• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Professional Hobo

Traveling full-time in a financially sustainable way

  • ABOUT
  • BLOG
  • DESTINATIONS MAP
  • TRAVEL STUFF
  • CONTACT
  • BOOKS/COURSES

Unique Transportation: Buses in Grenada

Last Updated: August 17, 2020

Unique Transportation: Buses in Grenada
PinterestFacebookTwitterLinkedIn

I’m sweating under the hot Caribbean sun as I labour up my street to the main road, a 15 minute stroll from my house (although I could easily manage the distance in less than ten minutes in other climates, there’s no such thing as walking quickly in the heat).

As I make the final turn, I can see my destination – the main road, and a bus stop – about 200 metres away. A large blue van pulls up to the distant intersection. The side door opens, somebody steps out and waves to me. I wave back.

I’ve just hailed a bus, from a distance longer than ear shot.

This post was originally published in 2012. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.

backing down a side road to pick up passengers

There is a lady and little girl behind me who are also headed for the bus. Despite the fact that there are other passengers on the bus waiting for us, she does not pick up her pace. So I follow suit and continue my amble towards the bus.

The bus, in response, backs down our street to meet us so we don’t have to walk all the way.

Getting personal off-route pick-ups is just one of the many things that makes Grenada’s public bus system one of the most unique – and enjoyable – forms of transportation I’ve encountered around the world.

Buses in Grenada: Why Grenada's public bus system is one of the most unique – and enjoyable – forms of transportation I've encountered around the world. #TravelTips #FullTimeTravel #Grenada #Caribbean #Transportation #BusesInGrenada #HowItWorks #DrivingInGrenada #WhereBusesRun #Caribbean #GrenadaTransportation #Transportation
Pin it for later!

How Buses in Grenada Work

Buses in Grenada are privately-owned vans that seat up to 20 people. It’s a tight fit, with lots of shifting around to let passengers in and out. The owners of the buses – who are usually also the drivers – are accompanied by a conductor who sits beside the sliding side door, often with their head hanging out the window.

As they drive, the conductor scouts the roadside for passengers and with a word or snap of the fingers they signal the driver to stop. (Which is why, when you’re driving in Grenada, you need to be ready for vehicles ahead to make sudden stops).

Although there are formal bus stops, anybody – whether or not they’re at a stop or even on the main road – stands a chance of getting the bus to stop for them.

Why are buses so flexible to picking up passengers?

Because the more fares they can squeeze into the bus, the more money they’ll make. And since they only get a limited number of daily runs on the route (they can’t just go whenever they want), they need to make the most of it.

And the most of it, they certainly do make. Among some of the more amusing things I’ve experienced, a driver I know regularly makes a purposeful turn off-route…to pick up his sister.

As the bus is nearing your destination, just knock on the side of the bus (or press the doorbell beside you if there is one), and the driver will pull over at the nearest safe spot to let you off.

For this (almost) door-to-door service, you’ll pay the equivalent of about $1 US dollar. (Per bus – more on this below).

Party on Wheels

Artistic bus decorations

Hailing the bus and enjoying the creative routes is where the fun starts. Once you’re on the bus, you can admire the occasional custom paint job (as seen above), and even the odd light show with strategically placed neon lights. (The outsides of buses are also often adorned with custom slogans too, creating a personality of sorts for each bus).

Bus slogan

Depending on the taste of the driver, you’re also likely to be serenaded by reggae music, which is at times played a few decibels higher than it should be, but is generally received with grooving head bobs all around.

And sometimes, it’s nice to have something to listen to while you’re hanging on for dear life.

How They Drive

Yes, I said it. Hanging on for dear life. At the best of times the buses usually rocket past other traffic, and at the more life-threatening of times, they careen around corners with screeching wheels and harrowing consequences if something were to go wrong.

What exactly sets the pace, I’m not sure. Once, I was on a bus that was going at a relatively comfortable speed, but on receiving some sort of signal from a bus driver coming the other way, my driver put his cell phone down (ha!) and kicked the vehicle into a gear I wasn’t aware it was capable of.

I had no idea that such a large boxy vehicle could manage the tight (blind) corners on the narrow roads barely two cars wide, and despite my general affinity for speed, I was at my safety limit and almost got off the bus early.

(I didn’t get off the bus, on the premise that I haven’t heard of buses rolling over cliffs from taking corners too fast, so I placed faith in the driver’s guru-talents, hoping he knew something about the laws of physics that I was unaware of.)

