Transport within the island on Martinique

Transport within the island on Martinique

Road maps

Collect your IGN (National Geographic Institute) map on arrival to Fort-de-France airport in the baggage reclaim area, or later on the island in any car rental shop.

State of roads

Water flowing through the roads is a typical problem in the rainy season, though in certain towns locals have dug ditches to avoid the flooding of the roads. Climate is harsh on the bitumen, and local bridges and pavements must endure a permanent clash of elements, many roads are thus under construction all year round. All in all, however, thanks to local and national road maintenance programmes, Martinique’s road network is in fairly good condition, national roads are numbered and well conserved, and only secondary roads tend to be a bit winding or steep. The greatest number of accidents is caused by the excessive speed of local drivers, so it is advisable to be prudent and not to follow the local example.

Pay tolls

Highway fees are inexistent, as are highways themselves. Be prepared for pay tolls around paths leading to the sea, prices here vary but are never an excessive amount.

Signposting

Road signs tend to be imprecise and often misleading, which is not the case for tourist signs around the main beaches, informing visitors of different leisure facilities in the area (diving, sailing, skiing..). These indications are generally detailed and trustworthy.

Car rental

To best take advantage of your stay, you are strongly advised to rent a car in order to be able to go whenever, wherever, as public transport is practically inexistent on Martinique. We would strongly advise you to book your vehicle in advance. Conditions for rental include 21 years of age, at least one year of driving experience and an international credit card.

Scooter or motorbike rental

Touring the island on two wheels can be quite a pleasant option, though we would suggest that you keep to short distances with motorbikes, and especially scooters. In more humid, rainy periods, it is best to stick to the car, though. Locals tend to drive exceedingly fast and brake suddenly: take care and keep a lookout at all times.

Taxi

Martinique prides in a great number of private taxies, the most important ranks can be found at Lamentin airport in Fort de France and in front of larger hotels. Note that private taxies have the reputation of being quite expensive, and are not always equipped with a taxi-meter. You have a great choice of taxies on the island, but to avoid an unpleasant surprise, it is best to fix a price with the driver before heading off on your journey.

Taxicos

A practical and popular option, as picturesque as any bus ride. With a bit of practice, you’ll find yourself a fervent follower of “taxicomania”. Taxicos (shared taxies) stop at small wooden shacks on the side of the road, and to get a ride all you need to do is find a shack and wait for the next vehicle. Taxicos shuttle between Fort de France and the communes (Sainte Anne, Francois…), but unfortunately it is practically impossible to get anywhere from east to west without continuously passing through Fort de France.

You’ll always find a ride in the direction of Fort de France, but be aware that leaving the capital is way more difficult, as available places tend to run out rather soon. The best tactic is to form a group and fill a whole taxico, which will then leave immediately (if it’s not full, though, be prepared to wait your time).

Taxicos are rare after 6 p.m., so plan your return trip accordingly.

Tariffs are as flexible as can be, and depend mostly on the traveller’s physical aspect. A tip to avoid overpaying each time is to keep a copy of France-Antilles or any local newspaper nonchalantly under your arm while climbing on board, and announcing the cost you’re planning to pay at the same time as your destination. You’ll get the feeling for price quite quickly; count approximately 10 centimes per kilometre. This, of course, does not work every time, and certain drivers will charge you a little extra.

Bus

Busses are rather unreliable on Martinique, and run almost only in Fort de France and its surroundings. Timetables are imprecise, and we would certainly not advise you to count on busses if you are in a hurry or you are the type that likes to be on time. Bus stations are mostly situated on the boulevard General de Gaulle in Fort de France.

Hitchhiking

A means of transport highly appreciated by locals, who use it about as much as the bus, as hours are more flexible and tariffs are of course incomparable. Hitching a ride is easy on Martinique, and it actually works, as roads are scarce but cars are many. You simply raise your thumb and off you go, and it’s really as simple as that.