Shared shuttles here often cost less than US$20 per person
Private Tour Operator Transfers at V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU) run as pre-booked shuttles, not walk-up taxis. Most operators confirm pick-up times based on your scheduled landing at Terminal 1 and track delays, so they usually wait up to 45–60 minutes after touchdown. You’ll meet them just outside customs in the public arrivals hall, often with your name on a sign and a specific vehicle assignment.
Shuttles run all day to match inbound flights, with many operators concentrating pickups between 10:00 and 18:00 when the bulk of international arrivals land. Pricing typically scales by distance: short hops to nearby hotels can sit under US$20 per person on shared options, while private vans to resort areas like English Harbour or Jolly Harbour can run US$60–100 per vehicle each way. Most tour companies quote in US dollars and accept payment online before you fly.
Vehicles range from 7–15 seat minibuses to larger 20–25 seat shuttles, almost always air-conditioned thanks to Antigua’s 30°C daytime heat. Luggage allowance is usually one checked-size suitcase plus one carry-on per person; groups with golf bags or dive gear should confirm space by email at least 24–48 hours before arrival. Some operators charge a small supplement, around US$5–10, for oversized bags or child seats.
Pickups for your return to ANU typically happen 2.5–3 hours before an international departure, with some tour operators insisting on a 3-hour buffer for peak morning banks between 08:00 and 11:00. Return trips start from hotels across the island and drop directly at the Terminal 1 departures curb, so you avoid the short walk from the public car park. Many companies allow you to adjust your pickup by WhatsApp message up to 12–24 hours before departure.
Booking usually goes through operator websites or hotel concierges, and some packages bundle airport transfers with island tours scheduled on a different day. If your group runs 6 people or more, it often works out cheaper per head to upgrade from a shared shuttle to a private van. One practical tip: screenshot your confirmation with the company name, phone number, and meeting point before boarding your flight, as mobile data at ANU can take 5–10 minutes to kick in after landing.