The Ultimate Guide to Getting Around St Helena – Taxis, Tours & Car Hire Explained
Why Getting Around St Helena Deserves a Guide
St Helena may be a small island in the South Atlantic, but it’s packed with history, culture, wildlife, and natural beauty waiting to be explored. The challenge many visitors face, however, is how to get around the island efficiently and comfortably. Unlike big cities with public transport systems, St Helena doesn’t have buses or trains — so your main options are taxis, tours, or car hire.
At Destination St Helena, we believe the journey is just as important as the destination. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to getting around the island. Whether you want the convenience of taxis, the expertise of guided tours, or the independence of car hire, we’ll explain everything in detail — and show you how we can make it all seamless for you.
By the end of this blog, you’ll know:
The pros and cons of each transport option.
Insider tips for making the most of your time.
Why letting us organise your travel logistics saves you time, stress, and money.
So, let’s dive into it.
Why Transport on St Helena Matters More Than You Think
Before exploring taxis, tours, and car hire, it’s important to understand why transport matters so much here.
The island is small, but not walkable. St Helena is just 10 by 5 miles, but the rugged terrain, steep climbs, and winding roads mean walking isn’t always practical.
Attractions are spread out. From Napoleon’s Tomb in one direction to Sandy Bay in another, you’ll want reliable transport to reach them all.
Driving is unique. Roads are narrow, often single-lane, and locals drive on the left. Not everyone feels comfortable navigating them immediately.
Maximising your visit. Flights don’t come in daily, so most visitors want to make the most of their time. Efficient transport is key.
This is where we at Destination St Helena step in. With our insider knowledge and connections, we simplify the process so you can focus on enjoying the island instead of stressing about logistics.
Taxis on St Helena – The Convenient Choice
If you’re looking for a stress-free and comfortable way to get around St Helena, taxis are your best bet.
Why Taxis Work Well on St Helena
Door-to-door convenience: Whether you’re arriving at the airport, heading out to dinner, or exploring the island, taxis take you directly where you want to go.
Local knowledge: Taxi drivers know the island’s roads and can often share little insights about the island along the way.
Safe & reliable: Roads can be tricky, especially at night. Having a local driver makes travel much safer.
No parking worries: Unlike car hire, you don’t have to worry about where to park or navigating narrow streets.
When to Choose a Taxi
Airport transfers. After a long flight, there’s nothing better than stepping into a waiting taxi. We at Destination St Helena can book this for you in advance, so you’re greeted the moment you land.
Evening dinners. If you’re enjoying local restaurants, taxis save you the hassle of driving in the dark.
Quick trips around town. For popping between Jamestown, Ladder Hill, or nearby sites, taxis are perfect.
How Destination St Helena Helps with Taxis
We work closely with trusted taxi services on the island. Instead of you trying to figure out who to call, we handle the booking for you — ensuring reliability, fair pricing, and excellent service. Plus, if you’re on a planned itinerary with us, your taxi rides will already be arranged in advance.
Tours – The Best Way to Experience St Helena
While taxis get you from A to B, tours are about the journey itself. They’re guided experiences that bring the island’s history, culture, and landscapes to life.
Why Tours Are a Great Option
Expert knowledge: Tour guides know the history of Napoleon, the island’s wildlife, and hidden gems that most visitors would miss.
Curated experiences: Instead of just seeing the sights, tours immerse you in stories and perspectives you won’t find in guidebooks.
Stress-free planning: You don’t have to think about logistics — routes, timing, or entry fees. Everything is handled for you.
Social experience: Tours often allow you to meet other visitors, adding a social element to your trip.
Types of Tours You Can Do
Full island tours: Covering the island’s highlights in one day.
Themed tours: Such as hiking, historical tours, or marine experiences.
Custom itineraries: Tailored tours for visitors who have specific interests.
Why Book Tours Through Destination St Helena
We take pride in organising tours on your behalf, ensuring you’re paired with guides who match your interests and expectations. Since we know the island personally, we can recommend tours that fit your timeframe and style of travel. Whether you want to focus on history, nature, or adventure, we make it happen.
Which Option is Right for You?
Not sure whether to choose taxis, tours, or car hire? Here’s a quick guide:
Choose taxis if: You want stress-free, reliable transport without the hassle of driving. Perfect for airport transfers, dinners, or short stays.
Choose tours if: You want the best experience of St Helena, with history, culture, and natural beauty explained by experts. Ideal for first-time visitors or those short on time.
Choose car hire if: You love independence and feel confident driving on steep, narrow roads. Perfect for longer stays or travellers who like flexibility.
The best part? You don’t have to choose just one. Many visitors use a combination: a tour for orientation, taxis for dinners and transfers, and a hire car for independent exploring.
Why Use Destination St Helena to Organise It All
Here’s the truth: you can book taxis, tours, and hire cars yourself. But why add stress to your holiday?
At Destination St Helena, we:
Save you time. No need to email multiple providers — we handle it.
Provide reliability. We work only with trusted local services.
Tailor everything. We match your transport options to your itinerary and interests.
Offer peace of mind. Everything is pre-arranged, so you’re never stuck wondering how you’ll get somewhere.
Think of us as your local insider and organiser. You get the benefits of our connections and knowledge while focusing on what matters most — enjoying St Helena.
Getting Around St Helena Made Easy
St Helena is one of the world’s most remote and fascinating destinations. With its mix of history, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality, it’s a place unlike anywhere else. But to truly enjoy it, you’ll need reliable transport.
Whether you go with taxis, book a tour, or hire a car, each option has its strengths. By letting Destination St Helena handle the arrangements, you can relax knowing everything will run smoothly from the moment you land.
After all, visiting St Helena should be about creating memories — not stressing about logistics.
Don’t forget my digital guide 👉 Travel Checklist – Your Essential Guide for a Seamless Adventure
Ready to explore St Helena without the stress of planning?
Let Destination St Helena take care of your transport, tours, and car hire arrangements so you can focus on enjoying the island. From airport transfers to unforgettable guided tours and even having a hire car waiting for you on arrival, we make travel simple.
👉 Get in touch today and let us create your hassle-free itinerary.
