Trying to figure out if buses and metros in Antigua and Barbuda take cards or if Ill need small cash. Any recent experiences?
Every bus I boarded operated completely on cash - exactly EC$3-5 depending on the route. They still call it the jitney system. Cruising past Nelson’s Dockyard, I paid with large bills and sometimes lost small change. Cards don’t work for public transport in Antigua & Barbuda. I learned to keep my EC$ stash well organized with small bills and coins in a travel pouch. No need for metro cards here - the system is very much old-school.
Whether using public jitneys or tourist shuttles, I only paid EC cash. No machines, no junctions, just waving and paying. Fares typically ran EC$4-$8 depending on distance. No card payments on buses or shuttles and no metro infrastructure at all. I got into the rhythm quickly and couldn’t rely on digital convenience. If you’re not renting a car, just prepare enough cash - it’s fast, local, and part of the charm.
I took the Minibus #50 daily from St. John’s to English Harbour. They cost around EC$5, paid in cash only. Although some operators list apps like PayByPhone for parking, none are in their transport pattern. Antigua & Barbuda transport systems do not accept cards. To budget wisely, I kept EC$100 in small denominations, topped up every few days at a Scotiabank ATM. Simplicity rules the system - but be organized for it.
There’s no metro - just jitneys and minibuses. All require cash only, typically EC$4-$6 per ride. Drivers don’t provide change for large bills. Public transport in Antigua & Barbuda is cash-based and still strictly analog. I carried a small stash of EC$20-$30 broken into $1, $2, and $5 bills. It's a local experience - flag the bus, pay on entry, and enjoy. Cards and tap apps aren’t in use, even in St. John’s.