coast (English Harbour, 40 minutes) passes through dark stretches with limited street lighting. Having a driver who knows these roads and is expecting you is worth more at 10 PM than it is at 2 PM. A pre-booked transfer eliminates the variables: the driver tracks your flight, adjusts for delays, and is there when you walk out. You do not need to negotiate, wait for a taxi, or wonder if your destination is too far for the available drivers. ## Road conditions at night Antiguan roads are generally acceptable on main routes but can be rough on secondary roads. Potholes and uneven surfaces are harder to see at night. Animals (goats, dogs) sometimes wander onto roads in rural areas. Driving is on the left, which adds complexity for visitors accustomed to right-hand driving. None of this is dangerous, but it does mean the nighttime drive takes longer and requires a competent driver. This is not the time to rent a car and navigate on your own for the first time. ## If your flight is significantly delayed Flight delays to Antigua happen, particularly for connections through Miami, New York, or London. If your flight arrives well past its scheduled time: - Pre-booked transfer services typically monitor and adjust. Send a message if you can. - Taxis dispatched for the original flight time may have left. The dispatcher can call for more, but it takes time. - Have your resort or accommodation's emergency contact number ready. They may be able to arrange a late pickup. ## Resort transfers at night If your resort provides airport transfers, they typically cover late arrivals as well — but confirm this when booking. Some resorts limit their shuttle service to certain hours. Knowing this in advance prevents a surprise at 11 PM. ## Practical tips for late arrivals - Download offline maps of Antigua before your flight — cell signal at the airport is fine, but you want a backup. - Have accommodation details printed or screenshotted, not just in email. - Carry cash (USD or EC$) for tipping and any incidental costs. - If traveling with children, have everything they need accessible — the transition from plane to car to resort takes longer at night. - Stay in the terminal until your ride is confirmed. The airport area is safe but there is no reason to wait outside in the dark. A late arrival in Antigua is straightforward with one condition: your ground transport is arranged before you land. Handle that, and the rest is just a calm drive through a quiet island to your waiting hotel room. ## Taxi vs Private Transfer at Antigua Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/anu/taxi-vs-transfer Antigua's airport is small and the taxi system is organized, so neither option is complicated. The choice depends on your destination, arrival time, and how much you want handled in advance. ## The taxi experience Outside the terminal, a taxi dispatcher assigns you a car based on your destination. Fares are set on a zone basis by the Antigua & Barbuda Transport Board and posted at the dispatch area — you do not negotiate, and there is no meter. The schedule is not published online, so the dispatch point is where you find the current rate: ask before you get in. The system is orderly and works well during peak hours when multiple flights arrive. Taxi vehicles are typically mid-size sedans or SUVs. Drivers know the island and will get you where you need to go. Most speak English (Antigua's official language). The experience is straightforward and generally pleasant. The limitation is availability. When several flights land close together — common in the mid-afternoon when US and UK routes arrive — taxis fill up. You might wait 10-20 minutes for the next wave. During quieter times, you walk straight to a car. ## The pre-booked transfer experience A driver waits for you specifically, usually inside the arrivals hall with a name sign. Your flight is tracked, the vehicle is assigned, and the fare was paid when you booked. You find your driver, walk to the car, and leave. The main advantage is skipping the queue. When 200 passengers from a London flight are all looking for taxis at the same time, having a dedicated driver saves 15-20 minutes. For destinations on the far side of the island (English Harbour, 40 minutes away), starting your trip without delay is worthwhile. ## Cost comparison The two land close together. A pre-booked transfer typically runs a little above the regulated taxi rate for the same route, and the gap is modest — especially split among a family or group. Since the Transport Board's schedule is not published online, the way to compare is to get your transfer quote before you fly and check it against the dispatcher's rate when you land. For shorter trips (St. John's, Dickenson Bay), the gap narrows further, and the convenience argument weakens since taxis heading north are plentiful. ## When each makes sense **Taxi works well when:** - You are heading to the north coast (St. Johns, Dickenson Bay) — short trip, lots of taxis heading that way - You arrive during a quiet period with few other flights - You are a solo traveler or couple with light luggage - You enjoy the local experience of the dispatch system **Pre-booked transfer works well when:** - You are heading to the south or west coast (longer trip, fewer taxis going that direction) - You arrive on a busy flight alongside hundreds of other passengers - You arrive in the evening or at night when taxi availability drops - You are traveling with family, kids, car seats, or