Where Grenada Buses Run (and When)

The central hub for most bus routes in Grenada’s is St. George’s (the capital, also referred to as “town”). Buses in Grenada cover most of the main roads, and you’ll rarely wait long for a bus…at least when they’re running.

But this is part of the problem; buses don’t run on Sundays or holidays, and depending on the route, the last bus into “town” may leave as early as 4pm. (The major buses usually run until 8 or 9pm).

Grenada bus on a narrow (two-way!) road

So between potentially long walks to and from the main roads and a severely limited way to get around after hours (taxis – which look just like buses – are way more expensive, even if shared), the bus system in Grenada is just a hair shy of being practical. (Or rather more appropriately – it’s not always convenient).

A Sense of Community

But Grenada is a small island, which to my eyes requires forgiveness if not everything is convenient. Although the infrastructure of Grenada is formally organized, it also relies on the community coming together to make things happen.

As an example, buses often make informal deliveries along the route. The conductor will step out to pick up a packed lunch waiting at the shop, and drop it off for the woman manning a fruit stand further down the road. Or if somebody gets news that an elder is ill, the bus will stop at the chemist to pick up medication and deliver it down the road (along the route) to them.

This is just one of the many ways that this small Caribbean island feels more like a little community than an entire country.

More Stuff About Living in Grenada

Introduction to Grenada

Curious Facts About Grenada

Don’t Send me Presents: My House Has no Number, My Street No Name

The Art of Liming: Grenada’s Unofficial Pastime

Things to Do in Grenada

Grenada is a quiet island, but there’s still plenty to do. Here’s some inspiration:

Where to Stay in Grenada

Most people stay in the south part of the island near Grand Anse which is one of the best beaches in the world. But there are lots of options to suit many budgets. Check out the map widget below to find your perfect accommodation (zoom out to see the island).

Booking.com

Buses in Grenada: Why Grenada's public bus system is one of the most unique – and enjoyable – forms of transportation I've encountered around the world. #TravelTips #FullTimeTravel #Grenada #Caribbean #Transportation #BusesInGrenada #HowItWorks #DrivingInGrenada #WhereBusesRun #Caribbean #GrenadaTransportation #Transportation
PinterestFacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Filed Under: Grenada

About the Author: As a former CFP (Certified Financial Planner), Nora Dunn has traveled full-time for over 12 years. Now a celebrated author, speaker, and freelance writer, Nora teaches people how to travel full-time in a financially sustainable way. Read More…

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristine Charbonneau says

    November 14, 2012 at 10:10 am

    And if you need to go somewhere that the bus doesn’t go (like True Blue Resort), you can ask them to and they’ll tell you how much it will cost. I got one to go there for $10EC (about $4 in the States). The same route would have cost me $50 via a taxi (about $20). On the downside, I have gotten onto one of these buses that makes a special trip to True Blue Resort each afternoon to drop off/pick up workers and I had to sit at a stop down the street for about 15 minutes while we waited for people to get off of work from that location. Then we went another mile and pulled over to the side of the road to wait for a St George’s University bus to connect with us. We ended up waiting for 3 buses before we resumed our route. Which brings up another point….you can’t give people an exact time you will get somewhere if you are depending upon a bus (or 2). I’ve gotten on a bus in St George’s and had to wait a half hour for it to leave (and it was soooo hot…no AC) due to the fact that, like the article mentioned, they wait to be full before leaving. But you get used to it and come to appreciate the community feel. There are so many regulars on the bus and you get to know your driver and some of the other riders because you see each other almost every day. I’d go back in a heartbeat!!

    Reply
  2. theprofessionalhobo says

    November 14, 2012 at 11:11 am

    Kristine – I see you got the hang of the buses when you were here! Aren’t they fun? 🙂

    In regards to your point about timing and being late, this is part of a wider indication that ALL sense of time here is much more relaxed. (MUCH). I’ve learned to anticipate that any reasonable estimation of how long something should take needs to be doubled…and even then it’s not always enough time!

    Reply
    • Kristine Charbonneau says

      November 14, 2012 at 9:43 pm

      I didn’t wear a watch or have a clock in the house during either of my trips this year. There is zero sense of urgency in Grenada. You may be frustrated at first, but embrace it…we all need to slow down and learn to appreciate our lives more.

