how to get to barbuda

by plane

There are no international flights to Barbuda, visitors must travel to the sister island of Antigua first. A number of international carriers from the US, the UK and the Caribbean have flights to Antigua. In most cases you would need to stay at least one night in Antigua unless you can afford to charter a flight which is sometimes cost effective if there are five or more people with a lot of luggage, and a plane available.

the Twin Otter bound for Barbuda (Claire Frank)View from the plane flying over Codrington, Barbuda (Claire Frank)

SVG airlines (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) are the current carrier, call the airline to book (tel: +1-(268)-562-7183), or e-mail abm-air@svgair.com to book and receive an e-ticket. The ticket price as at March 2011 is EC$253 return. This is approximately US$96.

Their scheduled daily flights should leave from the V.C. Bird International Airport on Antigua to go to Barbuda at approximately the times listed here, or on Antigua-Barbuda-Montserrat Air. Currently this is a small plane (7 seater) so space is restricted but their staff are always courteous and helpful to Barbudan visitors.

the plane landed at Codrington Airport, Barbuda (Claire Frank)

Antigua

Morning
  • 1st flight: Departure time 7:45
  • 2nd flight: Departure time: 8:45
Afternoon
  • Departure time: 5:15

Barbuda

Morning
  • 1st flight: Departure time 8:15
  • 2nd flight: Departure time 9:15
Afternoon
  • Departure time: 5:45

by boat

The ferry is sometimes preferred by Barbudans because of the greater capacity to carry shopping and luggage on board.

barbuda express

The Barbuda Express ferry loading at the dock (Claire Frank)The Barbuda Express ferry departing Antigua (Claire Frank)

The Barbuda Express is the ferry service between Barbuda and Antigua and it leaves from the centre of St. Johns.

For Reservations & Tours call (268)-560-7989, or e-mail barbudaexpress@yahoo.com. For an up-to-date schedule visit the Barbuda Express web site at www.antiguaferries.com.

cargo and container freight

Freight being loaded onto a boat in Antigua (Claire Frank)The wharf at River, Barbuda, where freight arrives by boat (Claire Frank)

Other village supplies get to Barbuda on small cargo boats that make the return trip to Antigua twice a week usually leaving on Friday and one other day, depending on the weather. Ocean Venture Freight Services can be contacted on (+1) 773-2699, 720-6046 or 764-0649.

arriving at Barbuda by private boat

To complete the clearance required by Customs and Immigration on arrival by boat into Barbuda, please contact Samantha Hopkins or Matthew John on 562-7066. During working hours Samantha Hopkins is based at the Tourism Office by the Lagoon and she will advise. Opening hours are normally 8am - 4.30pm. Out of hours please call the number to advise of your arrival and departure times.

reduce your carbon footprint

These day we're all more conscious of the energy we use, and travel can be a big part of that, especially flights. barbudaful encourages you to consider:

  • donating to the renewable energy fund, or
  • offsetting the carbon from your flight to Barbuda, using the carbon calculator below, and the project details given.

The IATA three-letter code for V.C. Bird Airport on Antigua is 'ANU', and Codrington Airport on Barbuda is 'BBQ'. Find other codes.