Which means of transport to use Martinique?

From the airport to the city centre Martinique

Martinique is around 7,000 km from Paris, 3,150 km from New York and 3,600 km from Montreal. In South America, the closest land to the Caribbean arc is Venezuela, just over 1,000 km away. Three airlines operate several daily flights between the mainland (Paris Orly) and Fort-de-France: Air France, Corsair and Air Caraïbes. Prices start at around €400-450 in low season (April to October, except July and August), and from €700 in high season (November to March, including Christmas, and July and August). Price variations depend on the airline used and, above all, on the booking deadline. To get the best rates, take advantage of frequent promotions throughout the year. As for formalities, a valid identity card and passport are required. Aimé Césaire International Airport, 9 km from Fort-de-France, is the airport of reference for all flights from mainland France, the Lesser Antilles and abroad. From this airport, located in Le Lamentin, it takes around twenty minutes to get to downtown Fort-de-France. There are no shuttles to the city center, so cabs (€25-50 to Fort-de-France) and car rental are the best options. From Martinique, you can fly to nearby Dominica and Guadeloupe (30 minutes to Dominica with Air Antilles, 1h15 to Pointe-à-Pitre with Air Antilles and Air Caraïbes), or take the Express des Iles ferry (2h15 crossing to Dominica, 4h30 to Guadeloupe).

Arrival by boat Martinique

It is possible to come to Martinique by cargo boat from mainland France. However, this mode of transport is anything but economical: you'll need to budget around a hundred euros per day of travel, including meals. And the crossing takes around ten days: we'll let you do the math... Another point to bear in mind is that reservations must be made well in advance, as the crossing is only once a week. So we don't necessarily recommend this means of travel. On the other hand, you can get from Guadeloupe to Martinique by boat. Several times a week, the shipping company L'Express des Iles offers a boat service between Pointe-à-Pitre and Fort-de-France. The ships call at Saint-Pierre every Wednesday and Saturday. The crossing takes 4h30. Taking a shuttle in Martinique is also a good way to avoid traffic jams. The company Vedettes Tropicales offers several shuttle services a day to Fort-de-France, Les Trois-Ilets and Case-Pilote.

Public transport Martinique

The Fort-de-France region has a well-organized Mozaik bus network, serving Fort-de-France and surrounding areas such as Schoelcher, Saint-Joseph and Le Lamentin. Bus stops are marked with glass shelters. Ask the driver or the kiosks for directions, as the destination is not always indicated on the bus. Detailed route maps, timetables and itineraries can be found at www.mozaik.mq. In other regions, it's more random. There's also the collective cab or "cab co". This is similar to a traditional cab service, except that you won't be alone, but several people in a kind of minibus. The cab only leaves once it's full, and the fare displayed on board is agreed according to the destination. The frequency of co-taxis remains regular and reliable, guaranteeing a service to each of the island's communes. Returns are handled by the same cabs, with the possibility of getting on and off along the way. Try it out if you don't have a car, as the atmosphere is unique! However, the service can be difficult to access, as there are no signs on the road. And for those who miss their return cab, there's always hitchhiking! You'll come across countless people with their thumbs outstretched in Martinique. Then there's the TCSP, or exclusive right-of-way public transport: a large bus with its own lane. It links Fort-de-France and Le Lamentin like a tramway, with multiple stops all the way to the airport.

Bike, scooters & co Martinique

Fort-de-France is easy to get around on foot or on a scooter because its downtown area is relatively concentrated and pedestrian. Though Martinicans are bike-mad, the roads are rather dangerous given the number of cars. Maybe at the weekends when the roads are a bit empty… Elsewhere, we really advise against scooters.

With a driver Martinique

Taxis are an expensive means of transportation. For long distances, negotiate the fee upfront. And make sure the taxi has a meter.

By car Martinique

Renting a car is a must in Martinique. There are over 300 rental agencies on the island, so the choice is wide. In high season, we advise you to reserve your vehicle before you arrive, and as early as possible, so you'll have plenty of choice. Once you're in your car, avoid the busy hours on the outskirts of Fort-de-France, as traffic can quickly turn into a nightmare. The Foyal conurbation is saturated from dawn (6 a.m.) and mid-afternoon. Fridays are equally busy... The A1 freeway, limited to 110 km/h, links the airport to Fort-de-France. It is free of charge. The Nationale 2 road links Saint-Pierre to the capital, while the Nationale 5 covers the island's southern beaches. For those who want to reach the city center by car, here are a few public parking lots:

Parking Lafcadio Hearn, rue du Gouverneur Ponton, open Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Parking Gilbert Gratiant, between rue Ernest Déproge and rue Schoelcher, open 24/7.

Parking Pointe-Simon, between rue Déproge and rue de la Pointe, open Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Parking Savon, boulevard Alfassa, open 24/7.

Parking de la Savane, rue de la Liberté, open 24/7.

Parking Renan, rue Schoelcher, open 24/7.

Parking Perrinon, 79 rue Victor Sévère, open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with exits available 24 hours a day.

Accessibility Martinique

Facilities for disabled people and baby carriages are fairly limited in Martinique. Apart from in the center of Fort-de-France and in tourist towns (Les Trois-Ilets, Saint-Pierre, Le Carbet, Sainte-Anne, Sainte-Luce, Le Diamant...), there are few sidewalks, but rather verges that are impassable for wheelchairs or baby carriages. A number of restaurants, hotels and administrative bodies are beginning to offer facilities, but there is still a long way to go in this direction. Aimé Césaire airport offers a service for people with reduced mobility, so don't forget to ask for one when you check in your luggage at the start of your trip.

Tourist traps Martinique

Ask your car rental company about coverage and deductibles. Given the condition of some roads and their frequency of use, additional comprehensive insurance may be advisable. Also beware of car rentals with very competitive rates: they are often daily rates, with mileage not included. Always check that the rental company is covered. Finally, be aware that cars consume a lot of fuel in Martinique due to the terrain. Don't be surprised if you often have to go to the gas station!