The easiest way to get around , especially for first-time visitors, is to have someone else do the driving - the roads are challenging for even the most adept drivers. You can arrange a guide either through your guesthouse or hotel, or one of the better island tour companies.
By bus
Dominica's public bus system is reliable, with regular service along the Caribbean coast and less regular service to traffic-congested rainforest destinations like the Emerald Pool, Trafalgar Falls and the town of Laudat. The fifteen-seater minivans run from 6am to 7pm, Monday through Saturday, with service iffy at best on Sundays. Flag them down on the road, tell the driver your destination and pay when you get off. The most you'll have to pay is EC$3.50.
By car
Driving is on the left on narrow, badly paved roads. You'll be hard-pressed to exceed the 20mph speed limit as certain spots have no guardrails whatsoever, even on deadly mountain switchbacks, and many have deep rain gutters alongside. Other routes are nothing more than mud-covered rock (be aware that local car insurance does not cover damage to tyres). None of the roads are lit at night, making it unwise for first-time visitors to cruise around after dark.
If you intend to do a lot of island driving, renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle is your best option, even though they cost more (from US$55/day). Aside from a Budget rental office near Canefield Airport), and a courtesy phone inside the terminal that rings to Valley Car Rentals), Dominica's car rental agencies are based in Roseau); they'll meet you at the airport if you've made advance reservations. To drive on the island, you'll need to buy a one-month local driver's licence (US$10) from airport immigration.
By taxi
Taxis congregate at both island airports and are much more expensive than buses. You're unlikely to use one except to get to and from the airports.
By boat
The Express des Ξles ferry that connects Dominica and neighbouring Guadeloupe and Martinique bypasses the island altogether on Tuesdays and Thursdays - something to keep in mind if you're planning incoming or onward travel by sea. A similar ferry also connects the island with St. Lucia twice a week.
By plane
Dominica has two modest airports , Canefield and Melville, the former being much closer to Roseau, the National Park and the dive centres south of the capital. When booking your ticket, you can request Canefield as your destination - LIAT's tickets denote the respective airports with C (Canefield) and M (Melville) after the arrival/departure times.
The main carrier, LIAT, is hardly reliable, however. Locals refer to it as "Leave Island Any Time", since it's often up to two hours behind schedule. You should definitely re-confirm your onward flight to ensure that it's still scheduled
