You step off the plane, the warm Caribbean air hits you, and there's just one thing standing between you and that famous white sand: the ride to West Bay. The trip is short, and you have several ways to make it. Here's exactly how to get from Roatán's airport to West Bay, what each option costs, and the one thing every first-timer needs to know before landing.
The airport: Juan Manuel Gálvez International (RTB)
Roatán's airport is officially the Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport, code RTB, sitting just outside Coxen Hole on the island's south side. It's small, walkable, and easy to navigate. You'll clear immigration, grab your bags, and step out into the arrivals area, where taxi drivers and transfer companies wait. That's where your decision happens, so it pays to know your plan before you land.
How far is West Bay from the airport?
West Bay sits on the island's southwestern tip, roughly 8 miles (about 13 km) from RTB by road. Drive time is short but not always predictable: figure 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic through Coxen Hole and the route your driver takes. The road winds and climbs over the island's hilly spine, so it's a scenic ride rather than a straight highway run.
Every way to get from RTB to West Bay
Pre-booked private transfer
The smoothest option by far. You book ahead, and a driver waits at arrivals with your name on a sign, no haggling, no scanning the crowd. The price is fixed before you travel, so there are no surprises, and you go straight to your door. For couples and small groups a comfortable SUV does the job; for families or larger parties a 9-passenger van keeps everyone (and the luggage) together. If you need child seats or you're arriving late at night, this is the stress-free choice.
Airport taxis
Taxis line up outside arrivals and will take you to West Bay for roughly $25 to $40 USD for the whole car, typically covering one to four passengers. One important catch: Roatán taxis don't use meters. Always agree on the fare before you get in, and confirm whether the price is per car or per person. Rates can climb if you negotiate poorly or arrive when demand is high.
Hotel shuttles
Some West Bay resorts and dive centers arrange airport pickups. These can be convenient, but availability varies, and shared shuttles often wait until they fill the van, which can mean 20 to 45 minutes in the parking lot after you land. Confirm with your hotel in advance whether it's a private pickup or a shared run.
Rental car
Car rental desks operate at the airport, and a car gives you freedom to explore beyond West Bay. Expect rates from around $30 to $50 USD per day for an economy or compact, rising in peak season (roughly $48 and up in July) and varying by vehicle and how far ahead you book; larger 4x4s and SUVs run higher. That said, many West Bay visitors skip it: the beach, restaurants, and dive shops are walkable, parking is limited, and island roads take some getting used to. A car makes more sense if you plan to roam the whole island.
What about Uber or Lyft?
Don't count on rideshare here. There is no Uber or Lyft anywhere on Roatán, so the app on your phone won't help once you land. Your choices are taxis, a pre-booked transfer, hotel shuttles, or a rental car. Sorting this out before you arrive saves you from improvising at the curb.
Why pre-booking a private transfer is the easy choice
- Someone's already waiting. No crowd-scanning, no negotiating with drivers while jet-lagged.
- The price is fixed. You know the cost before you fly, with no meter games or end-of-ride surprises.
- It fits your group. An SUV for couples, a roomy van for families, plus child seats on request.
- It's door-to-door. Straight from arrivals to your hotel or rental, no stops to fill a shared van.
Begin your stay the smooth way with a private transfer from Roatán International Airport (RTB) straight to your accommodation. It's the small upgrade that makes arrival feel effortless.
Getting onward to West End and beyond
West Bay and West End are often confused, but they're different spots about a 10-minute hop apart, and if you're weighing where to stay, our guide to West Bay vs. West End breaks it down. Once you're settled in West Bay, the easiest way to reach West End's restaurants and nightlife is the water taxi, which runs daily (roughly 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) for about $3 (L60) per person each way. One catch: most boats hold to a minimum fare of around $12 per run and prefer at least three paying passengers, so couples and solo travelers often split that minimum and pay more each. Land taxis connect the two as well, but the boat is faster and more fun.
Heading elsewhere on the island, like the East End, French Harbour, or the cruise port, is best done by taxi or private transfer. For the full picture, see our guide to getting to and around Roatán.
A quick word on timing
Roatán is warm year-round, with sea temperatures around 80 to 85°F. The rainy season runs September through February, with the heaviest showers usually in October and November, often as sunny mornings followed by afternoon downpours. Whenever you arrive, a transfer means you're not negotiating a fare in a tropical squall.
Ready when you land
The ride from RTB to West Bay should be the easy part of your trip, and with a little planning it is. Blue Bay DMC is a local Roatán team offering private airport transfers in a comfortable SUV or a 9-passenger van, a full menu of island tours, and self-catering condo rentals by the cruise port. Book your Roatán airport transfer online at bluebaydmc.com or message us on WhatsApp at +504 8801 5770, and we'll have a driver waiting the moment you step into arrivals.