Getting Around St Helena – Taxi, Bus, Airport Transfers and Car Rental Services

Getting around St Helena Island requires a little pre-planning to save precious holiday time and ensure you don’t miss out on all important experiences.

St Helena transportation options are fairly limited, however, these insider tips on what’s available could help make your travel around the island smooth and bump-free.

Keep in mind, there are no car rental services operating from the airport, nor is there a traditional taxi rank outside the terminal. There are no ride hailing apps such as UBER operating here, but we do have the Inside St Helena app, one of the easiest ways to organise transportation requirements once you have a local SIM card installed. (SIM cards can be bought at the airport)

St Helena Airport Transfers

Unless you have friends or family meeting you, it’s very important to arrange and confirm your ‘airport to accommodation’ transportation, before your flight to the island.

Airport transfers are available by prior arrangement, either through your accommodation provider, or by pre-booking a taxi.

There is also a public bus service to/from the airport on flight days. Check the Inside St Helena App for a complete bus timetable.

St Helena Rental Car

A popular mode of St Helena transport for maximum convenience is car rental, or hire drive as it’s known locally.

Driving on St Helena can be a little nervy for some, because of the steep, narrow roads. Our suggestion if you are planning to drive, would be to arrange a taxi from the airport initially. This allows you to get a feel for the island roads, before getting behind the wheel yourself.

That said, if you’re happy to drive yourself from the airport, most of St Helena’s car hire companies will happily arrange for your vehicle to be collected on arrival. They can also arrange for your vehicle to be delivered to your accommodation in advance. All very helpful.

See the St Helena car rental services listing further down in this article.

Driving On St Helena

There are a range of very affordable cars and four-wheel-drive vehicles for hire. Booking a car before you arrive is essential to save disappointment.

A valid overseas driver’s licence can be driven on for up to three months. Any longer and you will need to purchase a local licence.

We drive on the left hand side of the road on St Helena.

Driving age on St Helena is 18 years or over, however, drivers 70+ are required to pass a medical exam.

Speed Limit

The St Helena national speed limit is 30 mph; residential areas are 20 mph with some areas 10 mph. Top gear is hardly attainable on St Helena!

St Helena roads are narrow and vary from two-lane to single-lane with passing bays. Road etiquette requires vehicles going downhill to give way to upcoming traffic. Practising good road courtesy is definitely the way to go.

A quirk here is a wave to other drivers as you pass by, even if you don’t know them!

St Helena Island Taxis

There are an increasing number of taxis available for hire. However, it’s worth noting, St Helena taxi cabs are not metered so it is advisable to agree a quote before your trip.

Taxis on St Helena offer a friendly, reliable and safe, 24-hour service and are also available for airport transfers and taxi tours.

Calling a Taxi on St Helena

The easiest way to call a taxi on St Helena is using the Inside St Helena App. Each taxi listed can be dialled directly (provided a local SIM is fitted) from their profiles and most also have email links.

In Jamestown there is a taxi stand located between the Canister Building and Greenlands Department Store. During weekday working hours there are usually taxis waiting here.

Fares vary between providers and destinations. Agree the fare before your ride.

St Helena Bus Service

There is a limited public transport system for getting around on St Helena. In the main the bus timetable on St Helena was designed for the local population, especially to support work patterns. However, the service has slowly been expanding routes and times over recent years to make it more useful for recreational transportation.

Routes run from Jamestown to Longwood and Levelwood, and also from Jamestown to St Paul’s and Sandy Bay.

The two main bus stops in Jametown are outside the Canister, next to the Consulate Hotel, or down in the Grand Parade square, outside the public library.

Complete bus timetables are listed on the Inside St Helena App

Cycling on St Helena

This option for getting around St Helena requires a lot of puff – but the steep roads are ideal for those who like a challenge.

There are no bicycle rentals here on the island, however, should anyone wish to bring their own these are the rules for cycling on St Helena.

The Road Traffic Ordinance, 1985 states:

A person must not ride a pedal cycle on any of the following roads— (a) Longwood Road: between Two Gun Saddle and the Briars; (b) Side Path and Napoleon Street: between the Briars and Main Street; (c) Half Tree Hollow and Ladder Hill: between the Salvation Army Hall and China Lane; (d) ‘W’ Road: between Francis Plain Ridge Gate and White Gate.

The key thing to note from this, cyclists on St Helena are not allowed on the roads in and out of Jamestown.

St Helena Transportation Options

Below is a list of St Helena car rental and taxi companies. All are listed on the Inside St Helena App – and each one includes phone numbers and email addresses.

Car Rental on St Helena

Colin’s Garage Hire-Drives

Colin’s Garage has provided a professional and reliable service on St Helena, to both locals and visitors, for over 30 years.

Our Hire-Drives can be ready for visitors on arrival at the airport if requested in advance, or may be collected from the garage.

Vehicles available for hire range from small cars to 4×4 Toyota Surfs.

All vehicles are well maintained, however, in the unfortunate event of a breakdown, customers are covered by our call-out service. A replacement vehicle can be provided if necessary.

A full tank of fuel is supplied with each Hire-Drive and should be returned full.

Customers should not park Hire-Drives at the lower rails on the seafront during rough seas, or park in Jamestown in a way that causes obstruction or risks damage to the vehicle.

Advance booking is recommended.

Regular office hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 4pm.

Fox Motors Car Hire

Fox Motors Garage has been operating for 30 years and is located near Deadwood Plain.

Rental Car Service

Vehicle fleet includes :

Ford Figo

Ford Focus LX

BMW 318i

Prices starting at £15 per day.

Airport delivery – additional £10 charge

Bus and Coach Hire – driver provided

Location

Fox Motors garage is located at Deadwood, before the gated entrance to Deadwood Plain and Flagstaff.

Blue Lantern Car Hire

We have a fleet of 15 well-maintained self-drive cars (Ford Focus) and a 14-seater minibus (with driver) available for group hire.

Joshua’s Taxi & Travel

Keeping St Helena Moving Since 1992

This family-run business is one of the oldest and most reputable taxi operators on St Helena. We operate around the clock, providing fast, safe and reliable transport across the island.

With over 25 years’ experience, Joshua’s Taxis is fully licensed and insured and offer a selection of services which can be tailored to your specific needs.

Through our fleet of well-maintained Ford Focus’s, we are constantly available to deliver a high level of service and ensure customer rides are safe, comfortable and punctual.

Public Transport

We are proud to provide the Public Transport contract for St Helena Government.

Taxi Hours

Mon to Sun: 24 hours

Travel With Us For

Door to door service
Airport transfers
Home to Duty
Island tours
Public Bus Service
Seaport transfers

Features

Competitive pricing
Air conditioning
Friendly and experienced drivers

V2 Taxis & Car Hire

Services

V2 Taxis offers multiple transportation solutions, including various island tours, long or short distance taxi trips, airport transfers, chauffeur service, car rentals, small luggage and delivery services, plus transportation for weddings, funerals and hotel requests.