When exploring Grand Cayman, you might wonder, How do you get around Grand Cayman? You’ll find several transportation options to suit your needs. Driving your own car is the most convenient choice, given the island’s layout and hot climate.
Public buses are useful, especially near Seven Mile Beach, but less so in other areas. Taxis are available but can be expensive, while walking and biking might not be practical for longer distances. Boats are best for tours rather than daily travel, and Uber or Lyft are not available in the Cayman Islands.
Car
Driving your own car is the most convenient way to explore Grand Cayman. Most shops, restaurants, and attractions are spread out, making walking impractical. Renting a car is a popular choice among tourists for this reason.
Additionally, Grand Cayman’s hot climate makes an air-conditioned vehicle much more comfortable than walking in the sun.
If you’re considering renting a car for your trip, be sure to check out our articles discussing the safety of driving as a tourist in Grand Cayman and whether renting a car is necessary for your vacation.
Public Bus
Public buses in Grand Cayman can be convenient, but their usefulness largely depends on your location.
If you’re staying on or near Seven Mile Beach, you’ll find plenty of public buses passing by every 5 minutes. However, if you’re staying further out, such as on the east side of the island, buses are less frequent and you might have to wait up to 20 minutes for one to arrive.
Another limitation is that public buses don’t cover the entire island. Some areas you might want to explore, such as certain beaches and snorkel spots, aren’t accessible by bus.
Additionally, there are no public buses at the airport. So, upon arrival, you’ll need to either rent a car or take a taxi.
Public buses in Grand Cayman are very safe, and you can let the driver know your destination. The fare is approximately $2.50 USD per person.
Taxi
Taxis in Grand Cayman can be quite pricey. A ride from the airport to Seven Mile Beach typically costs between $30 USD and $40 USD.
If you prefer using taxis, check out our article reviewing the top 15 taxi services in Grand Cayman. However, we recommend renting a car, as it’s more cost-effective and gives you the freedom to explore the island more thoroughly than taxis do.
Walking
We don’t recommend walking in Grand Cayman as many shops, restaurants, and activities are too far apart. Additionally, the daytime heat can make walking uncomfortable.
If you’re staying on Seven Mile Beach, you can easily walk to nearby shops and restaurants. However, for anything further, it’s best to use a bus or drive.
Grand Cayman is very safe, so tourists can generally walk around without concern for crime.
Bicycle
Cycling in Grand Cayman can be risky due to the lack of dedicated bike lanes. If you’re an experienced cyclist, renting a bike should be manageable. However, for most tourists, biking may not be the most practical way to explore the island.
Boat
Using a boat for daily travel around Grand Cayman isn’t practical. While there are plenty of enjoyable snorkel and Stingray City tours that use boats, renting one for everyday transportation is not advisable.
Uber & Lyft
There are no Uber or Lyft services available in the Cayman Islands. Check out our article for an explanation on why these ride-sharing options are not operational there.
Conclusion
To get around Grand Cayman, renting a car is the most practical option for tourists due to the island’s layout and hot climate. Public buses are convenient near Seven Mile Beach but less so elsewhere.
Taxis are available but can be expensive, while walking and biking may not be ideal for longer distances or in hot weather. Boat transport is better suited for tours than daily travel. Note that Uber and Lyft are not available in Grand Cayman.