      Reply
  3. blinkpack says

    November 14, 2012 at 5:54 pm

    I love travelling by bus! It’s cheap and you get to rest, and you’ll avoid the stress from bad drivers or traffic. 🙂

    Reply
    • theprofessionalhobo says

      November 14, 2012 at 6:00 pm

      You got it! Although admittedly, sometimes the whole “rest” aspect is a little tough on a bus… 🙂

      Reply
  4. Tom @ Waegook Tom says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    I’m really enjoying all your posts about Grenada. If you were to ask me before reading the posts which island in the Caribbean I’d choose to go to, I’d have picked Grenada, and this is making me want to go even more! The bus system reminds me a little bit of the one that they have in Turkey, but the one in Grenada sounds a lot more relaxed in terms of routing, but with even more insane drivers. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
    • theprofessionalhobo says

      November 15, 2012 at 10:19 pm

      @Tom – Wow: you actually knew where Grenada is on a map! I’ll admit, I had very little knowledge of this little Caribbean nation prior to actually going.
      And yes, I figured the bus system here would be reminiscent of other bus systems, but Turkey wasn’t the first country to come to mind that might be similar. Cool!

      Reply
  5. Kristine Charbonneau says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:41 pm

    And you haven’t had the full experience of riding a bus in Grenada until you have taken the #6 over the Grand Etang to Grenville. It’s like the craziest roller coaster ride ever!

    Reply
    • theprofessionalhobo says

      November 15, 2012 at 10:20 pm

      Ugh….gurgle gurgle….make sure you take some motion sickness tabs….that’s not a route for the faint of heart!

      Reply
  6. Red Hunt says

    November 15, 2012 at 1:16 pm

    Sounds like fun times….anywhere that you can go with the flow and not really worry about dates, times and schedules….great! Kind of a social experience it sounds like….fun times, even with crazy drivers 😉 cool post!

    Reply
    • theprofessionalhobo says

      November 15, 2012 at 10:21 pm

      Thanks, Red! Grenada is indeed a very social island…the feeling of community is incredibly strong.

      Reply
  7. Kristine Charbonneau says

    November 16, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    Grenadians are proud of who they are and where they came from. They know more about their history (and the medicinal uses for all the plants, leaves, trees, fruits that grow on the island). It’s very impressive. Maybe you could write an article about the pride of Grenada and how almost everyone there wear the island’s colors of green, red and yellow. People in the US could stand to learn a lot from these folks! Ask kids (and adults) about any of the US’s history and you’ll get a feel for how little we know about ourselves.

    Reply
    • theprofessionalhobo says

      November 17, 2012 at 3:19 pm

      @Kristine – Although I agree completely that many Grenadians are proud of their country and knowledgeable of their history and natural surroundings, I’ve never noticed that people wear the island’s colours. Interesting! I’ll take a closer look!

      Reply
  8. Nico @ATravellersJourney says

    November 30, 2012 at 1:23 am

    There’s a similar bus system that operates all around Indonesia. In rural areas the system of stopping at any moment to pick up passengers is amazing. In more urban areas like Jakarta it is a disaster. You get lines of these buses blocking up the roads waiting for passengers and creating all sorts of traffic jams.

    Reply
    • theprofessionalhobo says

      November 30, 2012 at 7:12 am

      Nico – I’d imagine this is a practical bus system for lots of countries. But yes – in a busy city I’d imagine it’s difficult….even in the “town” of St George’s (Grenada’s capital, and where the bus station is), buses can create some havoc.

      Reply
  9. Rock says

    April 30, 2014 at 5:10 pm

    I love your site and adventure! I hope all is well for you in the world. My wife and I arrive in Grenada on Sunday for a week of exploring. Your writing and guidance will come in handy. Thank you! Besides hot, how is walking along the roadside? We’ll be in Mango Bay and then Petite Anse in the north. I hope busses cover that distance. Thanks again! -Rock

    Reply
    • Nora Dunn says

      April 30, 2014 at 5:42 pm

      Hi Rock,
      Walking along the roadsides are fine, but be aware of traffic since the roads can be very narrow with very little shoulder.
      I’m not familiar with Mango Bay, but I hear Petite Anse is absolutely gorgeous – perfect for a retreat. Enjoy your trip!

      Reply
  10. Kurt says

    November 5, 2015 at 6:14 pm

    If you dont mind me asking, I am heading to Grenada in a week for my honeymoon and we would like to head over to fish Friday in Gouyave, we are staying at Sandals LaSource. My current plan is to take a bus from St. George to the River Antoine Rum Distillery and then another bus over to Gouyave later in the afternoon. Since it sounds like the buses stop fairly early do you have any sugestions on how to get back to St. George?

    Reply
    • Nora Dunn says

      November 5, 2015 at 7:22 pm

      Hi Kurt,
      Whenever I went to Fish Friday, I did so with a car (or with friends with a car). Apparently you can try to hitch-hike (I’ve never done it), and there are some tours that will take you up there and back. I’m sure they can give you information at Sandals once you get there, since it’s a pretty popular event for tourists.

