Rental cars are available on both islands, but not from the airports (though many companies offer a pickup service). To drive in St Kitts and Nevis, you must obtain a temporary permit to rent a vehicle (bring your driver's license), available on St. Kitts at the Traffic Department in Basseterre for about $25. Car rental fees average between $45 to $70 a day, not including collision damage surcharges and deductibles. If you're planning on island-hopping, some of the rental car agencies offer a rental exchange between St. Kitts and Nevis but only if you rent for the minimum of three days.

There’s little traffic on the islands and not even a single set of traffic lights, so exploring by car is easy. Keep in mind that driving is on the left. A good road network on both islands makes most areas of St Kitts and Nevis easily accessible. Roads tend to be narrow, winding and not well lit at night, so use extra caution. The maximum legal speed limit is 40 mph outside built-up areas and 20 mph in towns.

It’s best to book a car rental well in advance. Car rental companies include Avis and Hertz, as well as a number of local vendors. You usually need to be at least 25 years old to rent a car.

The St Kitts Scenic Railway makes a 30-mile loop around the island. Passengers complete about two-thirds of the journey by train and the remaining portion by bus. The track was constructed to transport sugar cane from the island’s plantations to the sugar factory in Basseterre.

The widely accessible taxis are the easiest way to get around, and the drivers can conveniently double as tour guides by hourly rates. The government regulates fares, but it is necessary to clarify your price and currency before getting in the cab. The fixed rates will run you about $12 to $26, but rides after 10 p.m. are at a 50% surcharge. Taxi drivers expect a 10% tip.

You can rent motorbikes, mopeds and bicycles to get around the island. Cycling can be a challenge on the islands due to conditions being hot and hilly. Nevis is the easier island for cycling. Safety equipment such as helmets is often not included in the price.

There are no public buses on the islands, only privately owned minibuses, some with interesting, party bus-like paint jobs. While the minibuses are an inexpensive way to get around, they don't always stop at the popular tourist sites.

Transportation between St. Kitts and Nevis is provided by several different ferry companies, with boats that leave from Basseterre on St. Kitts and Charlestown on Nevis. Fares and schedules depend on the company, with a one-way trip costing about $7.50 on average.