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Unlike most of the Caribbean, Martinique's taxis can be an expensive way to get around. Taxi collectifs and standard taxis are another option for travelers who don't plan to rent their own car.
Standard Taxis
Many travelers may be relieved to know that Martinique's taxi drivers are required by law to have a working meter in their car. This means that vacationers will not need to haggle for the best price to their final destination. It can also help determine if you've entered the car of an unlicensed taxi driver – if they quote you a flat fee and do not start the meter, get out of their car.
Island regulations do not allow city buses to and from the airport, so travelers are given two options for the journey to their hotel: rental car or taxi. Travelers arriving after 8:00 p.m. and before 6:00 a.m. may find it less expensive to rent a car for the night than to take a taxi from the airport to their hotel because a 40 percent surcharge is added to taxi fares after this time. Remember to tip taxi drivers approximately 15 percent of the fare.
Fares are fairly standard from location to location. This table lists fares from the airport to the following locations:
| To | Cost |
| Pointe du Bout hotels | 39€ to 42, $47(USD) to $51(USD)* |
| Fort-de-France | 15€ to 30€ $18(USD) to $36(USD)* |
| Les Trois-Ilets | 32€ $38(USD) |
*Taxi fares are quoted in euros, and, because the currency is not fixed to the U.S. dollar, these conversion rates are only guidelines. Remember to check the current conversion when you plan to travel.
Guided tours can be an interesting way to see the island, but locations are often chosen at the driver's discretion. These can run from approximately 45€ to 48€ ($55(USD) to $58(USD)) per hour.
There are several taxi services in Martinique. Travelers looking for a taxi ride can call any of the following companies for service:
| Company | Phone Number |
| Radio Taxi |
596-596-63-63-62 or 596-596-63-10-10 |
| Martinique Taxi |
0596-63-63-62 |
| M. Marital Mercedes Taxis |
0596-64-20-24; 0696-45-69-07 (cell) |
Taxi Collectifs
Taxi collectifs are another way for travelers to take a taxi - however, these taxis are multiple-passenger carriers and are often considered to be buses. Easily identifiable, these transports are marked with a TC on their license plates. They can carry 8 or 9 passengers and depart from downtown Fort-de-France, the Pointe Simon terminal.
Though these taxis only operate during the daytime - they call it quits at 6:00 p.m. – they can provide travelers a much less expensive way to traverse the island. A standard fare from Fort-de-France to St. Anne costs about 5€, $6(USD).
Although taxi collectifs are less expensive, they are usually not very comfortable. Taxi collectifs can be very crowded. They also do not run on set schedules, so it can be difficult to find one outside the main terminal. However, they will surely get you wherever you need to go.
Whichever form of transportation you decide to take, remember that Martinique has very strict child safety laws. If you are traveling with a young child, remember to bring your car or booster seat from home and do not get in a moving vehicle without properly restraining your child.
An expectedly pleasant aspect about Martinique's taxis is that travelers may find themselves in the lap of luxury for the duration of the ride. Eighty percent of Martinique's taxis are Mercedes-Benz autos. And while some collectifs are simply minivans, used for mass transit, many others are limousines. Even Martinique's taxis exemplify the island's their combination of French roots and Caribbean flair.
Visitors who rent bikes and scooters often find that getting around Martinique is as easy as it is fun.
Buses offer an inexpensive and exciting way to travel through Martinique
Follow local rules when leaving tips and gratuities in Martinique.
