Taking the bus

[kentuckychris]

Has anyone gone on the "city bus" to take a look around? Is it $2.00 pp? Where does it go, can you get off at the beach and get back on later? (is there a bus stop there?) and where is the closest stop to the port? We're not doing any tour here as we have done it twice. Just want to explore.

[drew sailbum]

Notes on the bus...

 

Bus service in Cayman is provided by individually owned omnibuses (large vans) and the fare depends upon how far you go. Rates vary from about CI$2 to CI$4 (US$2.50 to US$5) each way, and there are no free transfers between buses. Drivers will accept CI$ or US$ cash.

 

There are routes, though drivers may choose to vary the route somewhat and will often divert for an extra dollar. The local Rotary Club has built a few bus shelters, but it is common practice to wave down the bus absolutely anywhere, and similarly to disembark where you want.

 

All buses converge at the central depot on Edward Street next to the library, which is the closest stop to the cruise docks. Local regulations prevent route buses from making pick ups or drop offs along Harbour Drive (stretch of waterfront where the cruise tender docks are) when ships are in port.

 

You can take the WB (West Bay) bus to Seven Mile Beach, or go for a ride elsewhere.

[kentuckychris]

Thanks, still confused. Last time I was there, I thought I was getting on a bus, but the driver said he was a taxi and charged $6.pp for a trip back to port from the beach. I said bus and he said yes. How do you know the difference between a bus and a taxi?

[gadaboutgal]

We've stopped at Grand Cayman so many times that we never take an organized tour but use the local bus system to get to 7 Mile Beach or wherever. We walk up to the library and catch the bus there; wherever we get off we just flag it down in the opposite direction to get back to town. They run very frequently-less than 20 minutes or so.

[kentuckychris]

Thanks

[Snorkel2Much]

Here's a little more info on the buses:

http://www.grandcayman4u.com/transport/buses.htm

[drew sailbum]

While many buses have blue license plates, so do some other vehicles.

 

Buses have a number inside a colored circle which corrosponds to the route.

 

Buses NEVER pick up from right on the waterfront at the docks. Only taxis can do that.

[kentuckychris]

Thanks, the web page really helped. Do the busses resemble the white vans they use as taxi's or do they look like busses?

[houstoncruisers2001]

We've stopped at Grand Cayman so many times that we never take an organized tour but use the local bus system to get to 7 Mile Beach or wherever. We walk up to the library and catch the bus there; wherever we get off we just flag it down in the opposite direction to get back to town. They run very frequently-less than 20 minutes or so.

 

We've done the same and plan to do it again in January. The walk to the library isn't really that far, but for those who have trouble walking I might advise against it. We've taken both the bus(mini-van) and a cab back to town from Seven Mile Beach.

 

Also, doesn't the beach have shelters again? They once did, but the hurricane wiped them out a couple of years ago along with a lot of the trees. I thought I read where they have finally rebuilt them. Oh, and the water is so beautiful you won't even be using your chair....you'll be IN the water.