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Traveling by Bus in Guadeloupe

Public transit is the cheapest way to get around Guadeloupe's islands

Catching a bus in Guadeloupe is a bit difficult if you don't speak the country's native language of French. But if you can overcome the language barrier, it's easy to take advantage of this extremely cost-efficient public transportation system.

Bus stops can be found in almost all of the islands' villages. To hail a bus, stand at the bus stop marked arrêt-bus and wave down a driver. Although the bus system is not difficult, riding the bus is a lot easier if you speak at least some French. If you're not fluent in the language, try to pronounce the name of where you want to go, or carry a map so you can point out your desired destination.

Local buses run during general workday hours, between 5:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. However, bus service can sometimes be infrequent and somewhat erratic. Check ahead to see if your bus is running on schedule, or just have a little patience when waiting for a bus. Riders pay the bus fare just before getting off at their stop. The cost of a trip will depend on the particular destination. On Grand-Terre, a bus from Pointe-à-Pitre to the south coast of the island, going as far as Saint François, will cost about ?3.81 or around $4.60(USD), and will depart from the prolongement, or extension, of Marché de la Darse Station at the pier. Buses servicing the north and east coast leave from the Mortenol Station, which is in Rue Vatable. Here are some bus stops and destinations in Guadeloupe and their fares:

Bus Route Fare
To the airport to Rue Peynier ?0.76, or about $0.81(USD)
From Pointe-à-Pitre to the town of Basse-Terre ?6.10, or about $7.35(USD)
From Pointe-à-Pitre to Saint François ?3.81, or about $4.60(USD)

Traveling around the entire island by bus will cost between $4.40(USD) and $5.00(USD). There are also jitney vans available in Pointe-à-Pitre, which have several departure points. In Basse-Terre, jitneys leave from Gare Routière de Bergevin station. If you're going to the northern areas of Grand-Terre, you can catch one at Gare Routière de Mortenol.

With a little bit of diligence, along with a French translation dictionary and a map, vacationers can traverse Guadeloupe's islands like the locals.

 

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