How Much Does It Cost to Get from Piarco Airport to Port of Spain?

Piarco International Airport is 27 km east of Port of Spain, making the airport-to-city transfer a meaningful expense. Here is what the different options actually cost.

Official airport taxi fares

The taxi stand outside arrivals posts set fares by destination zone. These are not metered — you pay the posted rate. All fares are in Trinidad and Tobago Dollars (TTD).

• Port of Spain (downtown, Woodbrook, St. Clair): TTD 350–500 ($52–$75 USD)
• St. Augustine / UWI area: TTD 150–200 ($22–$30 USD)
• Tunapuna / Curepe: TTD 150–250 ($22–$37 USD)
• Chaguanas: TTD 250–350 ($37–$52 USD)
• Maraval / Cascade: TTD 400–550 ($60–$82 USD)
• San Fernando: TTD 600–900 ($90–$135 USD)

These prices are for the vehicle, not per person. Up to 4 passengers can share a standard taxi at the same fare. Night surcharges may apply after 10 PM, typically adding TTD 50–100.

Pre-booked private transfer

Private transfers are booked online before you travel. The price is fixed and includes flight tracking and waiting time.

• Sedan to Port of Spain: $55–$85 USD
• SUV to Port of Spain: $80–$120 USD
• Sedan to Crown Point, Tobago: Not available by road (Tobago is a separate island)
• Sedan to San Fernando: $100–$150 USD

Private transfers are competitive with official taxis, especially for SUVs or when you factor in the convenience of someone waiting with your name.

Maxi-taxi (shared minibus)

Maxi-taxis are colour-coded by route in Trinidad. The red-band maxis run the east-west corridor from Arima through to Port of Spain. If you can get to the highway, a ride costs just TTD 10–20 ($1.50–$3 USD) per person. However, you cannot catch a maxi-taxi inside the airport — you would need to walk to the main road with your luggage, which is not realistic for most travelers.

What affects pricing

The single biggest variable is your destination's distance from the airport. Port of Spain is the most common destination and the most expensive taxi ride because of the 27 km distance. Destinations along the East-West Corridor (St. Augustine, Tunapuna, Chaguanas) are progressively cheaper.

Traffic does not directly affect taxi fares since they are flat rates, but it does affect your travel time. Morning rush (7–9 AM) and evening rush (4–7 PM) can double the journey time.

Tipping

Tipping taxi drivers in Trinidad is not mandatory but appreciated. Rounding up by TTD 20–50 is a common practice. For pre-booked transfers, tipping is optional and typically handled in cash at the end of the ride.

Currency exchange

Exchange counters and ATMs are available in the arrivals hall. If you only have USD, some taxi drivers will accept it, but at a poor exchange rate. Getting TTD before you exit the terminal gives you more control over what you pay.