Transportation in Haiti

Tap-taps, colorful shared trucks or minibuses, are the everyday backbone of Haiti's roads; they're cheap, run fixed routes through towns and between cities, and stop anywhere you wave. For longer hops, inter-city coaches connect Port-au-Prince with Cap-Haïtien and other hubs; they're a moderate step up in comfort and still cost a fraction of a private ride. Taxis and moto-taxis swarm the cities: taxis are a splurge but give you A/C and a locked door, while motos weave through traffic fastest yet feel adventurous if you're new to the roads. First-timers should download the local ride-hailing apps (Uber-style services operate in the capital) to avoid haggling and to lock in a fare before you get in. Don't climb into an unmarked "taxi" outside hotels, stick to clearly branded cars or app bookings. If you're taking a tap-tap, sit close to the driver and keep small bills handy. Exact change speeds the exit and prevents overcharging. From Toussaint Louverture International Airport, the official taxi rank is the simplest option, agree the fare before the bags go in the trunk. If you're traveling light and on a budget, walk past the first curb touts to the public road where tap-taps and motos pass; it's a fraction of the price but only advisable in daylight and with minimal luggage.