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Caribbean and trains?
That may not be the first combination that comes to mind, but it’s true: You don’t have to jump aboard a boat or pay way too much for one of those tourist helicopters that offer the same view from the window seat of an airplane to experience unparalleled views in paradise.
For over a century one of the trendiest islands in the Caribbean should be even trendier if only travelers knew about this bucket list excursion.
Built in the 1910s to transport sugar cane, this historic ride has stood the test of time as not only a legendary marker, but also a thrilling journey to immerse yourself in the tropics.
As more travelers embrace slow travel in general and venture deep into the Caribbean, moving closer to South America by the year, next time you explore the usual mainstays, consider St. Kitts and Nevisa country we’ve reported on its surprising rise in popularity due to its magnetic culture, authenticity and seemingly unspoilt coastlines.
So as you narrow down your options for your next beach vacation, there’s no doubt that this lesser-known island has the edge over hotspots like Punta Cana and Montego Bay.
The St. Kitts scenic railway allows travelers to travel around the island by railwhere you can trade chock-full swim-up bars for open-air views of volcanic slopes, a windswept coastline and map-dotted villages aboard the ‘Last Railway in the West Indies’.
The most unique experience of the Caribbean
Forget swimming with dolphins and sunset cruises – one adventure you’ll always remember that won’t cost a fortune is St. Kitts’ virtually undistinguished train.
Sure, the locals know about it, but St. Kitts has only grown rapidly in tourism over the past year or so.
That said, as more and more vacationers seek sun and sand without the same experiences, this twin-island location next to Anguilla and Montserrat is the perfect starting point.
Here’s a detailed overview of what to expect aboard one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets:
- The entire journey takes approx 3 hours
- The route makes a Only a 30 mile circle around St. Kitts (not Nevis)
- The train chugs along the island’s coastline, offering views of the sparkling ocean, lush rainforest, vast farmlands, volcanic peaks and neighboring Caribbean islands in the distance
- Mount Liamuiga is one of nature’s main highlights, rising above the island’s dense rainforest
- The route passes notable historical sites including Brimstone Hill Fortress National Parka UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with historic sugar plantations associated with St. Kitts’ bygone era and which demonstrated the need for the train in the first place
- The train uses two-level railcars and one open-air upper deck for 360 degree views and a lower level lounge with air conditioning, large windows, cushioned chairs, tables, a service bar and toilets
- Free refreshments are included, including rum punch and frozen daiquiris.
- Onboard entertainment includes narration by Kittitian tour guides, an acappella performance by the St. Kitts Railway Choir, and cultural dance routines
However, there is one caveat…
Yes, you have the option to travel all 30 miles, but only 18 of them are by rail.
At some point you will be escorted to a sightseeing shuttle for the remaining 19 kilometers.
In other words, expect about 2 hours on the trainand another around 45 minutes on the bus, so we recommend you soak up your free drinks and other perks beforehand.
Prices:
Expedia suggests that prices for tickets (with transportation) are around $150.
But as you’ve come to expect from the Travel Off Path team, we did some research and it didn’t take long before we discovered in our own data that you can book your tickets from just $124 – along with loads of other island adventures, from catamarans and rainforest walks to mini speedboats!
St. Kitts may be the perfect place to relax and recharge by the sea, but it’s also built for thrill seekers.
Permission to Paradise: Make sure you dot the I’s and cross the T’s
St. Kitts & Nevis may be trendy, but there’s one downside that’s just as great about vacationing here: bureaucracy.
Womp, womp…
That’s right: you’ll want to double-check the eligibility requirements before going all-in.
Last year, this increasingly popular beach vacation began requiring an ETA—yes, even for Americans.
Travelers should follow these 5 simple steps:
- Visit www.knatravelform.kn or download the ‘St Kitts and Nevis e-Border’ app on their devices, available on iOS and Android
- Complete the digital form and provide all requested information
- Upload all relevant documents relating to your trip, as indicated
- Pay the ETA fee (expect about $17)
How safe is St. Kitts and Nevis?
Let’s face it: If you’re sightseeing by train or bus, you don’t have to worry much about safety in the hands of professional guides.
Since the train/bus combo only takes up a few hours of your day, you’ll probably want to know you won’t have to keep your head on a swivel as many cruisers in particular wander around both islands.
Our own Safety Index is currently strong 85/100 score as ranked by fellow travelers like you and me in real time:
The latest US Department of State advisory from 2024, which piggybacks on our safety index, proves that travelers have succeeded, labeling St. Kitts and Nevis as “Level 1: Practice normal precautions“, the lowest possible designation.
