Getting There & Away: Nevis

Airport Information

Major Airports

Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB): Located on St. Kitts, this the main international gateway to the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Most international flights land here. Travelers typically fly into SKB and then transfer to Nevis.

SKB Details

SKB a modern, well-equipped airport that handles a significant volume of tourist traffic.
Transfer via a short taxi ride and a scenic ferry crossing or water taxi.
SKB facilities include duty-free shops, car rental desks, currency exchange, ATMs, VIP lounges, food/beverage vendors.

Vance W. Amory International Airport NEV

Located on Nevis itself, near Newcastle. This airport mainly handles inter-island flights from neighboring Caribbean islands and private charters. It much smaller than SKB.

NEV Details

It offers a more intimate and quicker arrival experience for those who arrive directly by regional plane or private jet.
For many, arriving directly into NEV convenience, bypassing the ferry transfer from St. Kitts.
NEV a much smaller airport with basic facilities, including a small waiting area, local car rental desks, and taxi stands.

Flights to SKB

American Airlines (Miami, Charlotte, JFK), Delta (Atlanta), United (Newark), JetBlue (JFK), Air Canada (Toronto), British Airways (London Gatwick), Virgin Atlantic (London Heathrow, seasonal).

Flights to NEV

Inter-island: Winair (St. Maarten), Air Sunshine (San Juan), Trans Anguilla Airways. Private Charters also available from other Caribbean hubs.

Direct Flight Options

Direct flights to St. Kitts (SKB) available from major hubs in the US and UK. Direct international flights to Nevis (NEV) rare, typically a connection or transfer.

Transfer Options from SKB to Nevis Accommodation

Steps from St. Kitts SKB

Taxi to Ferry Terminal: Short 5-10 minute taxi ride from SKB to Port Zante or Reggae Beach Pier in St. Kitts.
Public Passenger Ferry: Regular service from Port Zante to Charlestown, Nevis (approx. 45 mins).
"Sea Bridge" Car Ferry: From Major's Bay/Reggae Beach Pier to Cades Bay, Nevis (approx. 20-30 mins).
Water Taxi/Private Transfer: Faster, direct service from Reggae Beach Pier to Pinney's Beach or designated jetty in Nevis. Most convenient, most expensive.

From NEV Nevis

Taxis readily available outside the terminal to take you to any point on the island.
Small airport means transfers usually quick and efficient.
Flight availability and pricing vary significantly by season (High, Low, Shoulder).
Booking flights well in advance advisable for desirable rates in high season.

Seasonal Flight Availability

High Season Mid-December to May

Flight frequency increases. Prices reach their highest, especially around major holidays. Booking 6-12 months out advisable.

Low Season July to October

Flight frequency may decrease, some routes seasonal. Prices significantly lower, budget-friendly travel.

Shoulder Season June, November, early December

This period a balance, with potentially lower prices and decent availability compared to high season.

Land Transportation

Self-Driving on Nevis

Renting a car maximum freedom to explore Nevis at your own pace, especially if you wish to venture off the main routes.

Driving Essentials

Driving Side: Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road.
Driver's Permit: Visitors a temporary local driver's permit. Obtainable from Traffic Department or car rental agency (EC$60 / US$22.20).
Road Conditions: Main road generally well-maintained. Inland roads rough, unpaved, steep, potholes. A 4x4 useful for off-road exploration.

Road Conditions & Safety

The main road that circles Nevis paved and generally in good condition, allowing for easy travel around the island's perimeter.

Awareness

Side roads and interior roads can be unpaved, narrow, and steep. Drive slowly and carefully.
Animals on the road (goats, donkeys) a common sight. Drive with caution, especially around bends and at night.
Rain can make roads slick. Adjust your speed accordingly. Visibility limited at night outside Charlestown.

Driving Laws

Speed limits posted, typically lower in towns and villages. Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants.

Regulations

Do not use mobile phones while driving unless using a hands-free system.
Driving under the influence illegal.
Drive defensively; watch for pedestrians and cyclists.