lots of luggage - You want everything sorted before you travel ## The resort shuttle option Before choosing either, check if your resort provides airport transfers. Many all-inclusive properties in Antigua include this. If it is part of your package, skip both the taxi and the private transfer — your ride is already arranged and paid for. ## Verdict Antigua's taxi system is better organized than most Caribbean airports. For short trips to the north coast, a taxi is simple and efficient. For longer trips, late arrivals, or larger groups, a pre-booked transfer earns its small premium. ## Getting from Antigua Airport to Your Resort with Kids **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/anu/family-and-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. ## How Much Does It Cost to Get from Antigua Airport to Your Resort? **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/anu/cost-to-city Antigua is a small island — roughly 14 miles wide and 11 miles long — so no destination is truly far. But since there is no public transport from the airport, you are paying for a taxi or transfer regardless. ## How the taxi fares work Antigua taxi fares from the airport are regulated: the **Antigua & Barbuda Transport Board** sets an official zone-based schedule with government approval, so every licensed driver should charge the same rate for the same route. There is no meter and nothing to negotiate. Rates are **per taxi, not per person**, for up to 4 passengers, with surcharges for extra passengers and excess luggage, and a late-night premium may apply. **The rate is posted at the taxi dispatch area — ask for it there.** That matters more than it sounds. The Transport Board's schedule is not published anywhere current: the airport's own site lists no fares, and the copies of the rate sheet floating around online are years out of date. Travel sites quote figures for the same route that disagree with each other by a factor of two, which is a good sign none of them have the real thing. The dispatcher does. So confirm the fare with the dispatcher before you get in, and ask about the luggage and extra-passenger surcharges at the same time. ## What drives the cost: distance Everything on Antigua is priced off how far across the island you are going. | Destination | Drive from ANU | |---|---| | Jumby Bay ferry dock | 5 min | | St. John's | 15 min | | Dickenson Bay / Runaway Bay | 15 min | | Valley Church / Ffryes Beach | 25 min | | Jolly Harbour | 25-30 min | | Curtain Bluff | 30 min | | Half Moon Bay | 35 min | | English Harbour / Nelson's Dockyard | 40 min | The north coast is cheapest, the south coast most expensive. ## Pre-booked private transfers Private transfer rates are generally in the same range or slightly above taxi fares, and the quote is fixed when you book — so you can hold it up against the dispatcher's rate and decide. The advantage is a confirmed booking, a known vehicle, and payment handled in advance. For destinations far from the airport, or a late arrival, that certainty has real value. ## Resort transfers Many resorts include airport transfers in their packages. This is common at all-inclusive properties like Sandals, Galley Bay, and Curtain Bluff. If your resort offers this, it is effectively free (built into your room rate). Always confirm before arrival, as some resorts only include transfers for certain room categories or package types. ## Rental cars Rental agencies operate at the airport. You need a temporary Antiguan driving licence, which the agency arranges for a fee on top of the rental. For a one-way airport-to-resort trip, renting does not make financial sense — it only pays off if you plan to drive throughout your stay. ## Currency Both US dollars and Eastern Caribbean dollars (EC$) are accepted everywhere, and the EC dollar is pegged to the US dollar — check the current rate before you travel. Taxis quote fares in USD by default. ATMs at the airport dispense EC$, and some also offer USD. ## Tipping Tipping taxi drivers is customary. Pre-booked transfer drivers should be tipped similarly. ## Bottom line Get the fare from the dispatcher before you get in — that is the one number that is actually current. The north coast is cheapest, the south coast most expensive, and no journey on the island is long. If your resort includes transfers, take advantage of it. Otherwise, a taxi or pre-booked transfer both work — the difference between them is more about convenience than cost. ## Published Guide Pages - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/anu - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/anu/late-night - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/anu/taxi-vs-transfer - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/anu/family-and-kids - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/anu/cost-to-city ## Booking and Support Search: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/search?airport=ANU Airport Transfer Portal is a marketplace; local operators fulfil the transfer. Availability depends on the route, travel date and eligible operator. Phone: +44 20 4538 9927 — UK office hours (London local time). WhatsApp: +44 7828 732663 — 24/7 (https://wa.me/447828732663). Terms: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/terms Complaints: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/complaints Published by Airport Transfer Portal (airporttransferportal.com), operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.