Renting a car on Guadeloupe allows you to explore on your own time. The Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre; the loop around the island and one of the most scenic drives in the Caribbean, is perfect to explore by car. That said, you should prepare yourself for a somewhat challenging drive. You’ll encounter many roundabouts, which can be difficult if you are not used to these. You will also encounter tight bends while traveling along Basse-Terre’s mountain roads.

Car-rental companies can be found at the international airport and popular resort towns. Many of the major hotels also have car rental desks. Prices vary depending on vehicle type, company and length of rental. If you are planning to visit in high season (December to May), you’ll want to reserve a car in advance. Also, most of the cars have stick shifts. If you require an automatic, make sure to request one. Your U.S. driver's license or an international driving permit will suffice. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, and there are several gas stations along the island’s main routes.

Taxis are a great way to get around Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, if you don’t mind spending a little more money on transportation. Taxis are metered, although the driver will either activate them or not, depending on a complicated set of parameters involving the time of day, your destination, and the taxi driver, even though fares are technically regulated by the French government. If a taxi does not have a working meter, make sure to agree on a price prior to getting in. During the evening hours, (9 pm to 7 am), fares will increase by up to 40% more than the regular fare.

The islands of Guadeloupe are located within 20 to 45 minutes of one another, making daytrips an easy ferry ride away. What's more, round-trip tickets are affordable starting at about $27. Several ferry companies offer daily service from Grande-Terre and Basse Terre to Marie-Galante, Les Saintes and La Désirade. L'Express des Îles offers round-trip passage from Pointe-à-Pitre to Terre-de-Haut, the main – and most populated isle – of Les Saintes, as well as to Marie-Galante. For L'Express des Îles.

Small buses connect almost every hamlet to Pointe-à-Pitre. In Pointe-à-Pitre, you can catch a bus from the following departure points: If you’re going anywhere in Basse-Terre, you’ll depart from Gare Routière de Bergevin. If the northern half of Grande-Terre is your destination, catch a bus at the Gare Routière de Mortenol. For the southern end of Grande-Terre, the buses depart from the prolongement (extension) of the Marché de la Darse.

Buses are infrequent except the S01 running between Pointe-à-Pitre and St-François. Services are reduced on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.

Buses AE1 and AE3 run between the airport and Gosier, passing Pointe-à-Pitre along the way. On Saturday afternoons and Sundays, the route between the airport and Pointe-à-Pitre is served by Bus Z2.

It is beneficial to know some French when riding the buses. Many visitors find it easier, especially upon arrival, to take a taxi.

There are more than 600 miles of paved roads in Guadeloupe, making it a popular place for biking for both amatuer and cyclist alike. For visitors, bicycles are inexpensive to rent and a reliable way of getting around Les Saintes and Marie-Galante. Bike rentals cost around $16 per day. For an even easier ride, book an electric bike to help with the hills in Basse Terre. In contrast, Grand-Terre offers more flat areas ideal for beginners. Before you seek out a bike rental, check with your accommodations to see if they offer guests access to complimentary bikes.