Need Info on Public Bus to Rodney Bay Reduit Beach

We are thinking of taking the Public Bus to Rodney Bay Reduit Beach area since taxi fares will run close to $30 each way. OUCH! Cha-Ching!

Has anyone done this lately?

Will the bus accept US Dollars?

We have not done it recently, but since nobody is posting we will add some tips. The buses are not really "buses" but more like mini buses and/or large vans. They do not run on a regular schedule so you are at the mercy of the drivers and how much they want to work that particular day. These island "buses" do run a specific route and can be flagged down (by just waving) if you see one and they are going the right direction. The best source of info is to simply ask some locals after you get off the ship.

As far as taxi cost, keep in mind the prices are per taxi...not per passenger. So when you get off the ship you can start asking (there will be plenty of folks trying to sell you on taxi/van rides) for a ride to Reduit. They are usually able to put together some shared taxis which drops the price per person (depending on how many). Also consider that everything is negotiable and supply/demand often dictate the price.

The last time we went to Reduit (last December) we shared a van/taxi and I think it cost us about $8 per person (one way). Later in the day when we wanted to get back we simply walked out to the parking area and started negotiating. A driver was able to find another couple and we again shared a taxi back to the port area.

Also keep in mind that there are several different chair/food areas on the beach and all is again negotiable. We do this kind of stuff a lot and have learned to first find comfy loungers (all are not so comfy) with a decent umbrella..and then we negotiate. In some places (such as Mexico) we often get chairs for free by promising to buy drinks and lunch. On Reduit you will not usually get "free" but might be able to get a decent discount (depending on supply/demand).

Hank

You can do this - leave plenty, and I mean PLENTY, of time for your return.... You'll need to walk over to the Gros Islet Bus Stand in Castries, should be behind the Castries market. Board, wait for bus to fill, and take the ride to Rodney Bay. You're dropped off at the entrance to the village, about a 15 or so minute walk to the beach itself down by Spinnakers where beach chairs, umbrellas, etc are all available. Fare should be approx $2.50EC per person.... They'll take US dollars, but change - if any - will be in EC dollars. The street exchange of US to EC is $1us - $2.50EC.. The official exchange at banks, etc is $2.67...

Ride will be a anywhere from 25-40+ minutes depending on how many stops/drops/pick ups along the way and traffic itself...

Upon return, walk back to the bus stand at the entrance to Rodney Bay, wait on a bus (can ve a minute or two, can be 10 or more - just depends), board and wait for bus to fill, then ride back down.. If you're ported at Pointe Seraphine (one story shopping area at port), the driver can drop you right outside the port area instead of into town so shorter walk.. Otherwise, ride to terminus and walk on back to your ship.. Again, leave PLENTY of time for this. There's only one way between Castries and Rodney Bay - no real alternative routes, so if there's much traffic or lots of stops, it will take a while to get back. You'll need time for the walking and waiting on the bus also...

Enjoy!

Excellent post reedprincess.

Thanks.