Planning a trip to Barbados starts with finding the right flight, and with the island’s status as a top Caribbean destination, there are plenty of options. This article overviews everything you need to know about flights to Barbados, including details on which airports around the world offer direct flights.
Connect with a Fora travel advisor to book the best resorts in Barbados — with complimentary VIP hotel perks. Select Fora Advisors can also book business or first-class flights for you. Simply reach out to a Fora Advisor to get started.
Airports with direct flights to Barbados
Over 30 airports around the world offer direct flights to Barbados. Most originate in the United States or Canada, but there are also options that take off from other Caribbean destinations, the lower Americas and Europe. All flights land in Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), in Bridgetown. BGI is the only major airport on the island.
Direct flights to Barbados from the northeastern United States and Canada
JetBlue runs seasonal direct flights to Barbados from Boston (BOS) between November and April. New York City has the most options: John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and Newark Liberty International (EWR) both run year-round flights to Barbados on JetBlue and American Airlines. LaGuardia (LGA) occasionally offers direct flights during the island’s peak travel season, December through April. Otherwise, most flights to Barbados out of LaGuardia first fly to airports in the South.
Air Canada offers direct flights to Barbados from Montreal (YUL). Routes vary year to year, but typically run from late fall through spring. Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) has regular, year-round options facilitated by Air Canada and WestJet. Most flights from both airports take between five and six hours. Comparatively, flights from Boston and New York City take between four and five hours.
Direct flights to Barbados from Midatlantic states
Philadelphia (PHL) and Washington DC are the only cities in this region offering direct flights to Barbados. The former mostly runs American Airlines flights during winter, but there are occasional exceptions in fall and spring. The latter provides seasonal, nonstop service from Dulles International (IAD) on United Airlines. Both options take four to five hours.
Direct flights to Barbados from the South
American Airlines offers year-round flights out of Charlotte (CLT), with more routes available in winter. These flights typically take four and a half hours. Delta Air Lines runs year-round flights — which are closer to four hours long — out of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, in Atlanta (ATL). Miami offers the shortest flights to Barbados — three to three and half hours — on American Airlines all year.
Seasonal and year-round direct flights to Barbados from the Caribbean
Barbados is well connected to many of its neighbors through LIAT (Leeward Islands Air Transport), Caribbean Airlines and a handful of lesser-known airlines.
Airports in Puerto Rico, Antigua, Saint Kitts, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Grenada and Trinidad, offer direct flights to Barbados all year. Flights from Puerto Rico range between two and three hours. Flights from the south Caribbean (e.g., Grenada and Saint Lucia) last 45 minutes to an hour.
Seasonal direct flights are also offered out of Jamaica, Sint Maarten and Anguilla, Martinique, Saint Vincent and Tobago. These flights are sporadically available between December and April, and all last between one and three hours.
Notably, even the busiest airports in the Caribbean only offer a handful (if that) of direct flights to Barbados at any given time. A Fora Advisor can help you plan your flight itinerary if you’re trying to visit multiple destinations across the Caribbean.
Seasonal direct flights to Barbados from Central and South America
Barbados has limited but growing connectivity to cities in the lower Americas, offering options for travelers coming from South America and Central America. Currently, there are only two airports in these regions that offer direct flights to Barbados.
Copa Airlines offers year-round direct flights to Barbados from Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. Each flight lasts around four hours. Or you can take a flight from Georgetown, Guyana to Barbados on Caribbean Airlines, which lasts closer to three hours.
Direct flights to Barbados from Europe
London and Manchester, UK have the most frequent and convenient direct flights to Barbados, with multiple year-round options. Flights from other European cities, such as Amsterdam and Paris, tend to be seasonal.
London’s Gatwick (LGW) and Heathrow (LHR) airports are the only airports in Europe that facilitate year-round flights — via Virgin Atlantic and British Airways — to Barbados. These flights, which are offered daily, take between eight and nine hours. Manchester also offers year-round flights. October through April have the most flights available.
Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Paris all offer seasonal direct flights to Barbados as well. These all last between nine to ten hours on average. Outside of winter, flights from these cities and others in Europe are typically first routed through London.
Plan your Barbados vacation with a Fora Advisor
You don’t have to figure out the best way to fly to Barbados in a vacuum. Connect with a Fora Advisor and they’ll not only provide expert insight when you choose your flight to Barbados — select advisors can even book your flight for you — but they can book and plan the rest of your Barbados getaway. They’ll matchmake you to a resort in Barbados that fits your travel style and budget, unlocking complimentary perks at the top resorts and providing insider recommendations on the best restaurants, experiences, hidden gems and more.
Barbados flights and related travel FAQs
Get answers to common questions about travel to Barbados below.
Related article: The Best Things to Do in Barbados, per Fora Travel Advisors
When’s the best time to visit Barbados? What’s Barbados’ weather like?
Barbados is largely a year-round destination; temperatures range from 75–85℉, and there’s usually a breeze. Officially, the island’s dry season runs from December to May, with warm temperatures, low humidity and plenty of sunshine. But this is peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. The wet season — June to November — sees occasional rain showers and higher humidity, but the rain is often brief, and prices are generally lower. In other words, the dry season’s advantage over the “wet season” (which isn’t that wet) is only marginal. Barbados is also outside the primary hurricane belt, so major storms are rare. Note that direct flights to Barbados from some airports around the world are seasonal, coinciding with the dry season.
Related guides: Barbados: A Gem of the Caribbean Where Adventure Meets Paradise and 4 Days on Barbados South West Coast
What should you pack for Barbados?
Lightweight and breathable clothing is ideal given Barbados’ tropical climate, and don’t forget swimwear, flip-flops and a beach bag for days spent by the ocean. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are must-haves, too. A light rain jacket or poncho is helpful for the occasional shower, especially during the rainy season from June to November. Also consider packing semi-formal attire, as some restaurants and resorts may have dress codes.
A reusable water bottle and insect repellent (for mosquitoes) are also nice to have. Barbados uses the same plug types as the US; if you're traveling from elsewhere, you’ll want to bring the necessary adapters and chargers.
Related guide: The Beaches of Barbados Are Calling
Is Barbados safe to visit?
Yes. Barbados is stable and has a relatively low crime rate among Caribbean nations. Still, exercise normal travel precautions.
Is traveling to Barbados expensive?
Compared to other Caribbean destinations, Barbados is considered a mid-to-high-cost destination; its tourism sector mostly focuses on luxury accommodations and experiences. In contrast, islands like the Dominican Republic and Jamaica tend to offer more budget-friendly options, especially regarding all-inclusive resorts. Grand Cayman resorts or those on Aruba, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive.
Related article: 8 Relaxing & Beautiful Hotels & All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica
What months offer cheaper flights to Barbados from the United States?
May, June, September and October generally offer the best deals on flights to Barbados from the United States, as these are outside the busy winter and holiday seasons. Fewer tourists visit the island during these months, so the airlines often lower fares to attract travelers. That said, because fewer people are visiting the island, flight options may be limited.
Is flying the only way to get to Barbados?
Flying is the most convenient and widely used method for getting to Barbados. But many cruises stop in Barbados, and you can also charter a private yacht to the island. A Fora Advisor can provide more information on both options.
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