Car Rental Options

Major international car rental chains not typically present directly on Nevis. Instead, local rental agencies operate on the island. DiscoverCars.com a comparison site for rentals.

Booking & Vehicle Types

Nevis Auto Rentals and TDC Car Rental local providers. You often arrange rentals through your hotel.
Consider renting a 4x4 vehicle (jeep or SUV) if you plan extensive off-main-road exploration.
Booking your rental car in advance advisable, especially during high season, to secure availability.

Other Road Vehicles

Motorcycle and scooter rentals less common but available from some local providers. Only experienced riders should consider this option. Helmets recommended.
No formal island-wide bicycle sharing programs. Some hotels or independent shops may offer bicycle rentals. Nevis hilly in parts.
Nevis's roads can be challenging, with winding sections, potholes, and roaming animals.

Parking: Generally ample parking available. In Charlestown, street parking limited, but public parking areas exist near the market and ferry terminal.
No long-distance bus system; public mini-buses operate along fixed routes without strict timetables.
Border Crossing: You clear immigration and customs at your first point of entry (SKB or NEV). Travel between St. Kitts and Nevis on the ferry domestic.

Sea Arrivals

Ferry Services

Regular ferry services connect Nevis with St. Kitts. These important for inter-island travel and scenic journeys.

Types of Ferries

Passenger Ferries: Operate several times a day between Charlestown, Nevis, and Basseterre, St. Kitts. Passenger-only.
Car Ferry ("Sea Bridge"): Connects Cades Bay, Nevis, with Major's Bay/Reggae Beach Pier, St. Kitts, allowing vehicles to cross. Also carries foot passengers.
Water Taxis: Private water taxis a popular and efficient way to travel between St. Kitts and Nevis, especially for high-end resorts.

Cruise Ports

Nevis a small pier in Charlestown that accommodate smaller cruise ships or yachts. Passengers disembarking here directly in the heart of Charlestown.

Port Information

Larger cruise ships typically dock at Port Zante in Basseterre, St. Kitts.
Passengers from larger ships often take the inter-island ferry or private water taxi to Nevis for day excursions.
Immigration Procedures at Seaports: For direct international arrivals into Nevis, standard customs and immigration procedures apply.

River Transport

No significant river transportation exists in Nevis, as the island lacks large, navigable rivers. Ghauts typically seasonal streams.

Seaport Immigration

For ferry arrivals from St. Kitts to Nevis, immigration checks generally do not repeat if you have already cleared customs and immigration upon your initial arrival into the federation.

Land Connections

Taxis readily available at the Charlestown ferry terminal and the Cades Bay ferry terminal to transport arriving passengers.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Departure tax typically included in your airline ticket price for flights departing from SKB (St. Kitts) or NEV (Nevis).

No Additional Exit Fee

You should not expect to pay an additional cash exit fee at the airport.
For flights from NEV, arrive at least 1 to 1.5 hours before departure.
For international flights from SKB, allow ample time for transfer from Nevis (taxi, ferry, taxi to SKB).

Airport Facilities

Standard airport security checks apply at both airports. Be prepared to remove electronics from bags and liquids from your carry-on.

Departing Travelers

SKB: Offers duty-free shops, small food outlets, comfortable seating areas.
NEV: Vance W. Amory International Airport basic facilities for departing travelers, including check-in and waiting lounge.
Try to arrive at SKB at least 2 to 3 hours before your international flight, possibly more if traveling during peak season.

Coordinating Departure from Nevis

Flight Status Check

Reconfirm your flight status the day before departure to avoid any surprises.

Transfer Arrangements

Reconfirm your transfer arrangements (ferry, taxi) the day before departure.

Late Arrival at SKB

If arriving late in the day at SKB, consider an overnight stay on St. Kitts or a pre-arranged private water taxi to Nevis to avoid missing the last ferry.

Departure Wisdom

Factor in potential ferry delays when planning your international departure from St. Kitts (SKB).

Getting There & Away