Trinidad and Tobago is a warm and relaxing destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. It should be at the top of your travel list. In this travel cost guide, we'll break down everything you need to plan your trip's budget. From accommodation to food to sightseeing and transportation, we'll give you the details you need to enjoy every moment of your trip without overspending.
How much does it cost to travel to Trinidad and Tobago?
You should plan to spend around $246 (TTD1,678) per day on your vacation in Trinidad and Tobago. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $87 (TTD596) on meals
- $49 (TTD337) on local transportation
- $149 (TTD1,017) on hotels
A one week trip to Trinidad and Tobago for two people costs, on average, $3,438 (TTD23,492). 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.
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 Trinidad and Tobago expensive to visit?
Trinidad and Tobago is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, Trinidad and Tobago is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Saint Lucia or the USVI.
Trinidad and Tobago has something for everyone, with a range of sights, activities, and accommodation to fit every budget and travel style. You'll find budget hotels if you're looking to save, but there are also luxurious options for those who want to spend more, plus mid-range hotels for families and couples.
Trinidad and Tobago has a reputation for being expensive, but there are simple ways to make it affordable, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $108 (TTD732) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $248 (TTD1,678) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $480 (TTD3,246) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Trinidad and Tobago.
For more details, see Is Trinidad and Tobago Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Trinidad and Tobago?
The average Trinidad and Tobago trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Trinidad and Tobago travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Trinidad and Tobago cost?
Trinidad and Tobago on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$33
(TTD226)
|
$74
(TTD509)
|
$134
(TTD916)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$22
(TTD148)
|
$49
(TTD337)
|
$94
(TTD644)
|
|
Food 2
|
$38
(TTD258)
|
$87
(TTD596)
|
$173
(TTD1,179)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$19
(TTD129)
|
$45
(TTD309)
|
$99
(TTD678)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$5-15
(TTD33-100)
|
$11-34
(TTD77-232)
|
$22-67
(TTD152-456)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to manage your expectations when it comes to your travel budget. While many people like to see themselves as "budget" travelers on a shoestring budget, most find this type of travel uncomfortable. Think about what you enjoy and how you've traveled previously. Are you drawn to resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or do you prefer hostels, instead? How important is eating out to you? And what type of transportation do you prefer? Your answers to these questions will greatly affect your overall travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
People often say you can visit Trinidad and Tobago for just $108 daily, but unless you're okay with sacrificing many comforts, be ready to shell out a lot more.
Backpackers can typically make that budget work, but it usually requires sleeping in dorm-style hostels, eating at the most affordable restaurants or fast food spots, taking public transit or walking, and sticking to free sights.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
Mid-range hotels, well-known restaurants, and visits to museums and attractions with entry fees are common choices for families or couples traveling on vacation. Most travelers will want to visit the major sights, and landmarks. Most of these activities cost money, after all, so it's wise to plan for a budget closer to $248 per person each day.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
For those seeking an all-inclusive experience with top-tier service, be prepared for a daily price around $480. Staying in luxury hotels, dining at fine restaurants, indulging in high-end excursions, and hiring private drivers will push you into the "luxury" bracket. You'll find yourself vacationing among the elite in destinations like San Fernando and Port-of-Spain.
Accommodation Budget in Trinidad and Tobago
The variety of accommodation prices in Trinidad and Tobago 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 Trinidad and Tobago for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $149 (TTD1,017). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $74 (TTD509) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Trinidad and Tobago? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Trinidad and Tobago
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $49 (TTD337) per person, per day, on local transportation in Trinidad and Tobago. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Trinidad and Tobago is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$49
TTD337
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If you have a car while staying in a larger city, it's wise to confirm the parking arrangements with your hotel before arrival. You may incur parking fees at the hotel or in a nearby garage. Sometimes, parking further from the city center can be a more cost-effective option.
Food Budget in Trinidad and Tobago
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Trinidad and Tobago can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Trinidad and Tobago is $87 (TTD596) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$87
TTD596
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Trinidad and Tobago is about $88 (TTD596) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $38 to $174 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Trinidad and Tobago are as follows:
- Breakfast: $16 to $26
- Lunch: $13 to $44
- Dinner: $31 to $70
- Coffee: $8
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
Cuisine of Trinidad and Tobago is a unique blend of influences, largely African, Amerinidian, British, Creole, French, Indian, and Spanish. One specialty dish of the culture is side called callaloo, which is both creamy and spicy made from ingredients like taro leaves, okra, crab or pig tail, thyme, pumpkin, pimento, onions, coconut milk, and other local herbs and spices. As a side dish, callaloo is often served with cornmeal, plantain, cassava, sweet potatoes, dumplings, and curried crab. A rice and meat dish called pelau is also common as is stewed chicken, macaroni pie, and oxtail. The three main methods of cooking are curried, stewed, or barbecued, while meals are often accompanied by condiments like pepper sauces, chutneys, and pickles. Dining options on the islands are diverse and range from street snacks to restaurants serving traditional food, western fast food chains to markets selling fresh produce.
