Figuring out transportation is a sometimes tricky but necessary part of traveling. If you’re wondering how to get around Turks and Caicos for an upcoming trip, Turks Tour Company can help. Guests can rely on our team for tours and private transportation in and around Grace Bay.
Due to the unique geography and sometimes limited transportation options in Turks and Caicos, it is especially important to plan carefully even before you arrive. Turks and Caicos is made up of multiple islands and cays. You’ll likely be interested in visiting attractions on many of the islands, so you’ll need to account not only for travel to the islands, but for hopping from one island to the next. Not to mention, you’ll also want to secure reliable transport while you’re on any particular island or cay.
Fortunately, Turks and Caicos offers a range of transport options to suit your needs. To prepare you for your trip, we cover all of the options available across Turks and Caicos. We also offer practical travel tips to consider during your stay. To learn more about travel options and tours in Grace Bay, call the Turks Tour Company at (649) 232-9161.
Where are the Turks and Caicos Islands?
Located in the Caribbean Sea, the Turks and Caicos Islands are part of the British Overseas Territory. The archipelago includes two groups of islands: the Turks Islands and the Caicos Islands. On the eastern side, notable Turks Islands include Grand Turk, where you’ll find the capital city of Cockburn Town, and Salt Cay, which played a key role in the local salt industry. The populated Caicos Islands include Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos. Guests will also find the two largest uninhabited islands of the country, West Caicos and East Caicos, among the Caicos Islands.
When planning your trip to Turks and Caicos, location is key. There’s no shortage of options for accommodations on the islands, but you may want to consider which accommodations allow easy access to your preferred activities and excursions.
How Do You Get to Turks and Caicos?
Guests may arrive at Turks and Caicos by plane or by cruise. Most international flights land in the Providenciales International Airport (PLS). Cruises dock in Grand Turk, the only island with a cruise port.
Tourists need a valid passport and a return or onward ticket to enter the islands. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date. Those visiting from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, and most European Union countries, do not need a visa to enter Turks and Caicos. Double-check visa requirements before you book your trip. After you arrive, you’ll need to complete the immigration and customs process. Cruise agents generally handle this process for cruise passengers.
How Many Islands Make Up Turks and Caicos?
Turks and Caicos features 40 main islands and cays, with 62 additional, particularly small cays or rocks that have been named. Nine of the main islands are inhabited, including Grand Turk, Salt Cay, Providenciales, North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, Pine Cay, Parrot Cay, and Ambergris Cay. All of these islands have accommodations, and you can visit most islands regardless of where you’re staying. Access to the private cays known for their luxury resorts and villas may be limited to guests of those resorts. For example, Parrot Cay sometimes allows non-guest visitors who have booked dining reservations. Ambergris Cay, however, is generally closed to non-guests.
The most popular Turks and Caicos destinations have a wide range of attractions and excursions to enjoy. Providenciales is particularly known for Grace Bay Beach, famed for its soft, white sands and brilliant, clear waters. Sometimes referred to as the tourism capital of Turks and Caicos, Providenciales also offers plenty of chances to enjoy nature, water activities, shopping, and more.
Grand Turk, the second most populated island, is a little more laid-back than Providenciales. In addition to beautiful beaches, it is also home to some key historical sites. Nature lovers can also get up close and personal with stingrays in Gibbs Cay, or snorkel and scuba dive offshore to see vibrant sea life.
North and Middle Caicos are the largest islands and are connected to one another by a causeway. Unlike Providenciales and Grand Turk, you’ll find no large developments on these islands. This makes them an ideal place to take in the untouched natural beauty of Turks and Caicos. You can hike along scenic routes or explore unique limestone caves.
Salt Cay, although smaller than many of the other islands, is rich with history. While the economy in Salt Cay is driven by tourism today, it was once a crucial part of the salt industry in Turks and Caicos. Tourists can visit the salt salinas, go hiking to enjoy the landscape, or participate in popular water sports.
How to Get From Island to Island
Regardless of where you stay, you’ll have plenty of options for transportation between islands. Guests can hop small planes to travel to or from Providenciales, Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and South Caicos. North Caicos and Middle Caicos are accessible from other islands by passenger ferries. For more flexible travel options, you can also book a charter boat or private tour.
Domestic Flights in Turks and Caicos
Domestic flights are a convenient option for reaching the outer Turks and Caicos Islands. Two local airlines, Caicos Express and interCaribbean, operate on domestic routes.
Flight availability varies depending on your destination. Tourists can board daily flights between Grand Turk and Providenciales. Salt Cay flights are available a few times a week, while South Caicos flights occur twice-weekly. Round-trip ticket prices start at approximately $130 per person.
