Transportation in Turks and Caicos

Your Guide to Getting Around the Islands: Car Rentals, Taxis and Inter-Island Travel

Turks and Caicos may be known for its powder-white sands, turquoise waters, and laid-back luxury, but when it comes to exploring these beautiful islands, a little planning goes a long way. Whether you’re soaking up the sun in Providenciales or venturing to the less-travelled islands and cays, this guide covers all your transport options — rental vehicles, taxis, luxury vehicles, inter-island ferries and short flights—so you can navigate paradise with ease.

Car Rental

The Freedom to Explore at Your Own Pace

One of the most popular and convenient ways to get around is by renting a car, especially if you’re staying on Providenciales and want to explore more than just Grace Bay. A rental gives you the freedom to visit secluded beaches, local restaurants, and hidden gems at your own pace. With no public transport available and taxis often costly for multiple trips, a car is both a practical and cost-effective choice. And with local maps, Google Maps, or even Waze, navigating the islands is easy—so you can spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying the view.

Why Rent a Car?

  • Flexibility: Explore beaches, local restaurants, and attractions on your own schedule
  • Affordability: Daily rates are often cheaper than relying on taxis for multiple trips.
  • Access to Remote Areas: Discover lesser-known spots like Malcolm’s Road Beach or Sapodilla Hill that taxis rarely visit.

What You’ll Need:

  • Valid driver’s licence from your home country (international permits not required).
  • Most rental agencies require drivers to be a minimum age of 25 years or older.

  • Driving is on the left side of the road—vehicles may be right- or left-hand drive.

  • Credit card required for security deposit.

Vehicle Options

 

From compact cars perfect for navigating Grace Bay to rugged Jeeps and SUVs suited for off-the-beaten-path adventures, car rental agencies offer a wide selection of vehicles to suit your needs. 4x4s are especially useful if you’re exploring unpaved roads or heading to more remote areas. Most rental vehicles are automatic transmission, making them easy to handle—even for first-time visitors. Driving in the Turks and Caicos Islands is generally straightforward, especially with quiet roads outside the main hubs, but it’s important to remember that traffic flows on the left-hand side of the road. Many vehicles are right-hand drive, but some are left-hand drive, so always stay alert—particularly when navigating roundabouts—as it can take time to adjust to what may feel like driving on the ‘wrong’ side. Watch carefully for oncoming traffic, especially at junctions and when pulling out onto main roads.

Airport Car Rentals

 

Several car rental agencies operate at Providenciales International Airport, including Grace Bay Car Rentals, Avis, Scooter Bob’s, and Rent A Buggy. Some have desks within the terminal, while others provide complimentary shuttle service to nearby offices. Many also offer convenient delivery of your vehicle directly to your villa or resort.

Pro Tip: Book in advance—especially during high season (December to April)—to secure your preferred vehicle.

Driving in the Turks and Caicos Islands

 

Driving in the islands is generally straightforward, especially with quiet roads outside the main hubs, but it’s important to remember that traffic flows on the left-hand side of the road. Many cars in the Turks and Caicos Islands are right-hand drive, but some are left-hand drive, so always stay alert—particularly when navigating roundabouts—as it can take time to adjust to what may feel like driving on the ‘wrong’ side. Watch carefully for oncoming traffic, especially at junctions and when pulling out onto main roads. Just remember to stay left and look right!

Taxi Service

Convenient and Widely Available

Taxis are easy to find in Providenciales, especially at the airport, resorts, and central locations like Grace Bay. However, they operate a bit differently than in many other destinations. There are no ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft in the Turks and Caicos Islands, so local taxis are the choice for on-demand transportation.

Key Things to Know

  • No meters: Fares are set by zone and distance, and the number of guests — not time. Always ask for the fare before you get in.
  • Pricing: Prices are quoted by distance and per passenger, not per ride.
  • Cash preferred: Some taxis accept cards, but cash is king, especially for short rides.
  • Not 24/7: Arrange in advance for late-night or early-morning pickups.

While taxis are perfect for airport transfers or a few quick trips, frequent use can become costly. For those planning to venture from your hotel or villa regularly, renting a car is usually more economical. If you’re planning to spend most of your time relaxing at the beach or by your villa pool, then a taxi for a dinner out and a grocery shop will be the best choice.

