Getting Around Haiti
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use tap-taps for Port-au-Prince and coastal cities. Rural: Rent a car with 4x4 for northern regions. Islands: Ferries and domestic flights. For convenience, book airport transfers from Port-au-Prince to your destination.
Bus Travel
Tap-Tap Network
Colorful shared minibuses connecting major cities with frequent, informal services.
Cost: Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haitien $10-20, journeys 4-6 hours on rough roads.
Tickets: Pay cash on board, no reservations needed, watch for overcrowding.
Peak Times: Avoid early mornings and weekends for safer, less crowded rides.
Bus Passes
Limited formal passes available; informal multi-ride deals with operators for $50-80 for regional travel.
Best For: Multiple stops between cities like Jacmel and Les Cayes, savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Bus terminals in Port-au-Prince or Cap-Haitien, cash only with local advice.
Ferry & Boat Options
Ferries connect Port-au-Prince to Labadee and Gonâve Island, plus domestic coastal routes.
Booking: Buy tickets at ports or through local agents, book ahead for peak seasons up to 30% discount.
Main Ports: Port-au-Prince terminal, with connections to northern and southern coastal areas.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for rural exploration like Citadelle. Compare rental prices from $40-70/day at Port-au-Prince Airport and major cities, prefer 4x4.
Requirements: Valid license (International recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage essential due to road conditions, verify theft and damage protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 40 km/h urban, 60 km/h rural, 100 km/h highways (where paved).
Tolls: Minimal on main routes like RN1, occasional checkpoints with small fees.
Priority: Chaotic traffic, yield to larger vehicles, motorcycles common and unpredictable.
Parking: Street parking free but guarded lots $2-5/day in cities, avoid leaving valuables.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations sporadic at $1.20-1.50/liter for petrol, $1.10-1.40 for diesel, carry extra.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, signal spotty in rural areas.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Port-au-Prince, potholes and animals on rural roads common.
Urban Transport
Tap-Taps & Minibuses
Informal network in Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien, single ride $0.50-1, no day pass but frequent.
Validation: Pay driver upon boarding, negotiate for longer trips, watch belongings.
Apps: Limited formal apps; use local advice or Google Maps for routes.
Moto Taxis
Motorcycle taxis widespread for quick urban hops, $1-3 per ride in cities like Jacmel.
Routes: Negotiable, ideal for narrow streets and avoiding traffic jams.
Tours: Guided moto tours available in tourist areas, helmet recommended.
Taxis & Local Services
Shared taxis (taxis collectifs) and private cabs operate in all cities, $2-5 for short trips.
Tickets: Negotiate fares upfront, use apps like Uber in limited Port-au-Prince areas.
Coastal Routes: Taxis connect beaches to towns, $5-10 for 10-20km distances.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus terminals in cities for easy access, central Port-au-Prince or Cap-Haitien for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Dec-Apr) and major festivals like Carnival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable security travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for generators, secure parking, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in cities like Port-au-Prince, 3G in rural Haiti including northern areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Digicel and Natcom offer prepaid SIMs from $10-20 with decent coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 3GB for $10, 10GB for $25, unlimited for $40/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi available in hotels, some cafes, and tourist spots, but unreliable.
Public Hotspots: Limited to major airports and hotels, use VPN for security.
Speed: Variable (5-50 Mbps) in urban areas, plan for outages in remote spots.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST), UTC-5, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Toussaint Louverture Airport (PAP) 6km from city center, taxi $20-30 (20 min), or book private transfer for $30-50.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports ($5-10/day) and hotels in major cities.
- Accessibility: Limited public transport access, many sites have steps; private options better.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses with carrier (small fee), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on buses for $2-5, but roads challenging; rentals rare.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Haiti
Toussaint Louverture Airport (PAP) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Toussaint Louverture (PAP): Primary international gateway, 6km north of Port-au-Prince with taxi connections.
Cap-Haitien (CAP): Northern hub 20km from city, bus to center $5 (45 min).
Jacmel (JAK): Small southern airport with limited domestic flights, convenient for beaches.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (Dec-Apr) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Santo Domingo and taking bus to Haiti for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
American Airlines, JetBlue, and Air Canada serve PAP with Caribbean connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Limited availability, typical withdrawal fee $3-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels, American Express rare outside capitals.
- Contactless Payment: Limited tap-to-pay, cash preferred in most places.
- Cash: Essential for transport, markets, and rural areas, keep $50-100 USD in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated for good service in restaurants.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid street changers; USD widely used alongside HTG.