Why the Airport Is Not in Road Town
Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport sits on Beef Island, which is connected to the eastern end of Tortola by the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. Road Town, the capital and main harbour, is on the southern shore of Tortola roughly 15 miles to the west by road. Every traveler arriving by air must account for this overland leg before reaching the ferry docks, the marinas, or the centre of town. There is no rail link, no water shuttle between the airport and Road Town, and no bus system that serves visitors in a practical way. Planning the transfer in advance is not optional; it is a basic part of the journey.
Taxi: The Default Choice for Most Arrivals
Licensed taxis meet arriving flights at the airport and are the most straightforward way to reach Road Town. Drivers operate fixed-route fares regulated by the BVI government rather than metered fares, so it is reasonable to confirm the fare before you depart. The ride follows the main road west across the bridge and along Tortola's southern coast. Journey time is typically 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic, which can build noticeably on weekend afternoons and around ferry departure windows. Taxis can carry luggage and will drop passengers directly at the Road Town ferry terminal, at hotels, or at specific marina addresses.
- Agree on the fare before the journey begins.
- Confirm current government-regulated rates with the BVI Taxi Association or the airport taxi stand on arrival.
- Shared taxi vans are common and lower the cost per person on the same route.
- If you are arriving on a charter flight or at an unusual hour, pre-arranging a pickup through your accommodation is advisable.
Car Rental: Practical for Explorers Staying Multiple Days
Several car rental operators have desks at or near the airport. Driving in the BVI means keeping to the left side of the road, which surprises visitors from North America; most rental vehicles are left-hand drive, making it a quick adjustment. A valid driving licence from your home country is accepted, but you must also purchase a temporary BVI driving permit, which rental companies can arrange at pickup. The road from Beef Island to Road Town winds through hills and includes sections with steep grades and tight bends, so drivers should feel confident on winding mountain roads before choosing this option. Parking is available in Road Town and at most accommodations. Confirm availability and current permit requirements directly with the rental operator before your trip.
Onward Travel from Road Town to Other Islands
Road Town is the main hub for inter-island ferries in the BVI, which is one of the strongest reasons to position yourself there after arriving at the airport. Regular passenger ferries connect Road Town to Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and other points. Anegada, the flat coral island to the northeast, is served by ferry from Road Town on a more limited schedule and also by small aircraft from the airport. Travelers planning to visit multiple islands should check current ferry schedules with the individual operators, as service frequency varies by season and day of the week.
- Virgin Gorda: ferries depart from the Road Town ferry terminal and the journey takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes.
- Jost Van Dyke: ferry connections typically require a stop or transfer at West End, Tortola, rather than Road Town directly.
- Anegada: confirm whether you will use the ferry from Road Town or a small plane from Beef Island, as schedules are limited.
- All inter-island ferry schedules and current operators should be confirmed at bvitourism.com or directly with the carriers before travel.
Choosing Where to Base Yourself in the BVI
The British Virgin Islands offer several distinct bases, each suited to a different kind of trip. Understanding the trade-offs helps travelers avoid arriving somewhere that does not fit their plans.
- Choose Road Town, Tortola if you want the best access to inter-island ferries, provisioning for a charter, a full range of shops and restaurants, or the ability to get around without a car. Road Town is the logistical centre of the BVI and the natural first night after a flight.
- Choose elsewhere on Tortola (such as the West End or the north shore beaches near Cane Garden Bay) if beach access and a quieter setting matter more than walkable amenities. You will need a car or taxi to move around.
- Choose Virgin Gorda if your trip revolves around the Baths, the North Sound anchorages, or a specific resort. Getting there requires a ferry from Road Town or a separate flight, so plan the added transfer time.
- Choose Jost Van Dyke if barefoot beach bars, minimal infrastructure, and a very small island feel are the draw. It is genuinely remote by design and has limited accommodation options.
- Choose Anegada if bonefishing, lobster, and extreme quiet are the goal. It is the most isolated of the main islands and requires the most deliberate planning to reach.
Travelers arriving by air who want to move efficiently between islands, keep provisioning simple, or who are joining or departing a sailing charter will find Road Town the most practical base. It suits sailors, digital nomads, couples, and anyone who values walkable access to services over beach-front position.