Turks & Caicos Getting Around & Transport
The Turks and Caicos is an archipelago nation of nine inhabited islands and many smaller cays and islands, and small domestic flights and passenger ferries are the primary means of transport between islands.
Providenciales hosts most of the country’s population, and consequently flights and ferries largely function around this hub.
North Caicos and Middle Caicos are the only two islands in the country connected by a causeway.
Once in the islands, rental cars and vehicles and taxis are the main means of getting around. There is no public transport of any kind (bus, train services, etc.) in the Turks and Caicos. Nor are there any rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft.
The domestic flights and ferries that connect the islands can offer quite an interesting journey, as you’ll get an incredible view of the scenic cays and brilliant turquoise ocean water that makes the Turks and Caicos famous. The Providenciales—North Caicos ferry is one such example—the route navigates the coastlines of the secluded Little Water Cay, Water Cay, Pine Cay, Fort George Cay, Dellis Cay, and Parrot Cay.
There are no car ferries in the Turks and Caicos.
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Domestic Flights
The Turks and Caicos has two domestic airlines, interCaribbean and Caicos Express, and both serve domestic and international routes. They also offer charter flights for groups.
There are scheduled flights between Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and the Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT), South Caicos Airport (XSC), North Caicos Airport (NCA), and Salt Cay Airport.
There are no flights to Middle Caicos. To access the island, you can simply drive across the causeway that begins on North Caicos.
Domestic Ferries
There are three ferry routes in the Turks and Caicos: Providenciales—North Caicos, Providenciales—South Caicos, and Grand Turk—Salt Cay.
All of these routes are serviced by small passenger ferry vessels. There are no scheduled car ferries in the country.
The ferry service between Providenciales and North Caicos is the busiest, with multiple trips per day. Two companies operate this 30-minute route and travel between Heaving Down Rock Marina (Walkin Marina) on Providenciales and Bellefield Landing on North Caicos.
Two businesses run a Providenciales to South Caicos ferry route, and between one and two trips run each day. This ferry docks at Heaving Down Rock on Providenciales and Cockburn Harbour on South Caicos.
A ferry service is also offered three times per week between Grand Turk and Salt Cay.
There are no ferries between Providenciales and any of the Turks Islands (Grand Turk and Salt Cay).
Rental Cars in Turks and Caicos
All of the main inhabited islands in the Turks and Caicos support vehicle rentals, though the rates, condition, and selection of rental vehicles varies quite a bit by island.
It's generally advised that all visitors rent a car due to the complete lack of public transport and the high cost of taxis. Walking distances between hotels and resorts, restaurants, and attractions are often too far to be pleasant, and especially if you're staying at one of the many secluded vacation rental villas. Central Grace Bay on Providenciales and the historical oceanfront area of Cockburn Town on Grand Turk are the only regions where a rental vehicle may not be needed.
On Providenciales, the rental situation is quite good. Rates are low, car quality is generally high, and the selection of both rental companies and car types is wide. Everything from Jeeps and 4x4s to luxury cars is available.
Grand Turk, home to the only cruise ship port in the Turks and Caicos, offers rental cars, scooters, golf carts, and buggies. For two people renting a vehicle, the rates do not vary much across vehicle types, so select the ride that will be most fun for you.
While it’s undeniably exciting to zip around on scooters or a 4x4 cart, keep in mind that the sun is typically intense. You may want something with shade and air conditioning. Due to cruise ship landing schedules, the common rental period is less than eight hours. Rates are typically higher than those on Providenciales.
On the laid-back islands of North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos, the car rental situation isn’t quite as optimal. Daily rates tend to be about twice that of Providenciales, and although largely functional, car quality isn’t quite as high either.
Last but not least, the tiny island of Salt Cay only has two modest types of vehicles to choose from: bicycles and off-road golf carts. The carts, our general recommendation, are perfect for exploring this flat and scenic cay.
Island-Specific Transport Information
Getting Around Providenciales
Providenciales has by far the largest and busiest road system in the country. Transport around Providenciales by taxi can be both time-consuming and expensive, so we recommend that you rent a car or jeep for at least part of your stay. Scooters and mopeds generally aren't available on Providenciales (and should largely be avoided anyway due to road safety issues). See Driving in the Turks and Caicos Islands for some tips and common road hazards.
Illegal ‘jitney' services (usually small unmarked and poor condition cars) operate as unofficial taxis, but these should be completely avoided. Apart from the fact that they are illegal and unlicensed, the drivers operate recklessly (such as stopping in the middle of the highway to pick up passengers), and are known to greatly overcharge anyone who appears to be a tourist. Only use licensed taxis, of which there is an abundance on Providenciales.
Getting Around Grand Turk
Taxis, rental cars, scooters, and golf carts are all available on Grand Turk.
Due to good road conditions and an island-wide speed limit of 20 mph (32 km/h), Grand Turk is the best island in the country for exploring via scooter.
If you’re arriving by cruise ship, be sure to reserve rental cars in advance as fleet size is limited.
It’s easy to navigate Grand Turk. There are no dangerous or remote areas, and there’s usually someone around if you need directions.
Getting Around North and Middle Caicos
Rental cars and jeeps are the main forms of transportation for North Caicos and Middle Caicos. These are the largest islands in the country, so it's highly recommended that you rent a vehicle for most of your stay. Attractions are spread widely over both islands, and most stores and restaurants are on North Caicos (a 20-minute drive or more for those staying on Middle Caicos).
A causeway connects North Caicos and Middle Caicos, which allows for easy traveling between the two islands.
A few taxis are available, but can be tardy and expensive. Before visiting, be sure to download or print our North Caicos and Middle Caicos map.
Getting Around Salt Cay
Golf carts are an excellent (and the main recommended) form of transport on Salt Cay. The island is quite small at 5 square miles (13 km²), and there are very few cars.
Your choices are to walk, cycle, or rent an off-road golf cart. Due to the heat and lack of shade, we highly recommend that you rent a golf cart, especially if you’re visiting for the day. Most of the villas and guest houses offer complimentary transportation to your accommodation when you arrive with luggage on Salt Cay.
Getting Around South Caicos
South Caicos, despite having a larger population than North Caicos and Middle Caicos combined, is not as developed for tourists. There are few taxis, and rental fleets are limited.
However, South Caicos does certainly provide a unique experience, striking a balance between the Turks Islands and the Caicos Islands. The main South Caicos resorts typically provide airport pickup and dropoff as well as transportation for offsite activities.