Private Car Service and Luxury SUVs

Travel in Style

For travellers who prioritise comfort, privacy, and convenience, private car services and luxury SUV transfers are an ideal way to get around Turks and Caicos. Perfect for airport pick-ups, weddings, VIP tours, or business travel, these services offer air-conditioned black SUVs, executive vans, and professional drivers who provide meet-and-greet service at Providenciales International Airport with luggage assistance.

Why Book Private?

  • Luxury vehicles are usually black SUVs, high-end vans or luxury sprinters
  • Professional drivers with local knowledge
  • Meet-and-greet airport services with luggage assistance
  • 24/7 booking options

Many providers also offer custom island tours, allowing you to explore at your own pace with a knowledgeable local guide behind the wheel. Whether you’re heading to your resort, discovering hidden beaches, or attending a special event, private car service ensures a seamless and stress-free experience—ideal for those who want to travel in style and comfort.

Inter-Island Travel

Ferries and Flights to the Outer Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands are an archipelago made up of eight inhabited islands and dozens of smaller cays, each with its own distinct character and charm. While Providenciales is the main hub of tourism our other islands are well worth exploring. North Caicos and Middle Caicos are known for their lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and cultural sites, connected by a causeway that makes day trips easy. South Caicos is famed for its fishing heritage and quiet, authentic atmosphere, while Grand Turk, the capital, offers rich history, colonial architecture, and a cruise port. Salt Cay, one of the least developed islands, is perfect for a peaceful escape, with historical charm and world-class whale watching in season. Whether you’re seeking nature, history, or serenity, each island offers a unique experience that showcases a different side of Turks and Caicos.

Ferry Services

 

TCI Ferry runs daily between Leeward Marina in Provo and Bellefield Landing in North Caicos, with a journey time of around 30 minutes. From North Caicos, you can drive across the causeway to Middle Caicos for a scenic day trip. Car rentals are available on arrival in North Caicos (book ahead), and the roads are quiet and easy to navigate.

A passenger ferry also runs between Grand Turk and Salt Cay, providing access to one of the most peaceful and untouched islands in the chain—perfect for whale watching (in season), snorkelling, or simply stepping back in time. Ferry schedules may vary by season, so it’s best to check ahead and plan accordingly.

Domestic Flights

 

Getting to the more distant outer islands like Grand Turk or South Caicos, Caicos Express Airways and interCaribbean offer short daily flights from Providenciales. There is no public transportation system on the islands, or linking the islands.

  • Flights from Provo to South Caicos’ Norman B. Saunders International Airport (XSC) or Grand Turk’s JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT) run daily via Caicos Express or interCaribbean.
  • Flight times are usually 25–30 minutes.
  • Baggage allowances may be limited, so pack light if you’re planning an overnight trip.

Golf Cart Rentals

 

On quieter islands like Grand Turk and Salt Cay, golf cart rentals are a fun and scenic way to get around, especially given the small size and relaxed pace of these destinations. However, on Providenciales, golf carts are not commonly used and are not permitted in all areas due to local regulations. The island’s larger size, faster roads, and infrastructure make cars the preferred and safer mode of transport. That said, some resorts or private villas may offer golf carts for short rides within the property or to nearby beaches.

Choosing the Right Way to Explore

Transportation in Turks and Caicos is easy and stress-free, whether you prefer the independence of a rental car, the simplicity of a taxi, or the comfort of a private car service. With no public transport system in place, visitors rely on car rentals, local taxi service, or private transfers—each offering its own balance of flexibility, privacy, and convenience.

Renting a vehicle gives you the greatest freedom, making it ideal for scenic drives, day trips, and visiting beaches that lie well beyond walking distance. Add the option of exploring the outer islands by ferry or short domestic flight, and it’s clear just how accessible—and enjoyable—island-hopping across this beautiful archipelago can be.

With a little planning, you’ll be navigating like a local in no time—whether you’re catching a sunset at Grace Bay Beach, sampling local cuisine, boarding a ferry to North Caicos, or sitting back and relaxing in a luxury SUV. However you choose to explore, Turks and Caicos promises a smooth, scenic, and unforgettable journey.

Hummingbird Luxury

Luxury Villa Rentals, Redefined.