Arrival brief · Antigua ANU

ANU Arrival Guide: Antigua Airport to the Resorts, Without the Traps

Antigua's airport is easy and the island is safe — the taxis have no meters but government-set rates, so confirm the fare, or use a resort transfer. Then it's 365 beaches with just a little normal care.

2026-08-26

TaxiNo meters, government-set rates by zone — confirm the fare

Resort transferPre-booked/resort pickup to the beaches, easy

Rental carCommon for exploring — keep it empty; drive on the LEFT

MoneyEC dollar (XCD), USD widely accepted; cards in resorts

What to expect after landing

Antigua’s V.C. Bird International (ANU) is an easy airport on a safe island, and arrival is relaxed. The taxis have no meters but government-set rates — so confirm the fare — or use a resort transfer. The airport is fairly central, so transfers aren’t long. Then it’s 365 beaches with a little normal care.

Antigua uses the EC dollar (USD widely accepted); use a bank ATM, cards work in resorts.

Option 1 — Set-rate taxi or resort transfer

Official taxis have government-set zone rates — confirm the fare — and a pre-booked resort transfer is easy. Both are simple; confirm the price or match your transfer, keep valuables secured, and head to your resort.

Option 2 — Rental car

A rental car is common for exploring — keep it empty, and drive on the left.

What it looks like

At ANU arrival is easy and the island is safe — the only tell is the no-meter taxi’s fare, settled by confirming the government-set rate up front. A resort transfer avoids even that. Pay in EC/USD, keep valuables secured, and carry a little beach sense (nothing left on the sand) into a relaxed, safe island.

Do this instead

Confirm the fare with the no-meter taxis (government-set rates), or use a resort transfer; if you rent a car, keep it empty and drive on the left. Pay in EC dollars/USD, using bank ATMs. That’s the whole ANU arrival, on a safe, easygoing island.

Late-night arrivals

Official taxis and resort transfers operate for arrivals, so a late landing is easy — use the set-rate taxi (confirm the fare) or a pre-booked resort transfer. The airport is fairly central. Go directly to your accommodation, keep valuables secured, and don’t accept a vague fare. Antigua is safe at night with normal sense.

Arrive prepared

The services this guide's advice points to — sorted before you land, not in the arrivals hall.

Airport transfer Welcome Pickups
A licensed, fixed-price driver waiting with your name — the pre-booked ride these guides recommend for late or first-time arrivals.
Pre-book a licensed transfer →
Arrival data Airalo eSIM
Working data the moment you land, so your map, ride app, and this guide all work before you leave the arrivals hall.
Get an arrival eSIM →
Travel insurance SafetyWing
The police report in these guides is for a claim — this is who you claim from. Covers theft, medical, and trip disruption.
Compare travel cover →
Anti-theft gear Anti-theft gear guide
The crossbody bags, RFID sleeves, door alarms, and hidden pockets behind the two-pocket system — what to look for, and where to get it.
See the gear guide →

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Quick answers

What's the best way from Antigua airport to my resort?

Use an official taxi or a pre-booked resort transfer. Antigua's taxis (from V.C. Bird International, ANU) don't use meters but operate on government-set rates by zone, so confirm the fare before setting off and know the rough rate to your resort area. A resort transfer (often arranged by your hotel) is easy too. The airport is fairly central, so transfers around the island aren't long. Confirm your taxi's set rate or match your transfer, keep valuables secured, and head to your resort. Some visitors rent a car to explore (drive on the left, keep it empty). It's a safe, easy island; just confirm the fare up front.

Do the taxis at Antigua airport overcharge?

The main issue is that they have no meters, so confirm the government-set zone rate before you get in — tourists who don't confirm can be overcharged, but it's not an aggressive scam scene, just standard no-meter care. There are official rates by zone, so ask or check. For value and certainty, a pre-booked resort transfer avoids the negotiation. There's no widespread ride-app coverage, so licensed taxis or a rental car are the ways around. Carry small EC or US dollars for the fare and tip, and confirm the price for your destination up front.

How does money work arriving in Antigua?

Antigua uses the East Caribbean dollar (XCD), but US dollars are widely accepted and cards work in resorts, restaurants, and shops, so you rarely need to change much. Use bank ATMs (dispensing EC dollars), shield your PIN, and choose EC dollars or USD sensibly on card terminals to avoid a poor conversion rate. Carry some cash for taxis, vendors, and tips. It's an easy island for money with essentially no currency-scam culture — just confirm the no-meter taxi's set fare, pay in EC/USD, and keep valuables in the room safe once you arrive. Tipping is customary for good service.

What if I land at Antigua airport late at night?

Official taxis and resort transfers operate for flight arrivals, so a late landing is easy — use the set-rate taxi (confirm the fare) or a pre-booked resort transfer. The airport is fairly central, so transfers aren't long. Go directly to your accommodation, keep valuables secured, and don't accept a vague fare or a curb tout. Antigua is a safe island at night with normal sense, so a late arrival is low-stress; just confirm the taxi's set fare or use a booked transfer, and head to your resort or beach area.