Ferry Services Between Caicos Islands
Visitors can also catch passenger ferries, which seat 10 to 40 people. Available ferry routes include transportation between Providenciales and North Caicos, Providenciales and South Caicos, or Grand Turk and Salt Cay. Guests can easily access Middle Caicos from North Caicos, since these are the only two islands connected by road. Generally, it is best to book your tickets as early as possible, especially during busier times such as over the weekend. Ferries make multiple trips in a day, but each follows its own schedule. Be sure to check out departure times so you don’t miss your ride.
Day Trips to Salt Cay and Grand Turk
Grand Turk, considered to be the historic center of Turks and Caicos, is home to Cockburn Town, the capital city. Flight time from Providenciales takes about 30 minutes. If you don’t mind getting wet, Grand Turk offers multiple water-based excursions you’re sure to enjoy. Visitors often come to scuba dive or snorkel, exploring colorful reefs and watching vibrant sea life. You could also opt to visit the nearby Gibbs Cay, which gives visitors the chance to see local stingrays up close. If you’re interested in learning more about the island, you can also visit several key historical sites. For a guided exploration of the island, consider booking an ATV tour or one of the local organized historical tours.
Salt Cay is the second largest of the Turks Islands after Grand Turk. Travelers can reach Salt Cay from Grand Turk by a 30-minute flight. Its shallow ponds have been an optimal place to gather salt for centuries, which contributed to the birth of the Salt industry in this region. Today, the salt salinas sit unused, but visitors are welcome to explore. Guests also stop by Salt Cay to hike, snorkel, fish, kayak, and enjoy the beaches. In whalewatching season, local companies book tours and charters to allow tourists to watch the humpback whales that migrate to Turks and Caicos each year.
Turks and Caicos Transportation Options
Figuring out how you’ll get to various activities and excursions while on any of the Turks and Caicos Islands is an essential component of your trip. Tourists have access to rental cars, taxis, shuttles, golf carts, scooters, bicycles, and guided tours. The cost and availability of your transportation options may vary significantly.
Public Transportation in Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands have no official public transport services. Rather, travelers rely on taxi and shuttle services. However, it is important to note that in addition to legitimate taxi services, some drivers offer unlicensed, illegal services. It is highly recommended to avoid unofficial taxis, since they may be more dangerous or unreliable. Other modes of transportation may be more practical for tourists, especially if you’re trying to make it on time to a reserved excursion or activity.
Driving in Turks and Caicos
If you plan to drive in Turks and Caicos, keep in mind that vehicles are driven on the left side of the road. However, since most rental cars are imported from the United States, most vehicles are right-hand drive. This can make passing more difficult and risky. Furthermore, road rules are not always enforced. Local drivers can be reckless, so vigilance is extremely important while driving. Illegal jitney taxis may even stop in the middle of busy roads. Follow all vehicles at a safe distance and stay prepared for sudden stops. Additionally, consider your insurance options carefully if you’re renting a car.
Instead of using traffic stops, Turks and Caicos regulates traffic with roundabouts. In a roundabout, yield to traffic on the right and do not stop unless for emergencies or because traffic forces you to. Although signage was implemented after 2011, hurricanes sometimes result in the loss of signs. Signs may also be inconsistent. If you are unfamiliar with British-style road signs, you may want to look them up beforehand.
Can I Rent a Car in Turks and Caicos?
Yes, you can rent cars, jeeps, and other vehicles in Turks and Caicos. In fact, renting a car is highly recommended for those visiting the islands. Attractions in Turks and Caicos are often spaced too far apart for comfortable biking or walking distances. Driving is one of the most reliable ways to get to all of the things you want to see and do. Rental companies are available in Providenciales, Grand Turk, and North and Middle Caicos, and South Caicos. Pay attention to car quality when you pick up your vehicle, and document even small evidence of damage beforehand to avoid being held accountable for damage you didn’t cause.
Requirements to Rent a Car
Generally, most valid driver’s licenses are accepted for driving purposes in Turks and Caicos. This includes licenses from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia. However, some visitors may be required to have an international driving permit.
In most cases, you must be at least 25 years old to rent a car in the Turks and Caicos. Some companies have a lower age minimum of 21. To rent a car, you may have to pay additional fees, such as mandatory deposits or insurance coverage. Pay close attention to fees so you can get an accurate idea of the total cost of vehicle rentals.
Tips for Using Rental Cars Safely
Many local businesses and hotels offer free on-site parking. However, keep in mind that parking isn’t free at the Providenciales International Airport.
Be mindful of your fuel levels when traveling. While there are plenty of gas stations on Providenciales and Grand Turk, North Caicos only has a few. No other islands have places to refuel. Gas costs approximately $6.44 to $7.45 per gallon as of 2025.
