Since 2017 the gateway to the country has been Argyle International Airport (SVD) on the windward coast of St Vincent, about 20–30 minutes by taxi from Kingstown. It replaced the old E.T. Joshua airstrip, which could only take small planes, and made direct flights from North America possible for the first time.
Direct routes change from season to season, so treat the table below as a guide and check current schedules with the airlines.
The ways in, compared
| Route | Typical journey | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct flight from North America | Around 4–5 h from Miami, New York or Toronto | Fastest arrival | Several carriers fly direct, some only seasonally |
| Via Barbados | Long-haul to BGI + 50 min hop | Europe (UK flights to Barbados) | Allow a generous connection; regional carriers run the hop |
| Via St Lucia, Grenada or Trinidad | Long-haul + regional hop | Other Caribbean itineraries | Check baggage allowances on small aircraft |
| Cruise ship | Berth in Kingstown | A first taste in one day | Terminal is in the town centre |
| Yacht | From Martinique, St Lucia or Grenada | Sailors and charters | Clear in at Kingstown, Wallilabou, Bequia, Canouan or Union |
Flying from Europe
There are no direct flights from continental Europe. The usual route is a long-haul flight to Barbados (daily from London, and seasonal from other European hubs) and a short regional flight to Argyle; alternatively fly via a North American hub. Book the regional hop on the same ticket if you can, so that a delay on the long-haul leg is the airline’s problem, not yours.
Arriving at Argyle
- Taxis wait outside arrivals. Fares to Kingstown and Villa are fixed — confirm the amount and the currency before you set off.
- Car hire desks are at the airport. You will need a temporary local driving permit, which the rental company can arrange. Traffic drives on the left.
- Minibuses pass on the main road and are very cheap, but not practical with luggage.
- Connections to the Grenadines leave from the same terminal’s domestic side.
Arriving by cruise ship
Ships berth at the Kingstown Cruise Ship Terminal, a short walk from the market and the centre. Taxi drivers and tour guides meet every ship, but pre-booking gives you a known price and a guide with reviews — see our ranked tours. Allow for slow roads: Dark View Falls is over an hour each way.
Arriving by yacht
The Grenadines are one of the world’s great cruising grounds, and many visitors arrive under sail from Martinique, St Lucia or Grenada. Clear customs and immigration at an official port of entry — Kingstown, Wallilabou, Bequia (Port Elizabeth), Canouan or Union Island (Clifton) — and fly your Q flag until you have. Bareboat and crewed charters are also based on St Vincent itself, at Blue Lagoon.
Entry requirements
Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada and many other countries can visit without a visa for short stays, with a passport valid for the length of the trip and proof of onward travel. Rules change, so check the official government guidance for your nationality before you fly.
Once you are here
Getting between the islands is its own adventure — ferries, eight-seat planes and water taxis. Our island-hopping guide covers every option.
