Getting around Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman has regulated taxis, public minibuses that run from a depot in George Town, and car hire beside the airport. Here is how each works, from official sources.
From the airport to your hotel
- The Cayman Islands Airports Authority says taxis wait at the arrivals greeting area at Owen Roberts International Airport, sent out first come, first served by a ground transport attendant[1].
- The Airports Authority says a national taxi fare schedule took effect on 2 August 2019, with the first two pieces of luggage free, and gives the fare from the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort to the airport under it as 25 US dollars[1].
- The Airports Authority says the free CI:GO app quotes a taxi fare before you travel, from the pickup and drop-off points, the number of passengers and pieces of luggage, in both KYD and USD[1].
- The Airports Authority says pre-booked buses, usually carrying groups, and pre-booked luxury SUVs can meet you at the airport if arranged with the transport company in advance[2].
- The Airports Authority says most major car rental companies are a short walk across the street from the terminal, with signs to guide you[2].
Use the app's quote to agree the fare with the driver before you set off.
Taxis
- The US State Department says licensed taxis have yellow licence plates and some drivers only accept cash, and that Uber and Lyft are not available[3].
Public buses
- The UK Foreign Office says minibuses are the only local public transport and run only on the main routes; for other journeys there are taxis, or you can hire a car[4].
- The Public Transport Unit says every public bus route starts and ends at the depot on Edward Street in George Town, that buses show their route number in a coloured circle, and that they are not a point-to-point service: for that, take a taxi[5].
- If your bus doesn't go where you need, the Public Transport Unit says to change buses at the depot[5].
- The Public Transport Unit gives an average bus fare of CI$2 a journey, rising to as much as CI$5 beyond Hutland Road, for example to Rum Point and Cayman Kai[5].
- The government's bus route map says buses run regularly from 5am to 7pm, Monday to Friday[6].
- The US State Department says public buses are widely used and to plan to pay in cash[3].
Driving: the rules for everyone
- The Government of Canada says traffic in the Cayman Islands drives on the left[7].
- The US State Department says traffic goes clockwise around roundabouts, and drivers entering one must give way to those already on it[3].
- The US State Department says holding a GPS device or mobile phone while driving is a criminal offence, all passengers must wear seat belts, and even minor accidents must be reported to police within 24 hours[3].
- The UK Foreign Office says the Cayman Islands drink-drive limit is 0.07% alcohol, slightly lower than the limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland[4].
Driving licences by nationality
- For US visitors, the US State Department says you can drive in the Cayman Islands with a valid US driver's licence[3].
- For Canadians, the Government of Canada says a visitor's driving permit is required, available from a car rental agency or a Department of Vehicle and Drivers' Licensing office on showing your passport, the immigration card you got on arrival and your Canadian licence, for an administration fee of CI$16[7].
- The UK Foreign Office says you can drive in the Cayman Islands on a UK photocard driving licence[4].
- The UK Foreign Office warns that hire car companies often have stricter requirements, such as a year of driving experience or a higher minimum age[4].
The Cayman Islands Department of Vehicle and Drivers' Licensing says visitors planning to rent a car or scooter must first make sure their own country's licence is valid for that class of vehicle[8]. What each government tells its own drivers differs, so read the line for your licence and ask your car hire company what it needs before you book.
Sources
- Cayman Islands Airports Authority: taxi services, checked 2026-10-26
- Cayman Islands Airports Authority: ground transportation, checked 2026-10-26
- US State Department: Cayman Islands travel advisory and guidance, checked 2026-10-26
- UK Foreign Office travel advice: Cayman Islands safety and security, checked 2026-10-26
- Cayman Islands Public Transport Unit: bus depot, checked 2026-10-26
- Cayman Islands Government: Grand Cayman public bus route map (PDF), checked 2026-10-26
- Government of Canada: Cayman Islands travel advice, checked 2026-10-26
- Cayman Islands Department of Vehicle and Drivers' Licensing: driver's licence FAQs, checked 2026-10-26