It’s easy, affordable, and enjoyable to travel throughout Grenada! Grenada has a well-established bus system that can transport you across the island at a reasonable price, especially when compared to some of the other islands I’ve visited. Additionally, taxis are well-established, particularly in the tourist regions of Grand Anse Beach and Saint George’s. The rest of Grenada is more constrained, but Saint George Parish is easily walkable from corner to corner. The mountains and winding roads make it impossible for a hiker to travel safely.
Prices and Routes of the Grenada Bus System
Grenada has dependable and reasonably priced transportation, something that many Caribbean islands lack. Every day, dozens of drivers shout for onlookers to climb in their gaudy sprinter vans as they take to the roadways. The route of each of these vans is indicated by a number and color on the front windshield. The whole length, width, and the majority of the island’s perimeter are covered by nine routes.
The primary bus stop is located close to the fish market in the center of the capital city of Saint George’s. The red zone 1 bus from True Blue, Lance Aux Epines, or Grand Anse will transport passengers to the main hub, from whence they can catch any of the other buses. Zone 1 is by far the most popular path; I must have seen dozens of buses pass (and yell at) me every time I walked from Grand Anse Beach to Saint George’s.
Grenada Bus Fares
The cost of the Grenada bus system is its best feature. No route costs more than 10EC, while Zone 7 costs just 2.50 EC, or less than $1.00 US. You can actually get around the island for a few US dollars. The comfort of Grenada buses more than makes up for their affordability. You will probably be crammed in between a lot of people, so don’t expect a fancy ride. This is a natural aspect of the experience; therefore, you should accept it.
The Operation of the Grenada Bus System
The conductor will let you in and probably direct you to a seat as soon as the bus stops. Expect both frequent stops to allow additional passengers to board the bus and equally frequent shuffling off and back on to let passengers get off, depending on the number of passengers. Simply slap a non-ring finger a few times on the siding or the roof’s metal frame when you’re ready to come off. The conductor will let you out when the bus stops, sometimes suddenly, while you’re still in traffic. At this point, you pay, have the money on hand, so they won’t be slowed down, and leave.
The ride is a significant aspect of the experience. In Grenada, the majority of the highways that connect towns are twisting, narrow roadways that go through apparently unending mountain ranges.
Important Information Regarding the Grenada Bus System
Grenadian buses are equally enjoyable and reasonably priced, but there are a few things you should know before you travel. In order to pick up a passenger, perform an errand, or get a bite to eat, the bus drivers occasionally deviate from their scheduled itineraries. If a slight detour makes you feel safer, don’t be alarmed by it, but feel free to inquire why. Because bus lines typically cease at dusk and don’t resume until the next morning, make sure you are returning to Saint George’s by 7 p.m. On Sundays, almost everything on the island is closed, including the bus system. If you have to travel on a Sunday, think about taking a taxi or walking.
Taxi Service
If you want to take a private ride, you won’t be able to avoid the Grenadian buses. The majority of taxis on the island provide taxi trips individually when they’re not in use and are also a part of the bus system. In Grenada, taxis can be reserved in advance from any location on the island or obtained by spotting one and waving it down as it passes. Only in Saint George’s Parish would I advise the walk-and-flag method; taxi traffic is much lower in more isolated parishes. Your vacation rental host or Airbnb host will be able to recommend a trustworthy taxi service or driver, as is the case in most places.
Walking Around Grenada
Exploring Grenada on foot is an amazing, if demanding, experience. From True Blue to Lance Aux Epines and from Grand Anse Beach to Saint George’s, practically the entire Saint George’s Parish is walkable. The paths in this region are safe and clearly designated, except for the roundabouts, which can be a little intimidating. To be honest, the hike was more enjoyable than the beach itself. I even walked back to the airport from Lance Aux Epines to see the stunning Magazine Beach. Because it is far less mountainous than the rest of the country, this southwestern region is very walkable. I would highly recommend taking a bus or a taxi for the remainder of the nation.
The amount of vegetation around the mountains and the twisting roads is difficult to describe in words. The roadside margin is weak or nonexistent, and there is frequently only a tiny guard rail to stop a fall that is meters long. A hiker would have to be insane to try to traverse such hazardous terrain, but this is OK for a safe driver.
