Arrival and Getting Around
Port of Spain is about 20km northwest of Piarco International Airport . Official airport taxis will take you to the capital for US$20 (30min, 1hr during rush hour). Alternatively, take a shared route taxi (leaving from behind the wire fencing) to Arouca Junction on the Eastern Main Road (TT$2). From there, catch an eastbound red-band maxi taxi to City Gate , the main transport terminus downtown (TT$3.50). Route taxis to Arouca Junction are open to negotiation to take you directly to Port of Spain for TT$60-80, though you may share the car with others. If arriving by ship , you'll pull into Port of Spain's docks. Private taxis tout for passengers at the exit, but route and maxi taxis travel the same road and are far cheaper. Port of Spain has a compact, grid-based city centre. City Gate , located east of the docks, is the main transport terminal, and many route taxi ranks are located in this area. Most of the sights are within walking distance of each other, but bear in mind that under the hot sun energy fades fast. Maxi taxis operating in Port of Spain and the west - recognizable by their yellow stripes - can be caught in three locations. For Diego Martin/Petit Valley , the maxi rank is at the junction of South Quay and St Vincent Street. Maxis bound for Maraval (and sometimes Diego Martin ) go via St James and start at the corner of Charlotte and Oxford streets. Maxis for Carenage and Chaguaramas go via Ariapita Avenue and Woodbrook and start at Green Corner (corner of St Vincent and Park streets). Route taxis , which are usually old but functional cars, are distinguishable by the H numberplate. Starting points are dotted around Port of Spain, so it is best to ask a local to find the appropriate stand. From 7pm until 5am, many taxi stands relocate to Brian Lara Promenade/Independence Square. Private taxis can be ordered by phone (try Independence Square Taxi Service tel 868/625-3032 or Ice House Taxi Service tel 868/627-6984) or by going to their ranks at Brian Lara Promenade/Independence Square, but be warned they're as expensive as any in the US or Europe. There are a variety of car rental firms in Port of Spain if you prefer to have your own transport. Singh's, 7-9 Wrightson Road (tel 868/623-0150) and Econo Cars, 191-193 Western Main Road, Cocorite (tel 868/622-8072) are reputable.
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