Dreaming of turquoise waters lapping against pristine white sand beaches? Yearning for the laid-back Caribbean vibe that only a truly unspoiled island can offer? Then St. John, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is calling your name. Unlike many Caribbean destinations, St. John has retained much of its natural beauty thanks to being largely a national park. But that also means there isn't an airport on the island, presenting a unique (but easily surmountable!) logistical puzzle to get there. Figuring out the best route to paradise is the first step towards making your St. John vacation a reality.
Knowing the ins and outs of travel to St. John is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable vacation. Proper planning avoids unnecessary stress, wasted time, and potential travel mishaps. Understanding your options for flights, ferries, and ground transportation allows you to optimize your budget, customize your itinerary, and ultimately maximize your precious time soaking up the sun and exploring everything this beautiful island has to offer. From choosing the right airport to navigating the ferry system, a little preparation goes a long way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to St. John:
What's the most common way to get to St. John?
The most common way to get to St. John is by flying into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas and then taking a ferry to St. John. There is no airport on St. John, so this multi-leg journey is the standard route for visitors.
Upon arrival at St. Thomas airport, you'll need to take a taxi or pre-arranged shuttle to either Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie. Red Hook is the more popular choice as the ferry ride to Cruz Bay, St. John is shorter, approximately 20 minutes. Ferries from Charlotte Amalie take roughly 45-60 minutes. Both options offer beautiful views, but the Red Hook ferry runs more frequently and is generally preferred for convenience.
The ferry is a passenger ferry, so you cannot bring your car over. If you plan on having a vehicle on St. John, you can either rent one there or arrange for a car barge from St. Thomas, which operates from a different location than the passenger ferries. However, for most visitors, renting a Jeep or other suitable vehicle on St. John after arriving via passenger ferry is the simpler approach.
What are the ferry options from St. Thomas to St. John?
The primary way to get from St. Thomas to St. John by ferry is via two main routes: the Red Hook ferry and the Charlotte Amalie ferry. The Red Hook ferry is the quicker and more frequent option, taking about 15-20 minutes to Cruz Bay, St. John. The Charlotte Amalie ferry takes roughly 45-60 minutes and typically runs less frequently.
The Red Hook ferry is preferred by many due to its shorter travel time and generally more consistent schedule. It departs from the Urman Fredericks Marine Terminal in Red Hook, on the eastern end of St. Thomas. Because of its convenience, expect more locals and tourists to use this route. Tickets are usually purchased directly at the terminal before boarding; advance purchase is generally not required. The Charlotte Amalie ferry departs from the Edward Wilmoth Blyden IV Marine Terminal in downtown Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas. This route offers scenic views of the harbor and surrounding islands. Although the ride is longer, it might be appealing if you're already in Charlotte Amalie or prefer a more leisurely trip. Schedules can vary, especially during off-peak seasons or holidays, so it’s wise to check the current timetables. Always confirm departure times with the ferry operators directly as schedules are subject to change.Do I need a passport to go to St. John?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a passport to enter St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. As St. John is a U.S. territory, it's considered domestic travel for U.S. citizens. However, it's always a good idea to carry a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or other official identification.
To reach St. John, you must first fly into St. Thomas (airport code STT), which has the closest airport. From there, you have a few options to get to St. John. The most common and convenient method is to take a ferry. Ferries depart regularly from either Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook on St. Thomas. The Red Hook ferry is typically quicker and runs more frequently. Taxis are readily available at the St. Thomas airport to take you to either ferry terminal. Another option, though less common, involves taking a private boat or water taxi directly from St. Thomas to St. John. This offers more flexibility and direct transportation but comes at a higher cost. Once you arrive in St. John, the primary arrival point is Cruz Bay, where you'll find taxis and rental car agencies to explore the island. Remember to factor in travel time between the airport and the ferry terminals when planning your trip.How much does it cost to get from the airport to St. John?
The cost to get from Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas to St. John varies depending on your chosen transportation method, but generally ranges from $40 to $150+ per person. This includes taxi fares, ferry tickets, and potential baggage fees. The cheapest option, involving a public bus and the car ferry, could be around $40, while private taxi and boat transfers can easily exceed $150 per person.
