At Tobago's small airport, the choice between a taxi and a pre-booked transfer depends largely on where you are going and when you arrive.
Taxis at TAB
Licensed taxi drivers wait outside the arrivals exit. There is no formal queue or dispatch system. Drivers may approach you as you walk out, which can feel pushy if you are not expecting it but is standard practice here.
Fixed-price private transfer
TAB Scarborough City Center
From€50for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €50 per vehicle, about €13 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
Fares are zone-based, not metered. Official rates are posted on a board inside the terminal, but they are not published online -- do not assume a figure without checking that board. The challenge is that not all drivers follow the official rates, especially during busy periods when multiple flights land. You should confirm the fare before getting in the car.
Vehicles vary in age and condition. Most are sedans or small minivans. Air conditioning may or may not work well. For a 5-minute ride to Crown Point, this barely matters. For a 60-minute ride to Castara on a hot day, it matters quite a bit.
Pre-booked Private Transfers
The vehicle is confirmed in advance and the price is quoted at booking, so there is no negotiation after landing. If meet-and-greet is included in your booking, the driver meets you on arrival.
For Crown Point destinations, the difference from a taxi is modest; the transfer price is quoted at booking (see the live From price on this page). For north coast and east coast destinations, the advantage grows. Finding a taxi willing to drive to Speyside (75 minutes each way) takes negotiation, and the driver may quote a high fare knowing you have limited alternatives.
Where Each Option Makes Sense
Taxi works well for: Crown Point, Bon Accord, and Scarborough. These are short trips where the fare is well-established, vehicles are readily available, and the cost difference versus a private transfer is not worth worrying about.
Private transfer works better for: North coast (Castara, Englishman's Bay), east coast (Speyside, Charlotteville), late arrivals, families with children who need car seats, and anyone who simply does not want to negotiate fares after a flight.
A Note on Reliability
Tobago operates on island time. Taxis are usually available for incoming flights, but availability is not assured, especially for evening arrivals. A pre-booked transfer is arranged in advance for your flight; confirm the waiting time and delay handling at booking.
For travelers arriving from a long international connection through Trinidad or from a delayed flight, having transport arranged in advance helps on an island where backup options are limited.
When a private transfer from TAB is the right choice
- You want the price settled before you land: fixed, confirmed in writing, no meter, no night or luggage surcharge at the kerb.
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Scarborough City Center is from €50, about €13 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
- Flight delays: the driver follows your flight number; 60 minutes of waiting are included, and you can cancel free up to 24 hours before pickup.
TAB → Scarborough City Center from €50Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.