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.

Expats will 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 not that extensive, but it suits the small population’s needs. Expats may be surprised to learn that ferries do not travel between the three islands. Interisland travel is done either by plane or by private boat.

Buses

On Grand Cayman, a bus connects all the districts of the island. While there are some bus stops along major routes, one can flag down a passing point at any stage. Passengers can alert the driver when they need to get off. Expats should be aware that the buses look like shuttles rather than the domestic buses they 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).

Useful links

►Visit the Public Transport Unit for more information about buses.

Taxis in the Cayman Islands

Taxis are available throughout the islands. Expats should note that taxis operate according to standard fares set by the government. It is recommended that expats confirm the fare before getting into the taxi. There was also a ride-hailing app in the Cayman Islands, but services have been suspended for upgrades and maintenance since December 2022 with no news since.

Useful links

►The CI:GO app can be used to calculate taxi fares ahead of time

Driving in the Cayman Islands

Legal residents of the Cayman Islands will need to obtain a local licence. The process varies according to where a person’s driving licence was originally obtained.

Expats can drive on their licence from home for up to six months. During this time, drivers must undergo testing to obtain a local licence. Nationals of countries signatory to certain conventions only need to take a written test unless they begin the process more than six months after moving to the islands, in which case, a practical test is also required. On the other hand, expats from countries without such an agreement will automatically have to take both theory and practical tests to obtain a local licence.

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

Useful links

►For more on the process of getting a local licence and to view a list of convention countries, visit the Department of Vehicles and Drivers’ Licensing.

Cycling in the Cayman Islands

The well-maintained roads and naturally flat terrain of the islands make getting around by bike fairly easy. Bicycles can be rented along the beachfront. Expats should make sure to lock up their bicycles properly with a lock.