Getting around: public transport in Haiti

First up, be sure to carry change with you - specifically Haitian Gourdes (HTG). Big bills won’t cut it here as tap-tap and bus drivers will have a hard time giving you change out of so much money. Instead, make sure you’re well stocked on bills of 10, 25, 50, and at most, 100 HTG, as well as 5 HTG coins.

This will get you around quickly and efficiently, save you time waiting for change from the driver and the flustering experience of being told they can’t break your bill.

Buses and minibuses (tap-taps) are the cheapest way to get around Haiti.

The 5 main private bus companies Capital Coach, Haiti Trans, San Souci Tours, Caribe Tours, and Terra Bus all have comfortable 52-seat buses with air-conditioning.

Caribe Tours and Terra Bus specialise in taking passengers back and forth to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

San Souci Tours connects Port-au-Prince to Gonaïves, Plaisance, Limbé, Cap-Haïtien and Ouanaminthe. They generally stop once around midway, where you can stretch your legs, get something to eat and drink, and recharge your cellphone. To ensure you get a seat, make a reservation in person the day before, and arrive at the departure point two hours before the scheduled departure time.

Haiti Trans connects Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haitien, and Capital Coach is great for getting from one side of sprawling Port-au-Prince to the other.

Motos are privately owned motorcycle taxis. They function well as a replacement for regular cabs, which you won’t find in Haiti. Moto drivers are widely available and ready to take you anywhere.

These motorcycle taxis are great for short trips. Longer rides can be dangerous as they don’t offer helmets. If your driver is going too fast for you, it’s ok to ask him to slow down.

Avoid having more than one passenger per moto since this increases the chance of an accident. It is crucial to carry small notes so you can tender the correct fare, as the drivers are often reluctant to give change. Just like the tap-taps, you pay your moto driver once you’ve reached your destination.

Want to learn how to moto like a local? Read our guide here.

If you appreciate comfort, you might prefer to see the sights in the back of an air-conditioned car than in one of the more widespread forms of public transport. However, you won’t find any yellow cabs to flag down in Haiti - instead, you’ll have to book a private driver in advance through a travel agent, hotel, or tourism desk.

Public water taxis are common and comparatively cheap in Haiti’s north and south for getting between towns or landmarks not connected by roads. There are also private boat operators who will offer to take you, but don’t get the two confused - the private boat taxis are much less affordable.