The most common and straightforward route involves a taxi from the airport to either the Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie ferry terminals, followed by a ferry to St. John. A taxi from the airport to Red Hook, the closer of the two terminals, typically costs around $15-$20 per person (rates are per person, not per taxi, and increase with more luggage) and the ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay, St. John is about $8.15 for adults and $3.15 for children each way. The Charlotte Amalie ferry is slightly cheaper (around $12 for adults), but the taxi ride from the airport to Charlotte Amalie is more expensive, and ferries run less frequently. Private transportation options like water taxis or private boat charters offer a more direct and luxurious transfer. These services will pick you up near the airport and take you directly to your destination on St. John. However, this convenience comes at a premium, with prices typically starting around $500-$800+ for a group, making it the most expensive choice but potentially worthwhile for large groups or those seeking a hassle-free arrival. Remember to factor in baggage handling fees and potential surcharges for travel outside of regular hours when calculating your total transportation cost.Is it better to rent a car on St. Thomas or St. John?
It's generally better to rent a car on St. Thomas if you plan to spend most of your time there, and then take a ferry to St. John without the car. Renting on St. Thomas offers more rental agency options, potentially better rates, and a wider selection of vehicles. Ferrying over *with* a rental car from St. Thomas is possible but significantly more expensive and logistically challenging.
Ferries are the primary way to get to St. John from St. Thomas. Several ferry options exist: the car ferry (also known as the barge) and the passenger ferry. The passenger ferry is far more frequent and runs between Charlotte Amalie (downtown St. Thomas) and Cruz Bay, St. John, as well as between Red Hook (east end of St. Thomas) and Cruz Bay. The Red Hook ferry is typically preferred because it's a shorter and more frequent ride. The car ferry operates from Red Hook to St. John and requires reservations, especially during peak season. Consider your overall itinerary when deciding. If you intend to split your time fairly evenly between the islands, renting a car on St. Thomas and taking the *passenger* ferry to St. John, then renting a separate vehicle on St. John *might* be a more economical choice than ferrying a car. However, renting on St. John can sometimes be more expensive and have limited availability, especially if not booked well in advance. Furthermore, driving on St. John can be challenging due to steep, winding roads, so a smaller, more agile vehicle is often preferred, and availability of those could be less. Finally, factor in the cost of parking in St. Thomas while on St. John, especially if you are staying near a ferry dock that charges for parking.Are there any direct flights to St. John?
No, there are no direct flights to St. John. St. John does not have its own airport. To get to St. John, you must first fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, and then take a ferry to St. John.
The most common and convenient route involves flying into St. Thomas (STT) from various major cities in the United States and other international locations. Several airlines offer frequent flights to St. Thomas, making it a relatively accessible destination. Once you arrive at Cyril E. King Airport, you'll need to make your way to either Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook, where the ferries depart for St. John. Taxis, rental cars, and pre-booked transportation services are readily available at the airport to take you to either ferry dock. The ferry ride from St. Thomas to St. John is a scenic journey that usually takes between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the departure point and the ferry route. Ferries from Charlotte Amalie typically go to Cruz Bay, St. John, while ferries from Red Hook also go to Cruz Bay, with some also servicing other parts of St. John. Upon arrival in Cruz Bay, you can easily access accommodations, restaurants, and activities throughout the island via taxi, rental car, or the local VITRAN bus service.What are the taxi options on St. John?
Taxis on St. John are a readily available and popular way to get around the island, offering open-air safari-style vehicles or enclosed vans. These are typically shared rides with fares based on destination rather than metered, and can be found at the ferry dock in Cruz Bay, major beaches like Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay, and resorts.
Taxis on St. John operate with set rates per person, per destination. This means you'll want to confirm the fare *before* you get in, especially if you're traveling to a less common location. Drivers are generally knowledgeable about the island and can provide recommendations on restaurants, beaches, and activities. Because they are shared, be prepared to make multiple stops along your route as other passengers are dropped off. While you can't hail a taxi like in a large city, you can typically find them congregated at designated taxi stands or call for a pickup. Many restaurants and hotels will happily call a taxi for you. It’s wise to have cash on hand, as not all taxis accept credit cards. Also, remember that while some taxi "companies" exist, it is generally an association of independent drivers. Be sure to clarify who you are speaking with, if you call a dispatcher.So, there you have it! Getting to St. John takes a little planning, but trust me, that first glimpse of Trunk Bay will make it all worthwhile. I hope this guide has helped you navigate the journey. Thanks for reading, and I hope you'll come back soon for more St. John tips and tricks!