St. John's is small enough to walk across in 20 minutes. Taxis are the standard option for reaching beaches and other parts of the island — negotiate the fare before getting in, as there are no meters. Shared minibuses (locally called buses) run along fixed routes from the West Bus Station near the market, connecting St. John's to the main settlements around the island for very low fares.
Renting a car or scooter makes exploring the island much easier. Several rental agencies operate from the airport and from the town centre. Drive on the left, and be aware that roads outside the main towns can be narrow and poorly marked.