      Reply
  11. Andrea Nyack says

    September 4, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    Hi Nora
    I found your website, your text about buses in Grenada, loved it and linked it up to our website. Please let me know if you don’t agree to this, then I will take the link down.
    Best wishes,
    Andrea

    Reply
    • Nora says

      September 4, 2016 at 10:38 pm

      Hi Andrea,
      Thank you for linking to this article from your site! A-o-k by me. 🙂 And if I’m ever in Grenada again, I’ll be sure to check your place out – it looks beautiful.

      Reply
      • Andrea Nyack says

        September 12, 2016 at 1:11 pm

        Thank you Nora – we’re looking forward to seeing you then!

        Reply
  12. Cherette Thompson says

    October 3, 2016 at 7:56 pm

    I love this article!! THank you for sharing, this sounds just like Barbados. I am so excited to visit!!! A group of friends went to Barbados last year for Cropover and we have decided to do Cropover and Spice Mas for 2017!!! I am so excited and cannot wait for the bus ride!!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      October 4, 2016 at 1:14 pm

      Glad you enjoyed this, Cherette! It’s certainly an experience, taking the bus. I would go so far as to say it’s not to be missed, if you want a real slice of local life! Enjoy your next Spice Mas!

      Reply
  13. earl & cindy says

    November 19, 2016 at 8:48 am

    First time visitors to Grenada and figured we would try the fish Friday based on reviews…everyone
    is right, the bus ride is quite the experience. We got there right at 6 so the ball wasn’t really rolling yet but just a word of caution…there are no prices
    posted. I watched one person order and it appeared cost was quite reasonable. We went to a
    different booth that had a shorter line and when it came time to pay, got quite a shock. A skewer
    with 6 shrimp was 20 dollars EC, or 10 canadian. Not sure if that was regular price or if we got
    charged the special tourist rate…either way, it seemed a little steep to me…my advice, ask
    prices before you order.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      November 22, 2016 at 4:02 pm

      Hi Earl & Cindy,
      Glad you enjoyed Fish Friday! That’s a shame about the prices if they are hiking it up for tourists, but good advice to ask for prices before ordering, as a general rule.

      Reply
  14. Tristen W Wallace says

    February 2, 2017 at 2:31 pm

    Hi! I loved the article. My friends and I are travelling in March, very excited! You mentioned taxis look practically the same as buses. If we’re staying on Grand Anse and plan to get around mainly by bus. How do you suggest avoiding accidentally taking a taxi? Also, What are your recommendations on travelling at night (experiencing nightlife inn st.george or other parts of the island)?

    Reply
    • Nora says

      February 2, 2017 at 6:11 pm

      Hi Tristen,
      The buses will likely be full of people, as opposed to taxis which won’t. Also you can just ask the driver before you get in. As for traveling at night, once the buses have stopped running you’ll have to take a taxi (or find a friend with a car)!
      Enjoy Grenada! Have fun…..

      Reply
  15. Evan Desrochers says

    August 17, 2017 at 1:54 pm

    Hitchhiking is fairly common as well. Many times a flatbed or a dump truck will be more than happy to pick up a few people. This is especially common on Sundays as you say above. Best ride I ever had was from the Shell station to Grenville (St. George’s to Grand Etang to Grenville) via dump truck. Absolutely beautiful sights! Just be cautious as always. Also, if you can be in the front side passenger window, take it! Even if you have to wait a bit longer. This is especially true on the ride from St. George’s station to Sauteurs with its amazing coastal views.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      August 18, 2017 at 2:24 am

      Hi Evan,
      Great recommendation about sitting up front! Not only does the window seat afford a great view, but it’s breezier and more comfortable.

      Reply
  16. Val says

    November 5, 2017 at 3:20 pm

    We will be in Grenada for one day on a cruise ship. Could you tell me how long the no5 bus takes from St George to Sauteurs and how often they run to get back?
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Nora says

      November 6, 2017 at 5:45 am

      Hi Val,
      It has been quite a few years since I’ve been in Grenada, so I’m not a great resource for this question. However as I recall, Sauteurs is quite a distance away, and depending on how long the cruise ship is at dock, may not be a possible excursion (especially by bus). I’m sure you can check with the cruise ship staff, who will have a more updated answer for you.
      Enjoy your cruise!

