Barbados is a warm and relaxing country that's famous for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. We've got the ultimate travel cost guide to make sure your adventure is incredible and affordable. Dive into average costs for hotels, food, activities, sightseeing, and transportation. We'll cover all the essentials for a wallet-friendly trip.
How much does it cost to travel to Barbados?
You should plan to spend around $435 (B$883) per day on your vacation in Barbados. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $156 (B$317) on meals
- $30 (B$62) on local transportation
- $467 (B$947) on hotels
A one week trip to Barbados for two people costs, on average, $6,088 (B$12,362). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$3,044
B$6,181
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$6,088
B$12,362
-
One Month
Per person
$13,047
B$26,490
-
One Week
For a couple
$6,088
B$12,362
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$12,177
B$24,724
-
One Month
For a couple
$26,093
B$52,980
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Barbados cost?
A one week trip to Barbados usually costs around $3,044 (B$6,181) for one person and $6,088 (B$12,362) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Barbados on average costs around $6,088 (B$12,362) for one person and $12,177 (B$24,724) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Barbados will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Barbados on average costs around $13,047 (B$26,490) for one person and $26,093 (B$52,980) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Barbados expensive to visit?
Barbados is a somewhat more expensive destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its overall travel expenses. When visiting, expect to pay fairly high prices for accommodation, food, and things to do.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, Barbados is very expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in the Caribbean Islands for its travel costs. There are only a few countries as expensive or more expensive than Barbados in the region.
Barbados offers a great mix of sights and accommodations, making it a destination that works for travelers of all budgets and preferences. Whether you're traveling on a budget or ready to indulge, there are hotel options for you, with luxury choices for affluent guests and mid-range options for families and couples.
It's true that Barbados can be expensive, but eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities can help you make the most of your money.
On average, budget travelers spend $176 (B$354) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $439 (B$883) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $1,072 (B$2,158) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Barbados.
For more details, see Is Barbados Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Barbados?
The average Barbados trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Barbados travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Barbados cost?
Barbados on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$93
(B$188)
|
$233
(B$474)
|
$583
(B$1,183)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$13
(B$26)
|
$30
(B$62)
|
$68
(B$138)
|
|
Food 2
|
$63
(B$128)
|
$156
(B$317)
|
$373
(B$758)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$42
(B$85)
|
$105
(B$214)
|
$262
(B$531)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$5-16
(B$11-33)
|
$13-39
(B$26-79)
|
$30-89
(B$60-181)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having a realistic perspective on your travel budget is very important. While many like to think of themselves as "budget" travelers, most people are not prepared for the discomfort and lack of amenities that come with traveling on a shoestring budget. Consider what you really love about travel and thinkg about your previous travel experiences. Are you more inclined to stay in hostels, or do you prefer more comfortable hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals? Is dining out a priority for you? Do you want to visit the major sights and attractions? Your answers to these questions will shape your overall travel budget significantly.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
Many travelers hear that exploring Barbados can be done for $176 a day, but if you want to keep some comforts, expect to pay a lot more.
Backpackers might find a way to travel around on that tight budget, but that usually means dorm stays in hostels, eating at budget-friendly restaurants or fast food places, using public transport or walking, and focusing on free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
Couples or families on vacation will probably choose mid-range hotels, popular dining spots, and visits to major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most visitors to Barbados will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Since most activities have a cost, you should realisticly plan for your budget to be closer to $439 per person, per day.
Barbados has tons of hotels and vacation rentals available. If you're traveling with a group or family, sharing accommodations with a partner, friend, or your family will cut back on the daily per-person budget. Popular family-friendly destinations like Saint Lawrence and Bridgetown offer hotels and restaurants that cater specifically to kids. For a family-friendly stay, consider South Gap Hotel in Saint Lawrence or Rostrevor Hotel in Bridgetown. You can discover more family and couples options in our hotel guide for Barbados here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're planning a vacation with all the finer things in life, prepare for a budget that can reach $1,072 per day. If you want upscale hotels, world-class dining, premium excursions, and private drivers, this will put you firmly in the "luxury" category. Some of the more high-priced destinations include the major cities and resort areas. Another option would be to splurge on a multi-day high-end tour that takes care of everything for you, such as 7 Days/6 Nights Barbados Family Adventure - offered by Across Caribbean Excursions.
Accommodation Budget in Barbados
The variety of accommodation prices in Barbados can be surprising. Some areas and hotels are much more expensive than others, and prices soar during peak season. You'll save more if you visit in the off-season or book in advance.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Barbados for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $467 (B$947). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $233 (B$474) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Barbados? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Barbados
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $30 (B$62) per person, per day, on local transportation in Barbados. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Barbados is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$30
B$62
Barbados generally has limited options for public transportation. You should plan to rent a car or have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour. However, this may cut into your overall trip budget.
The typical transit costs in Barbados are outlined below, based on data from actual travelers. These figures provide an estimate of overall transportation expenses in the city. Remember, your personal costs will depend on how you choose to get around, as taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than using public transportation.
-
Minibus Ride
B$1.50
-
Taxi From Airport
B$36
-
Taxi From Airport
B$36
-
Taxi From Airport
B$76
Food Budget in Barbados
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Barbados can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Barbados is $156 (B$317) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$156
B$317
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Barbados is around $158 (B$317) per person, with previous travelers spending from $64 to $376. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Barbados are as follows:
- Breakfast: $28 to $47
- Lunch: $24 to $79
- Dinner: $55 to $126
- Coffee: $14
- Fast Food or Street Food: $25
The cuisine of Barbados has been influenced by a variety of countries such as England, Portugal, Spain and West Africa. The food is typically made from local food options such as rice, fish and guava. Today, many restaurants offer local specialties at reasonable prices.
