Grantley Adams International Airport is located about 20 km from Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, on the southeastern coast of the island. The route crosses the gently rolling Barbadian landscape before descending into the colorful Caribbean capital on the southwestern coast.

About Bridgetown City Center

Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only city in the Caribbean with this distinction, recognized for its well-preserved colonial architecture and historic garrison. The compact center clusters around Broad Street and its side lanes, with pastel-colored colonial buildings housing duty-free shops, banks, and rum bars. The Parliament Buildings — the third-oldest parliament in the entire Commonwealth — are a stately landmark.

The Careenage, Bridgetown\'s inner harbor, is the atmospheric heart of the city where fishing boats and catamarans moor alongside waterfront restaurants. Independence Square and Heroes Square commemorate Barbados\'s 2021 transition from a British monarchy to a republic. The Cheapside Market sells tropical fruits, spices, and local crafts.

Bridgetown serves as the jumping-off point for Barbados\'s world-class beaches, including Carlisle Bay (calm Caribbean waters, excellent snorkeling over shipwrecks) just south of the city. The Mount Gay Rum Distillery — the oldest rum distillery in the world (est. 1703) — offers tours near the city. Barbados\' food scene blends Caribbean, African, and British influences, with flying fish and cou-cou as the national dish and rum punch as the universal drink.

Nearby Landmarks

Parliament Buildings The Careenage St. Michael's Cathedral Carlisle Bay Mount Gay

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Varies by traffic
Time 20-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit Grantley Adams Airport arrivals and head to the taxi rank.
2. Take a taxi to Bridgetown (fixed fare BBD 50-70, 20-30 min).
3. The route follows the ABC Highway through Christ Church parish to St. Michael.
4. For Broad Street shopping, ask for 'Bridgetown centre.'
5. Public minibuses (blue with yellow stripe) run from the airport area but are infrequent.
6. Many hotels arrange airport transfers — check with your property before arrival.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Varies by traffic 20-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, taxis from the airport to Bridgetown cost approximately BBD 50-70 (USD 25-35). Barbados taxis use fixed zone-based rates (no meters). Ride-hailing apps are not widely used on the island. Airport taxis are available for all flight arrivals. Bridgetown is quiet after 10 PM but the south coast (St. Lawrence Gap) has late-night entertainment.

Luggage Tips

Barbados taxis are typically medium-sized sedans or minivans that comfortably handle beach holiday luggage. If heading to south coast resorts (Dover, St. Lawrence), the drive from the airport is shorter than going to Bridgetown. For heavy luggage and resort stays, pre-booked hotel transfers are common and recommended.

Accessibility

Grantley Adams Airport has wheelchair assistance on request. Barbados taxi vehicles are standard and not wheelchair adapted. Bridgetown's main streets (Broad Street) are flat but sidewalks can be narrow and uneven. The Bridgetown Boardwalk along the Careenage is accessible. Some colonial-era buildings have steps. Beach wheelchair access varies by location.