V.C. Bird International Airport serves Antigua and Barbuda, a Caribbean nation known for its 365 beaches (one for every day of the year, according to the famous tourism slogan) and well-developed beach tourism.
It is located a few kilometers from St. John's, the country's capital.
How to get to V.C. Bird International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to ANU
Parking near V.C. Bird International Airport
Near the terminal is a small parking area.
It is not staffed; the rates are generally modest, consistent with standards at other Caribbean airports of similar size.
How to get to Saint John's from ANU
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at V.C. Bird International Airport
Car rental is available through local and international operators in the arrivals area.
A local temporary driving license is generally required (issued at the time of rental, for foreign visitors not for residents); bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
Hotels near V.C. Bird International Airport
Dickenson Bay
About 10 minutes by taxi from V.C. Bird airport (fixed-rate taxis, no direct public buses); the same from Saint John's.
Best for: For travellers who want the island's main beach just minutes from the airport, with restaurants and evening life concentrated in a single bay.
- White sand beach and calm waters, among the busiest on the island
- Restaurants, bars and water sports rental concentrated along the bay
- In high season it's one of the island's most crowded beaches
- English Harbour and the other southern bays are a 30-40 minute drive away
Recommended hotels
- Siboney Beach Club On Dickenson Bay beach, about 10 minutes from the airport; freshwater pool, small gym and rooms with a kitchenette just steps from the sand. View availability
- Buccaneer Beach Club A 3-minute walk from Dickenson Bay beach; 18 rooms with a full kitchen (fridge and stovetop) and private balconies or patios. View availability
Saint John's
About 5-10 minutes by taxi from V.C. Bird airport; downtown Saint John's is easy to explore on foot.
Best for: For those who want to stay close to the airport and the cruise port, with shops and services at hand rather than a beach outside the hotel door.
- A few minutes from the Heritage Quay cruise port and the city market
- Convenient for an early morning flight back from the airport
- No beach in the area: Dickenson Bay still needs a 10-minute drive
- Evenings are quieter than in the island's tourist bays
Recommended hotels
- Cortsland Hotel In Upper Gambles, less than 1 km from downtown Saint John's and about 5 minutes from the airport; outdoor pool and on-site restaurant. View availability
- Heritage Hotel In town in Saint John's, with the in-house restaurant Flamboyant (international cuisine) and free private parking; a convenient base for the airport rather than the southern beaches. View availability
Falmouth Harbour and English Harbour
About 25-30 minutes by car or taxi from V.C. Bird airport (around 19 km), along the south coast; there are no direct public buses from the airport.
Best for: For those who want the sailing and superyacht scene, with Nelson's Dockyard and the bars of English Harbour within easy reach, accepting a longer transfer from the airport.
- Marina with views of sailboats and superyachts, steps from bars and restaurants
- Nelson's Dockyard, a Unesco site, within walking distance
- Longer transfer from the airport than Dickenson Bay or Saint John's
- During regattas and events, nearby venues can be noisy until late
West coast: Five Islands and Valley Church
About 20-25 minutes by car from V.C. Bird airport, on the west coast south of Saint John's; the transfer is usually arranged directly by the resort.
Best for: For those seeking an adults-only all-inclusive resort, away from the airport and downtown traffic, with a private beach.
- Spacious, uncrowded private beaches, away from the cruise ship crowds
- Convenient all-inclusive setup for those who don't want to plan meals or transport
- Isolated from Saint John's and the other bays: leaving the resort requires a taxi
- Both properties are designed for couples, with no under-16s allowed
Recommended hotels
- Galley Bay Resort & Spa In Five Islands Village, overlooking a private beach over a kilometre long; 98 rooms set in 40 acres of tropical garden, adults only, no under-16s. View availability
- Cocobay Resort A cottage-style resort near Valley Church Beach and Hermitage Bay, adults-only and all-inclusive, with four outdoor pools and a spa; some cottages have a private pool. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The airport has a modern terminal, serving as a regional hub for several connections to nearby Caribbean islands.
Given the single-terminal structure, the walk from check-in to gate takes just a few minutes; security checks can take longer during peak hours for international flights to nearby islands.
Map of V.C. Bird International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do you drive on the left or the right in Antigua?
You drive on the left, as in the UK: a useful detail for anyone renting a car.
Q. Do taxis in Antigua have fixed fares?
Yes, generally regulated by zone: always ask for confirmation of the price before setting off.
Q. Is it worth renting a car in Antigua?
It can be useful for anyone who wants to explore several bays of the island independently, but it requires a temporary local licence.
Q. Does Antigua's airport also serve other Caribbean islands?
Yes, it's a small regional hub with several connections to nearby islands, in addition to intercontinental flights.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
