Transport and Driving in the Cayman Islands

There are a few options for getting around the Cayman Islands, including buses, taxis, and private cars. The islands are home to two international airports.

You’ll find that the roads are in good condition and that navigating the islands is relatively simple. Traffic drives on the left-hand side, and the easiest way to travel is by car.

Public transport in the Cayman Islands

Public transport in the Cayman Islands is currently under review, with the government considering improvements, including a national bus system and 24-hour service. While these changes may take years to implement, the existing bus network meets most of the needs of most residents and visitors.

Buses

On Grand Cayman, a mini-bus system connects all the districts of the island. While there are some bus stops along major routes, you can flag down a bus at any stage. Just alert the driver when you need to get off. The buses look more like shuttles rather than the traditional city buses you may be used to.

Buses generally operate from 6am to 11pm from Mondays to Thursdays, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. A limited service runs on Sundays. Routes are colour-coded according to frequency, and arrival times vary from once every four minutes (yellow) to once every half hour (bright blue). Service reliability can vary, particularly in areas like East End, where some drivers do not always complete their routes.

Useful links

• Public Transport Unit

Taxis in the Cayman Islands

Taxis are available throughout the islands. Keep in mind that taxis operate according to standard fares set by the government. It’s recommended that you confirm the fare before getting into the taxi. Most taxis only accept cash, although some drivers accept credit or debit cards – however, this is not guaranteed.

Currently, there are no operational ride-hailing apps like Uber or Lyft in the Cayman Islands.

Useful links

• CI:GO app

Driving in the Cayman Islands

Driving in the Cayman Islands is a convenient way to get around, but there are specific requirements and regulations you should be aware of, especially when obtaining or converting a driving licence.

Traffic moves on the left-hand side, and road conditions are generally good. However, roundabouts and congested areas, particularly in George Town, can pose challenges for new drivers. Speed limits are strictly enforced.

Driver’s licences

If you’re a legal resident of the Cayman Islands, you’ll need to obtain a local licence. The process varies depending on where your original driving licence was obtained.

If you hold a valid foreign licence from a Convention country (e.g., the US, Canada, UK, and most of Europe), you may drive in Cayman for six months before converting your licence. To convert it, you must pass the written theory test and submit your foreign licence and identification at the Department of Vehicle & Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL). If you fail to complete this within six months, both theory and practical driving tests will be required.

As of 2024, all new drivers must pass a theory test before obtaining a licence, regardless of prior experience abroad. The test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, requiring 80 percent correct to pass. Once passed, you’ll receive a learner’s licence valid for six months, allowing supervised driving. After four weeks, you can take the practical driving test to obtain a full Caymanian driving licence.

Caymanian driving licences are valid for three, five, or ten years.

Useful links

• Department of Vehicles and Drivers’ Licensing.

Cycling in the Cayman Islands

The well-maintained roads and naturally flat terrain make cycling around the Cayman Islands fairly easy, but there are some safety concerns due to the lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure.

While helmets are required by law, enforcement is inconsistent. Reflective gear and lights are mandatory if you plan to cycle at night. Safety campaigns are increasing awareness among drivers, but main roads remain a risk for cyclists due to traffic congestion.

There are currently no dedicated cycling lanes across most of the islands. Some residential areas and tourist hotspots feature bike-friendly paths, but these are mainly for leisure rather than commuting.

Cycling is more popular among tourists than residents, with rental bikes widely available in areas like George Town and Seven Mile Beach. Few locals use bicycles for daily transport due to limited infrastructure and the hot climate.

Air travel in the Cayman Islands

Air travel in the Cayman Islands is well-developed, with two international airports connecting the islands to major global destinations. Whether you’re flying in for business or leisure, you’ll most likely arrive at one of these hubs.

The main gateway is Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) on Grand Cayman. This airport handles most international flights and is currently undergoing expansion to accommodate long-haul routes. Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (CYB), located on Cayman Brac, primarily serves interisland flights and a handful of regional international connections.

Interisland travel is mainly serviced by Cayman Airways and its subsidiary, Cayman Airways Express, which provides daily flights between Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. These flights are frequent, although availability may fluctuate during peak travel seasons.

Useful links

• Cayman Islands Airports Authority
• Cayman Airways