How to get around the Cayman Islands

Relatively light traffic, flat terrain and gorgeous sea views make cycling a pleasure in the Caymans. Hire cars, taxis and buses are all available.

By Caribbean standards, the road system throughout the Caymans is good – just beware of potholes on smaller roads. Everywhere is accessible by car. Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road.

The Caymans feature a blend of American and British road configurations, including centre turning lanes, three- and four-way stops plus roundabouts, which means you have to pay attention at all times.

Enforced speed limits are generally 40-48kph (25-30mph) in built-up areas, 64kph (40mph) outside these, and 80kph (50mph) on Grand Cayman in rural areas east of Bodden Town. The National Roads Authority (www.caymanroads.com) has further information.

Seat belts must be worn at all times. It is an offence to use a mobile phone to call or text while in control of a vehicle. Hands-free sets are, however, allowed. Do not use your phone at a red light – even if you have stopped otherwise you could be ticketed.


Transport options in the Cayman Islands

Air: Each island has a small airport. Cayman Airways Express (www.caymanairways.com) and charter company, Island Air (www.islandair.ky), operate frequent flights between each island.

Travel between Grand Cayman and the Brac/Little Cayman is around 30 minutes, and about 10 minutes between the Brac and Little Cayman. It is virtually impossible to travel to the Sister Islands except by air.


Sea: There are no ferries between Grand Cayman and the smaller islands. Grand Cayman’s only ferry service is a 40-minute journey between North Sound and Rum Point.

Chartered yachts and catamaran tours are the most popular way to get between the islands. Private boats also regularly make the 25-minute excursion between Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.


On land

Car hire: In Grand Cayman, most major car-hire companies are found at the airport or in George Town. You can also hire cars on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.

A temporary local driving licence is required, issued from the police station or car-hire agency at a nominal fee on presentation of a valid licence from your country of origin. You must be over 21 years of age.

Full insurance is required and can be obtained from the car-hire company; some companies will not insure drivers under 25.

Mopeds and scooters are also available for hire on all three islands. Motorcyclists are required by law to wear a helmet at all times.

Taxi: Taxis on Grand Cayman are available from all the resorts, the cruise dock at George Town and the international airport. Taxis in Cayman Brac are limited, and best pre-booked.

Taxis offer a fixed rate per vehicle or per person to everywhere on the island. A sign with current rates is posted at the cruise ship dock in George Town.

Be wary of rogue operators. If you are staying in one of the major hotels, ask them to book in advance and agree a price before going anywhere.

All taxi drivers should have a rate sheet with the official government mandated taxi fees. Some drivers refuse to take shirtless or wet passengers, or accept denominations of more than US$20.

Bicycle: Bikes are easily available on all three islands and are often included as part of an accommodations package. On Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, most hotels have bicycles available for complimentary guest use.

Bus: On Grand Cayman, numerous independently owned minibuses operate from the bus terminal – next to the library in George Town –  on different routes daily. The busiest of these is the service to Seven Mile Beach – about once every 20 minutes.

There are bus stops, but you can often jump in a bus anywhere just by hailing them down as you would a taxi.


More about the Cayman Islands…



Latest update: How to get around the Cayman Islands: 7 May, 2022



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