Hiring a car at the airport is a great way to begin your discovery of the history of the island. Head off for the Barbados Museum that tracks the island’s development from the original inhabitants through the dark days of piracy and on to colonial days, all fascinatingly presented – even children will enjoy it.
From there you can experience how sugar cane helped make the island’s fortune. Visit the Mount Gay Rum Distillery and learn all about how the sugar cane was turned into the spirit that makes some of the world’s finest cocktails.
Grantley Adams Airport Mini Guide
Why Should I be ‘Going to Barbados’?
In 1975 Typically Tropical had their one hit wonder ‘Going to Barbados’ and opened up the world of the Caribbean island to listening audiences across the globe. Stunning beaches and the friendliest people on earth add to the charms of this green tropical island. Once a British possession, the island flourished both before and after independence attracting American and European tourists. There’s plenty to see and do for the active tourist but most people simply want to lie in the sun and the only work they want to do is on their tans!
How do I get to This Tropical Paradise?
The airport has only one commercial airport called Grantley Adams named after the first premier of the island after independence. Flights arrive there from all over the world including Virgin Atlantic, Thomson and BA flights from the UK. All areas of the island are easily accessible from the airport although as a congested island, the journey may take ‘Caribbean time’ to get you to your accommodation.
What is the Airport Like?
The airport has a rather strange set up with arrivals and departures located in separate buildings joined by a clear plastic membrane to make it look like the building is one. However it makes life easier for the passenger knowing that the facilities in each part are dedicated for the purpose. The arrivals terminal is the newer building constructed only six years ago whilst the older departures building was renovated at the same time.
What Should I Expect When I Arrive at Grantley Adams Airport?
You’ll disembark by descending the aircraft steps before a short walk across the tarmac to the terminal building. You’ll then have to go upstairs through the gate and on to passport control. From there, it’s a short walk downstairs to the main arrivals hall where you’ll find good facilities. There’s a bank for you to be able to convert your currency and a couple of ATMs too. The customer service desk will give you a taste of the Barbadian welcome should you need help and the car hire desks are also easily found if you’ve pre-booked a hire car for your stay. There are three means of public transport into Bridgetown all costing $2 and with varying degrees of comfort proportionate to the speed of delivery!
What Are the Facilities Like for Departing Passengers?
In the departures terminal, you’ll hand in your luggage before finding a couple of duty free shops plus a handful of smaller gift shops and kiosks selling most things you’ll need for your flight or for gifts for the folks back home. The food choices at the airport are restricted to a café serving hot and cold food or a small bar where the food accompanies a beer or a coffee. At present there are no facilities for the passenger to connect to the internet at the airport.
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