If you are unfamiliar with how to use roundabouts or with driving on the left side of the road, look up road etiquette and rules before you visit. Be mindful of other drivers, including locals and other tourists. Road signage in Turks and Caicos is styled after British road signs. Tourists can look up signs prior to their visit so they know how to read local road signs.
Alternative Transportation Options
In addition to more traditional modes of transportation, guests can find various alternatives across the islands.
San-Francisco Style Trolley Rental in Providenciales
Providenciales, also known as Provo, is home to the sunning Grace Bay Beach. In addition to stunning white stands and brilliant turquoise waters, visitors can partake in a wide range of activities across the island. For a unique and exciting way to explore Provo, consider booking one of our Turks and Caicos trolley tours.
Our public tours offer visitors a chance to dive into island history and culture. You’ll take in key sights around Grace Bay while learning about the island from our informative and entertaining guides. Alternatively, you can set your own pace by booking a private trolley charter. Whether you want to customize your tour or need convenient transport for your group, Turks Tour Company is happy to provide.
Golf Carts in Turks and Caicos
Traveling in Grand Turk? If so, you’ll have the option to rent a golf cart for your transportation purposes. Golf carts can be a fun and convenient way to get around. On the narrow streets of Cockburn Town, it may be easier to drive a golf cart than a larger vehicle. However, the cost for golf carts is sometimes higher than typical car rentals.
On some smaller islands, like Salt Cay, full-sized car rentals may not be available. In such cases, off-road golf carts can help you get around where you’d otherwise need to walk. Just be sure to apply sunscreen, since the cart’s canopy won’t offer you full protection from the sun.
Bicycles and Scooters
For short-distance exploration, guests can also rent bicycles and scooters. It is generally safer to limit these forms of transportation within smaller usage areas, such as Salt Cay, central Cockburn Town, or central Grace Bay. Keep in mind that there are no dedicated bike lanes or shared-use lanes on roads in Turks and Caicos. Avoid riding on the road when you can, especially on busier roads like Leeward Highway.
Private Boat Charters
Local flights and ferries aren’t the only way to travel between the islands. The flexibility of private boat charters allows you to discover the wonders of Turks and Caicos on your terms. Whether you want to visit secluded beaches on little cays or want to see what the nearby islands have to offer, a private charter gives you ample opportunity to explore.
If island hopping is your thing, Turks Tour offers private Turks and Caicos boat charter rentals that are customizable to your preferences. We provide transportation to West Caicos, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos. You can also engage in water activities such as deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and swimming.
Guided Tours and Private Drivers
Depending on the size of your group, you may benefit from hiring private car services to get around Turks and Caicos. Generally, taxi services are priced per person. For larger groups, taxi expenses may add up quickly. Private car services, on the other hand, are priced at around $50 to $130 per car.
When booking your trip, you can also look for packages that account for your transportation needs while on vacation. Certain travel agencies or resorts offer all-inclusive options that provide airport transfers and other forms of island transport.
Why Planning Transportation Matters
A vacation only lasts so long, so it’s important to make the most of your time while you’re here. Whether you’re trying to make it on time to a restaurant reservation, have a specific tour you want to try, or just want to get in every minute of beach time you can, reliable transportation is a must.
Choosing transportation in Turks and Caicos involves balancing cost and convenience. The right choice depends on your budget, the size of your group, and the specific things you’d like to do while you visit. Turks and Caicos has a wide range of transportation options suited to families, couples, and groups.
Why Choose Turks Tour Company for Island Transportation and Tours?
Based locally in Turtle Cove Marina, Turks Tour Company provides transport around Grace Bay and the surrounding areas. Our team also offers fun, informative tours that give you the chance to take in island sights while learning more about local culture and history. Turks Tour’s trusted guides have substantial knowledge of Turks and Caicos, which they’ll share as they show you all Grace Bay has to offer and more.
When you need stress-free transport across Providenciales, rely on Turks Tour Company. Try our public trolley tours or private trolley rentals to take in the sights around Grace Bay, or to get around easily. Want to hop over to nearby islands? Our private boat charters are the way to go! Guests can also book excursions with our team to enjoy activities by land or sea.
Call Turks Tour Company to Plan Your Turks and Caicos Experience
Don’t put off booking with Turks Tour Company. Our excursions and transport options fill up fast, so the best way to ensure you don’t miss out is to plan ahead. If your visit is scheduled during peak season or other popular dates, early booking becomes even more important. The sooner you call us, the better. The Turks Tour team is ready to take you on an island adventure. Call (649) 232-9161 or contact us online to book trolley rentals, private charters, and more.