Cayman is home to a number of bus routes that travel through the more popular island districts. Buses are individually owned and there are 9 routes that extend to various different areas in Grand Cayman. While there are designated stops in place, locals and visitors often flag buses down at the side of the road; buses below maximum capacity, which is typically between 14 and 25 people, will stop. Bus service begins at 6am and the main terminal is located on Edward Street in George Town, which is where all buses run to and from. Bus operations are supervised by a Public Transport Inspector at the terminal, who is on site from 7am to 7pm on weekdays and from 830am to 5pm on weekends. Licensed Grand Cayman buses accept both Caymanian and American money; typical fare is 2 Cayman Islands dollars but long trips can cost up to 4 Cayman Islands dollars.
Taxis
Taking a taxi is a great option for individuals who do not drive and prefer to avoid other forms of transportation, such as buses and bicycles. Though not as accessible as in many larger countries, taxis in the islands can be found near hotels, airports and popular tourist areas and attractions such as Seven Mile Beach. Taxi fares are regulated by the Cayman government and visibly posted within each cab and negotiating a rate in advance is common behaviour.
There are quite a few taxi companies in the islands, the majority of which are based in Grand Cayman. Many offer a combination of services; for example, George Town's Majestic Tours provides taxis, airport transfers, shuttles, charters and attraction tours. Blue Iguana Taxi and Tours offers pick-up services from airports, hotels, restaurants and condominiums, as well as sightseeing excursions, and the Cayman Cab Team Taxi Service offers taxicabs and limousines. There are many other companies available, including Gould Locksley, Checkered Cab Taxi, Webster's Taxi Service, Charlie's Super Tours and Taxi Service and A Quick Cabs.
Car Rental
For tourists, renting a vehicle is considered one of the best ways to get around in the Cayman Islands. Both flexible and comfortable, it is ideal for those who prefer running on their own schedule without the added hassle of public transportation or the added expense of taxis. A wide variety of vehicle options are available, from basic compact cars to luxury cars, Jeeps, vans and trucks. An added incentive to this transportation option is that, as Cayman is a British territory, cars are driven on the left side of the road. This is quite exciting for tourists who typically drive on the opposite side.
Most car rental companies have similar, if not identical, policies. A Visitor's Driving Permit, which costs approximately $20.00 in the local currency, must be purchased and these can be obtained at a police station or at the car rental company itself. The minimum age varies from 21 to 23 years and some companies also enforce a maximum age. A fee is typically required to add extra drivers to rental vehicles and pick-up and drop-off services, such as from airports and hotels, are usually included. A deposit is required to secure a rental car and many forms of payment are accepted, including credit, debit and traveller's cheques. The amount of the deposit and rental fees varies according to the type and size of the chosen rental vehicle.
The popularity of rental cars has led to a surge of successful island businesses. Available companies include Coconut Car Rentals, Car Hire Cayman, Economy Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental, Budget, Marshall's Rent-A-Car and Cayman Auto Rentals, all of which are located in Grand Cayman. If you're planning a visit to Cayman Brac, CB Rent-A-Car can be found at the Gerrard-Smith Airport. McLaughlin Car and Scooter Rentals is situated in Little Cayman.
Ferries
While there is no ferry service between the three islands themselves, there is a ferry that runs between Grand Cayman's North Sound and Rum Point. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes each way and the ferry leaves from the Hyatt Regency Canal. Departure times are 10am, 12pm and 4pm Monday through Thursday, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday having an extra 6pm trip. The ferry returns at 11am, 3pm and 630pm Monday through Thursday, with the last trip leaving at 915pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. If you wish to visit all three islands there are many charter companies available that will take you across the Caribbean sea in style on a luxury yacht or catamaran.
Bicycles
Renting a bicycle is an exciting, environmentally-friendly transportation option in the Cayman Islands. Bicycles are ideal for those who enjoy nature and prefer to go at their own pace, and many islanders also choose to bike to their workplaces. Safety is of the utmost concern when riding a bicycle as there are few designated lanes and many roads suffer from damage due to flooding. Wearing reflective clothing at night is recommended, as is registering your bicycle with the police in case it is stolen. Bicycles can be purchased from home stores like Kirk Home Centre and Uncle Bill's and rented from Cayman Cycle Rentals in West Bay. Many hotels also offer rental bicycles to guests.
Scooters
Scooters are a faster-paced, more daring option for travel in the islands. Residents who wish to go this route must be at least 17 years of age and a Learner's License, which is obtained after the successful completion of a theory test, is required. Wearing a helmet is mandatory and those with a Learner's License are not permitted to carry a passenger. Scooters can be purchased from companies like Grand Cayman's Automotive Art and Centre Lane Motors. If you're looking for a rental, many companies offer scooters for reasonable fees that include insurance, a helmet and a Learner's License. Scooters are more popular in Grand Cayman due to the size of the island and can be found at Cayman Auto Rentals. While bicycles are preferred in the sister islands, Scooten! Scooters! is located in Little Cayman.
