Piarco International Airport
Port of Spain, TT · 30 km (19 mi) east of Downtown Port of Spain
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus Service Bus · Roughly every 15–30 min in daytime on main routes near the airport; limited or no late‑night service | 60-90 min | ≈4–10 TTD per person on maxi/PTSC bus near POS–Port of Spain |
| Rideshare Services Rideshare | 30-45 min | — |
| Airport Shuttle Shuttle · Hotel‑scheduled; often every 30–60 min or on‑demand within limited operating hours | 30-60 min | Varies by hotel; some free, others ≈40–80 TTD per person or included in room/transfer package |
| Taxi Service Taxi | 30-45 min | ≈120–200 TTD (about $18–30 USD) POS–Port of Spain, depending on time of day |
Insider notes
Build in a buffer if traveling during Caribbean Airlines peak waves; it’s the airline’s hub, so surge traffic is the norm.
The South Terminal is calmer and more upscale, ideal if you're utilizing the Executive Jet Centre.
Verify lounge access online before arrival, as conditions can change faster than official updates indicate.
Welcome
Piarco International Airport is not your typical sprawling global hub. Instead, it serves as a focused gateway to and from the Caribbean, with particular emphasis on its role as the home base for Caribbean Airlines. Located 30 kilometers east of Downtown Port of Spain, this compact airport handles about 880,000 passengers annually. What sets Piarco apart is the dichotomy between its busy North Terminal, which caters primarily to commercial traffic, and the revamped South Terminal, which now caters primarily to executive jet operations, reflecting a distinct separation between high-traffic and private aviation sectors.
At a glance
- Location: 30 km (19 mi) east of Port of Spain
- Terminals: 1 (North Terminal, serving major airlines like Caribbean Airlines, American Airlines, and British Airways)
- Shops: 7, including a Duty Free Shop and a Bookstore
- Lounges: 7, ranging from the Priority Pass Lounge ($30) to the exclusive Amex Centurion Lounge
- Parking: Options range from Short Stay at $20 per day to Valet Parking at $50 per day
- Transport options: Taxi fare to the city ranges from 120–200 TTD, while public buses cost between 4–10 TTD
Terminals & layout
Piarco International boasts a single operational terminal, the North Terminal, which houses 14 gates and handles the bulk of commercial traffic for both national and international flights. This terminal is known for its concentration of passengers and, during peak flight banks by Caribbean Airlines, can become notably congested. In stark contrast, the South Terminal, which once served as the main passenger hub, now provides a more exclusive experience aimed at executive flyers, offering quieter and more controlled surroundings for business travelers and premium aviation.
Getting to and from the city
Reaching Port of Spain from Piarco can involve a few straightforward options. A taxi ride can take between 30 to 45 minutes, costing approximately 120 to 200 TTD (or $18–30 USD), influenced by traffic and time of day. For those looking to economize, the public bus service is a significantly cheaper alternative, with fares ranging between 4–10 TTD per person and a travel time of 60 to 90 minutes. Rideshare services are available as well, offering a similar duration to taxis. Depending on your accommodation, some local hotels provide shuttle services that may be included in your stay or cost around 40 to 80 TTD per person.
Traveller essentials
Mainland connections, premium amenities, and logistics functions all contribute to an airport rich yet compact in essential offerings. Your transport and pre-flight routine can be tuned to your needs given the choices available—whether opting for lounge relaxation, a quick duty-free splurge, or grabbing a bite at Trinidad Grill. However, it’s vital to check reviews or contact specific services in advance for up-to-date access information, as Piarco's amenities can fluctuate or close unexpectedly.
Dining & shopping highlights
The North Terminal doesn’t possess the extensive retailscape seen at mega-hubs, but offers a concentrated mix of essentials for travelers. Cafe Piarco provides straightforward fare, while Trinidad Grill offers more local flavors. For a quick drink or sweet indulgence, Bar Lime and Sweet Treats have you covered. On the retail side, you can browse at the Duty Free Shop or grab a last-minute read at the Bookstore.
Lounges
Premium facilities at Piarco cater largely to business and first-class passengers as well as cardholders. The Priority Pass Lounge in the North Terminal charges $30 for access, but for those with the right affiliations, the Amex Centurion or Business Class lounges provide a higher tier of comfort. Leisure flyers should check lounge statuses before heading to the airport, as Piarco’s limited set of lounges can mean occasional closures or access constraints with little notice available online.
Insider tips
- Insider: Build in a buffer if traveling during Caribbean Airlines peak waves; it’s the airline’s hub, so surge traffic is the norm.
- Local: The South Terminal is calmer and more upscale, ideal if you're utilizing the Executive Jet Centre.
- Time: Verify lounge access online before arrival, as conditions can change faster than official updates indicate.
- Avoid: Expect a different experience than mega-hubs; Piarco’s scale means fewer amenities and quieter spaces.
- Money: A taxi to Port of Spain can be more reliable late at night, with rates around 120–200 TTD.
- Insider: Cargo activity is surprisingly busy due to Swissport’s presence, contributing to landside activity beyond passenger movements.
- Quiet: Using the South Terminal can be a quieter alternative to the North during peak times.