Piarco International Airport Transfer Guide – Port of Spain

Piarco International Airport (POS) is located about 27 km east of Port of Spain, in the town of Piarco. The drive takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. There is no train or direct bus from the airport. Your main options are a pre-booked private transfer, an airport taxi from the official counter, or a maxi-taxi (shared minibus) from a stop outside the airport. A taxi to Port of Spain costs approximately TTD 350–500 ($50–$75 USD). A pre-booked transfer runs $55–$100 USD depending on the vehicle.

Piarco is a modern terminal by Caribbean standards. Immigration for international arrivals can be slow during peak hours — especially when flights from New York, Miami, Toronto, and London arrive in clusters. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready, as immigration officers sometimes ask for them.

Baggage claim is straightforward with multiple belts. Customs uses a red/green channel system. Once through, you exit into a spacious arrivals hall with currency exchange counters, ATMs, and car rental desks. The exit leads to the pickup area where taxis and transfer drivers wait.

Pre-booked private transfer — a driver waits in the arrivals hall or just outside with your name on a sign. Vehicle, price, and route are confirmed before you land. This is the smoothest option, especially if you are arriving late or heading outside Port of Spain.

Maxi-taxi (shared minibus) — these are the cheapest option but not designed for airport arrivals. The nearest maxi-taxi route runs from the highway, not from the terminal itself. You would need to walk or get to the main road, which is impractical with luggage. Experienced locals use them; first-time visitors generally should not.

Rental car — several agencies have desks in the arrivals hall (Hertz, Avis, local operators). Driving in Trinidad is on the left side of the road. Traffic between Piarco and Port of Spain can be heavy, especially on the Priority Bus Route and Churchill-Roosevelt Highway.

Ride-hailing apps — as of 2026, there is no widely established Uber or Lyft service in Trinidad. Some local apps exist but coverage is inconsistent.

Official taxi to Port of Spain: TTD 350–500 ($50–$75 USD). To St. Augustine or Tunapuna (closer): TTD 150–250 ($22–$37 USD). To Chaguanas: TTD 250–350 ($37–$52 USD). To San Fernando (south Trinidad): TTD 600–900 ($90–$135 USD).

Pre-booked private transfer to Port of Spain: $55–$100 USD for a sedan, $80–$130 USD for an SUV.

Maxi-taxi (if you can catch one): TTD 10–20 ($1.50–$3 USD) per person — but again, not practical from the airport with luggage.

Prices are quoted in Trinidad and Tobago Dollars (TTD). As of 2026, 1 USD is approximately 6.7 TTD.

Several flights from North America arrive at Piarco between 9 PM and midnight. The terminal stays open for these flights and the taxi stand operates. However, the number of available drivers drops after 10 PM, and maxi-taxis do not run at night. The highway to Port of Spain is well-paved and reasonably lit, but traffic is minimal, meaning drivers sometimes move faster than they should. A pre-booked transfer with a vetted driver is the safest and most comfortable option for late arrivals.

Piarco has luggage trolleys available in baggage claim. The terminal is air-conditioned and reasonably comfortable for waiting with children. For families, the main challenge is vehicle size — standard taxis are sedans that struggle with more than two large suitcases. If you have a family of four with full luggage, request an SUV or minivan through a pre-booked transfer. Child car seats are not standard in Trinidad taxis; bring your own if needed.

Pre-booked transfer drivers typically wait inside the arrivals hall near the exit, holding a sign. Some wait just outside in the covered pickup area. The taxi stand is immediately outside the arrivals doors — you cannot miss it. If your driver is not visible, use the airport Wi-Fi (available and free) to contact them. The arrivals hall has seating and a few shops if you need to wait.

Choose a pre-booked private transfer if you want a confirmed vehicle waiting, fixed pricing, or a larger vehicle for family and luggage. Also the best option for late-night arrivals or destinations outside Port of Spain.

Choose a rental car if you plan to explore Trinidad independently and are comfortable driving on the left in Caribbean traffic.

Avoid maxi-taxis from the airport unless you are a local or traveling very light with no time pressure.