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.
Fares are zone-based, not metered. Official rates are posted inside the terminal. 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
A driver meets you with a name sign, the vehicle is confirmed in advance, and the price is settled before you land. No negotiation, no uncertainty about vehicle quality, no wondering if the quoted fare is fair.
For Crown Point destinations, the convenience premium over a taxi is modest -- perhaps USD 5-10. 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 there are no guarantees, especially for evening arrivals. A pre-booked transfer provides a commitment. The driver knows your flight details, tracks your arrival, and is there when you walk out.
For travelers arriving from a long international connection through Trinidad or from a delayed flight, knowing that transport is sorted provides genuine peace of mind on an island where backup options are limited.