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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 arrââ¢t-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 FranâÃois, will cost about ?3.81 or around $4.60(USD), and will depart from the prolongement, or extension, of Marchâ© 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 FranâÃois | ?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 Routiâ®re de Bergevin station. If you're going to the northern areas of Grand-Terre, you can catch one at Gare Routiâ®re 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.
Visitors who rent bikes and scooters often find that getting around Guadeloupe is as easy as it is fun.
Take advantage of all the gorgeous water nearby when looking for a unique way to get around.
Want to learn more about what to expect from the culture of Guadeloupe? Be sure to check out our helpful article.