      Reply
      • Val says

        November 6, 2017 at 5:59 am

        Thank you

        Reply
    • Andrea Nyack says

      November 6, 2017 at 7:14 am

      Hi Val, the no5 bus takes about an hour. If the bus is not full when it leaves it can take longer as the driver will drive slowly in the hope of finding more passenger. You will have more than enough time to get to Sauteurs and back in a day, so it doesn’t really matters. In the hours between 8am and 5pm there are a lot of buses on the road. If you see a nice spot where you would like to get out and stay a while – just do it, and you hop on the bus again when you are ready. We (armadillo gueshouse) are very close by Sauteurs and have lots of guests who get around on the local buses and they all enjoy it 🙂 pass by whe you are up here

      Reply
      • Nora says

        November 8, 2017 at 7:15 am

        Great info, Andrea – thank you! 🙂

        Reply
      • Val says

        November 8, 2017 at 9:40 am

        What I wanted to hear. Thank you

        Reply
  17. Jason Rodewald says

    November 16, 2017 at 11:17 am

    Hi there, my wife and I will be visiting the island here in a couple of weeks on a cruise ship and saw that there is a brewery on the island, wife and I really like beer, we were wondering if its possible to take a bus there, first time trying to use the bus system there, the west indies beer company in Lance Aux Épines.

    Reply
    • andrea says

      November 17, 2017 at 8:30 am

      hi, take bus no 1 to grand anse, sugarmill roundabout and walk from there into l’anse aux épines. the brewerie is fantastic – it worths the walk 😀 andrea

      Reply
      • Jason Rodewald says

        November 30, 2017 at 8:59 am

        Thanks andrea for the info. do you by chance know how far the walk is roughly?

        Reply
        • Andrea Nyack says

          November 30, 2017 at 2:20 pm

          welcome. maybe about 10 to 15 minutes, all flat but no shade… but then the beer will cool you down 🙂
          Andrea

          Reply
  18. Fangelic says

    November 25, 2017 at 1:52 pm

    Hi. Am a Grenadian. Grenada is very fun especially the buses. In 2017, the buses have upgraded. There are the 2017 Toyota hiace and they look extremely nice. Music is now louder in buses. The special bus is call Clean stamp and if you want to go with tha bus, contact: 1-473-536-7226. If you visit Grenada, Lets meet.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      April 12, 2019 at 8:14 pm

      What’s the number for? Will you pick up? That would be great.

      Reply
  19. Chris says

    February 8, 2018 at 8:20 pm

    Hello, we are staying at hotel allamanda in grand anse and want to go to the palm tree gardens in red gate. Do we take the bus to St George and then another bus? Which one? Thank you

    Reply
  20. Kelly says

    April 12, 2019 at 8:12 pm

    Hahaha.. what a great article! I’m heading here in 2 days and looking into various ways to travel. Maybe we will take the bus.. but I’m not sure if I want to get stranded or wait all day either.. it’s the NYer in me trying to relax but.. lol

    Reply
    • Nora says

      April 13, 2019 at 12:35 pm

      Hey Kelly,
      The bus is fun! You won’t be stranded. Just don’t go with a specific timeline in mind – LOL! Enjoy!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

WELCOME!

This site is part travel tales, and part lifestyle travel tips.

Check out my free Travel Lifestyle Guides to answer all the questions you have about your own travel journey!

I'm Nora Dunn. I traveled the world full-time for 12 years, and I still travel for half the year!
Expert on travel, personal finance (as a former CFP), and lifestyle design.
Adventurer. Eater. Former shaman's apprentice. Always an actor/singer/dancer. Professional speaker. All that. And more…

Get Free Accommodation

how to get free accommodation around the world

Here’s Where I Get Almost All My Clothes:



Use the discount code NORA20 for $20 off orders of $120 or more!

To Maximize Your Free Credit Card Travel Rewards, I Recommend:



buy hats at wholesale price on dhgate for travel

Search

Categories

Before Footer

Nora Dunn The Professional Hobo Featured in Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes, MSN Money, Yahoo, Lonely Planet, Wise Bread, Business Insider, and many more

Footer

About This Website

The Professional Hobo is about how to travel full-time in a financially sustainable way, as experienced since 2006 by Nora Dunn, former financial planner and current world traveler/writer.

  • Writing Portfolio & Speaking Credits
  • Contact
  • FAQs
  • Travel Resources
Copyright © 2009-2020 TheProfessionalHobo.com. All Rights Reserved.

Disclosure: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize links located throughout the content on this site. Additionally, some posts might be sponsored to support this blog. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers. All opinions are my own.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Privacy Policy: While you may rest assured that we at The Professional Hobo are not using your information for evil purposes, here is everything you need to know about our Privacy Policy.