Traveling with kids? Look for restaurants that have a dedicated kids menu. This can help you save some cash since those meals are often cheaper. Additionally, some restaurants might not list the childrens' options, so don't forget to ask the waiter first.
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.
Instead of constantly buying drinks, carry a water bottle with you. It's a good move for the environment too.
Before you set off on a tour, check to see which meals are included. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which could increase your expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Trinidad and Tobago, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Trinidad Nighttime Food Tour for $69 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Trinidad and Tobago
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Trinidad and Tobago typically cost an average of $45 (TTD309) 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.
$45
TTD309
A nice way to explore destinations in Trinidad and Tobago is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. 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:
- Full Island Tour (Including Lunch & Snorkeling) for $215 details
- Avocat Waterfall Tour & Beach Stop Adventure for $130 details
- Saturday Markets & Brunch Tour for $59 details
- Island Tours of Tobago for $120 details
Nightlife Budget in Trinidad and Tobago
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $23 (TTD154) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Trinidad and Tobago per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$23
TTD154
While nightlife can be a highlight of your trip, cutting back on drinking can make a big difference to your travel budget.
Traveling in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a nation that mainly consists of two Caribbean islands, located just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. It is one of the most prosperous countries in the Caribbean mostly due to the industrial center of Trinidad, though Tobago also has a draw for tourists. Both islands have plenty to offer in unspoiled natural scenery.
Top Tourist Attractions
Popular beaches in Trinidad include Maracas, Tyrico, Las Cuevas, Toco, Mayaro, Chagville, Los Iros, and Quinam. Most of these are located on the north coast and are beautiful with powdery sand and clear blue water. Beaches of Tobago are Pigeon Point, Store Bay, MT Irvine, Bucco, Grange, Englishman's Bay, and Canoe Bay. As the island that has a better reputation for tourism, Tobago's beaches are extremely beautiful. Also on Tobago, on the north coast, are the Bucco reef and Nylon pool which can be experienced via Glass Bottom Boat tour from Pigeon Point and Store Bay.
Another activity for nature lovers is to visit the Caroni Bird Sanctuary and former sugar cane estates on the western coast of Trinidad. It is a great opportunity to spot local bird species, though mosquitoes are also abundant. La Brea Pitch Lake is another unique attraction to the islands, being the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt - a pool to which many people flock to bathe in its healing sulfur waters. Additional attractions include a museum built on a former Cocoa estate owned by French Count Charles Joseph de Lopinot (now called Lopinot Historical Site) and a tropical rain forest reserve called Roxborough, as well as the small islands off the northwest peninsula of Trinidad.
Trinidad is the larger of the two islands, and is the location of most of the country's cities and activity as well as its industrial center. Tobago is instead focused on tourism and has become a sought after vacation destination. Together as a nation, the islands have an environment of natural beauty distinct from other Caribbean locations. Port of Spain is the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago, situated on the northwest coast of Trinidad. The main hub for activity and shopping here is between Frederick Street and Charlotte Street, running south to Independence Square. Scarborough is the main city on the island of Tobago, and is a point of entry for those visiting the islands resorts and other attractions. Other important towns and cities include San Fernando, Chaguaramas, Princes Town, Toco, and St. James.
Vacationers who travel to the area often head right to the resorts for an easy-going beachside holiday of rest and relaxation. Beyond beach-going and seaside leisure activities, the annual festival of Carnival is one of the most well known attributes of Trinidad and Tobago. Every year on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday during the season of Lent, thousands of costumed merrymakers parade on the streets for an annual street party. They are accompanied by music from steel bands, with calypso and soca music played on large loudspeakers. The rest of the year, Trinidad and Tobago also has a thriving nightlife, especially in the Chaguaramas area.
The main airport serving the nation is Piarco International Airport, located on Trinidad, approximately 25 kilometers southeast of Port of Spain. Direct air service is available from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Orlando, New York (JFK), and Newark, from the United States, as well as Toronto from Canada, London from the UK, Caracas and Porlomar from Venezuela, Panama City from Panama, Paramaribo form Suriname, Georgetown from Guyana, Barbados, and other islands in the Caribbean. From the airport, buses are available for transportation into the city.
There is also a small airport on Tobago, ANR Robinson International Airport, though its direct flights are limited, mostly serving London.
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.