By Taxi -- Taxis meet every airplane, and drivers wait outside the major hotels. If you're going to spend a few days here, a particular driver may try to "adopt" you. The typical one-way fare from the airport to St. John's is $7, but to English Harbour it's $31 and up. The government of Antigua fixes rates, and taxis are meterless.

Taxis aren't cheap, but they're the best way to see Antigua, as the drivers also act as guides. Most taxi tours go from the St. John's area to English Harbour. Drivers generally charge a flat rate of $24 for three or four passengers and often wait 30 minutes or more while you sightsee around English Harbour. If you split the cost with another couple, these tours become more affordable.

To call a taxi in St. John's, dial tel. 268/460-8300.

By Rental Car -- To drive on island, you must obtain an Antiguan license, which costs $12 and requires a valid driver's license from home. Most car rental firms can issue you an Antiguan license, which they usually do without a surcharge. Remember: Drive on the left.

It's best to stick with the major U.S. rental companies rather than using a local agency. Try Avis (tel. 800/331-1084 in the U.S. and Canada, or 268/462-2840; www.avisantigua.com) or Hertz (tel. 800/654-3001 in the U.S. and Canada, or 268/462-4114; www.hertz.com) for service at the airport. Another agency to try is Dollar, 40 Factory Rd., St. John's (tel. 800/800-3665 in the U.S. and Canada, or 268/462-0362; www.dollarantigua.com).

By Bus -- Although buses are a cheap option, we don't recommend them for the average visitor. Service is erratic and undependable, and roads are impossibly bumpy. In theory, buses operate between St. John's and the villages daily from 5:30am to 6pm, and on a relatively limited number of runs between St. John's and far-flung regions of the island till as late as 10pm, but don't count on it. In St. John's, buses leave from two different "stations" -- on Market Street near the Central Market, and on Independence Avenue adjacent to the Botanical Gardens. Most fares are $1. There is no central information bureau to call for schedules.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.