Coucou & Flying Fish: This dish is a favorite in Barbados. It's made with corn meal, okra and flying fish. It is topped with a sauce that is made from tomato, onions, chives, thyme, fresh pepper, garlic and more. The fish is prepared by either steaming, frying or grilling it.
Pepperpot: This traditional dish actually originated in Guyana but has become popular in Barbados. It is a stewed meat dish that is made with spices and hot peppers. A variety of meats can be used but pork, beef or mutton are the most popular. The stew is generally served with bread and butter. (Pepperpot Recipe here)
Cutters: This local sandwich dish is made from salt bread and is filled with a variety of savory fillings. These include flying fish, ham, and cheese options.
If you're eating out with children, seek out restaurants that provide a kids menu. This can significantly reduce your dining expenses, as those options are generally lower priced. Some places may not showcase their kids' meals, so it's always smart to ask the waiter before ordering.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Keep a water bottle with you instead of constantly buying drinks. It's a good way to help the environment as well.
When preparing for a tour, make sure you know in advance what meals are included. You might be responsible for paying for some food, which can raise your costs.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Barbados
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Barbados typically cost an average of $105 (B$214) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$105
B$214
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Barbados. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 2 Hours Turtle Feeding, Shipwreck & Reef Snorkeling Tour Barbados for $65 details
- Island Adventure Harrison's Cave & Monkey Feeding group tour or private tour for $150 details
- Friday Night Live in Oistins Private Tour for $181 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Barbados are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
Nightlife Budget in Barbados
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $26 (B$53) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Barbados per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$26
B$53
Cutting back on drinks while enjoying the nightlife can really help you save money on your trip.
Traveling in Barbados
Snorkeling in Barbados
The Caribbean island of Barbados is located northeast of Venezuela. The country remains closely tied to its British roots. Cricket is the national sport and afternoon tea remains popular. Historical homes create much of the character on the island and the unique pink and white sand beaches contrast the dramatic turquoise waters for a stunning effect.
There are eleven parishes in Barbados which can be divided into four distinct regions. Bridgetown is the capital city and together with the surrounding areas of Saint Michael Parish, this first region is the most populous part of the country. Central Eastern Barbados includes the parishes of Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Joseph and Saint Thomas. This region is along the east coast of the island which is also the rugged Atlantic side. Western Barbados includes the parishes of Saint James, Saint Peter and Saint Lucy. This is along the calm, Caribbean Sea side of the island. Finally, Southern Barbados includes the parishes of Christ Church and Saint Thomas. This region also houses St. Lawrence Gap, a lively area full of bars and restaurants, Oistins, and Grantley Adams International Airport.
Grantley Adams International Airport is the largest international airport on the island. It is located 13 kilometers east of Bridgetown and there are buses and minibuses that travel from a stop across the street from the airport to Bridgetown, Holetown, and Speightstown.
If you're arriving by cruise ship then you will likely dock in the Bridgetown deep water harbour. There are plenty of taxis waiting as you and there are also shuttle buses that travel to and from downtown Bridgetown for a reasonable price.
At A Glance
- Vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road in Barbados. Taxis are abundant and are generally reasonably priced. You must negotiate the price before you get in the vehicle though as they do not use meters. If you're not sure how far away your destination is, ask an employee at your hotel what the cab rate should be before beginning to negotiate a ride.
- There is an extensive bus system in Barbados. It is one of the cheapest ways to travel around and is very easy if you're going along a popular route. The public buses are operated by the Barbados Transport Board and are blue in color. Private buses are yellow or white and can have a festive atmosphere. Public buses require exact change while private buses will give you change (and often accept US dollars). If you want to go to more off the beaten path destinations you will likely want to hire a car.
- The country's official language is English, but many locals also speak Bajan which is an English based creole language. This dialect uses many West African idioms and expressions. Generally, communication in Barbados is easy and straightforward.
- Many people travel to Barbados for its popular watersports. Surfing is popular and one of the best places to go is Soup Bowl, which is on the eastern coast. The south coast also has great surf, with a spot at Silver Sands even being part of the world windsurfing tour.
- The local currency is the Bajan dollar, which is locked to the US dollar at a 2:1 ratio. Most restaurants and shops that cater to tourists will accept US dollars. There are many duty free shops that cater to visitors and cruise ship passengers. Jewelry stores are common and Cave Shepherd department store has a wide variety of goods. Many people choose to buy rum on the island as it is excellent quality.
- There are a wide range of accommodation types available in Barbados. Whether you're looking for small guest houses, bed and breakfasts, luxury accommodation, or resort like villas, you will have plenty to choose from.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Andromeda Botanical Gardens: These gardens are both peaceful and beautiful. They are found in Bathsheba on the eastern coast in the parish of St. Joseph. The pathways wander by orchids, palms and bougainvillea and let you see peaceful streams and small ponds.
Kensington Oval: Cricket is a popular activity throughout Barbados and Kensington Oval is the place to go see a match. Even if there are no matches when you're in town, consider swinging by anyway. It dates back to 1882 and has a gift shop where you can buy Cricket memorabilia and souvenirs.
Barbados Museum: This museum is found in St. Michael in the Garrison Savannah area. It has information about the history of Barbados, nature, wildlife, archeology, housing, art, military, and Barbados' African roots.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.