Guadeloupe
For most international visitors, flying to Guadeloupe is the most common way to arrive. Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP), also known as Guadeloupe - Pôle Caraïbes Airport, is the sole international airport on the island. It sits just northwest of Pointe-à-Pitre, making it a convenient entry point for exploring the city and the rest of Guadeloupe.
Flight prices are highest during Guadeloupe's peak tourist season (mid-December to May) and around major holidays (Christmas, New Year's, Carnival, Easter). Expect lower prices typically during the wet season (August to November), though French school holidays within this period still see elevated fares. Flexibility with travel dates may yield significant savings.
Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. A ride to downtown Pointe-à-Pitre typically costs €20-€30.
Pre-booking a rental car is highly recommended. Counters are at the airport, granting immediate flexibility.
Local buses from the airport to Pointe-à-Pitre city center offer a budget-friendly transfer.
Daily direct flights from Orly (ORY) and Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airports.
Direct flights from Miami (MIA) and New York (JFK) for U.S. Travelers.
Direct flights from Montreal (YUL) and Toronto (YYZ) for Canadian travelers.
Guadeloupe has no metro or tram systems. The main public transport is the bus network, managed by Karu'Lis. It covers Pointe-à-Pitre extensively and extends to surrounding communes, connecting to larger towns across both Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre.
Road conditions vary. Main roads are generally well-maintained, especially on Grande-Terre. Secondary roads, notably in mountainous Basse-Terre, may be narrow, winding, steep, and have potholes.
Driving in Guadeloupe may present challenges due to sometimes aggressive local drivers, narrow roads, and frequent roundabouts. Speed limits are in kilometers per hour (km/h). You drive on the right side of the road. Be aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and occasional livestock on rural roads. Rain may make roads slippery.
Motorcycles and scooters are available for rent from specialized agencies, especially in tourist areas. Requirements mirror car rental, including a valid driver's license. Helmets are mandatory and provided. Scooters permit flexible coastal road exploration, but riders need comfort with traffic.
Guadeloupe's maritime connections are important for inter-island travel and cruise tourism. Pointe-à-Pitre is the main ferry hub. The ferry terminal, near the city center, connects the island to its smaller dependencies and neighboring Caribbean nations.
For international arrivals by ferry (e.g., from Martinique or Dominica) or cruise ship, immigration procedures mirror those at the airport. Passport checks happen upon disembarkation. For travel within the French Caribbean, procedures are generally smoother due to shared regulations.
Regular service connects Pointe-à-Pitre to Marie-Galante, known for its sugar cane fields and rum distilleries.
Connections to Les Saintes (Terre-de-Haut), a picturesque archipelago famed for its beautiful bay.
Pointe-à-Pitre acts as a popular cruise ship port, with facilities for large vessels near the city center.
No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied directly upon departure from Guadeloupe for tourists. These costs are usually incorporated into your airline ticket price. For international flights departing from Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP), plan to arrive at least 2.5 to 3 hours before your scheduled departure time.
PTP Airport presents various amenities for departing travelers, including restaurants, cafes, duty-free shopping (for last-minute souvenirs or gifts), and lounges. Ferry terminals generally contain more basic facilities, like waiting areas, ticket counters, and sometimes small snack bars.
Verify your flight or ferry status online before heading to the airport or terminal.
Confirm all necessary travel documents are ready for departure procedures.
Arrange taxi or rental car return in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Planning your departure well in advance secures a calm and straightforward exit from Guadeloupe.
