Getting Around the USVI: Ferries, Flights, Taxis and Buses

Moving around the U.S. Virgin Islands usually means mixing transport: a ferry or barge between islands, then a taxi, bus or rental car on land. Timetables change with the seasons, and the published versions often disagree, so this guide explains how each service works and where to check it, rather than reprinting schedules or fares. Confirm times with the operator shortly before you travel.

Ferries between St. Thomas and St. John

Passenger ferries run every day on two routes to Cruz Bay, St. John:

• From Red Hook, on the East End of St. Thomas. This is the short crossing: about 15 minutes by the Port Authority’s estimate, or about 20 by the Department of Public Works’. Boats leave from the Urman Victor Fredericks Marine Terminal, which has ticket counters, restrooms, shops and a paid parking garage.
• From downtown Charlotte Amalie, at the Edward Wilmoth Blyden IV Marine Terminal. Departures are less frequent and the trip is longer, but the terminal is about 10 minutes from the airport and close to shops and the cruise docks.

The Port Authority names Transportation Services and Varlack Ventures as the companies on these routes, and also lists an Inter Island Boat Services route between Crown Bay and Cruz Bay. It advises arriving at least 15 minutes before departure. Fares differ for residents and visitors, and bags and boxes cost extra.

Two places post the schedules: the Port Authority’s ferry and cargo schedule page, which carries the seasonal timetables, and the ferry page of VITRAN, run by Public Works. When they disagree, call the operator.

Taking a car across on the barge

Three private companies, Big Red Barge, Global Marine and Love City Car Ferries, carry vehicles between the Noel “Breeze” Boynes Car Ferry Dock in Red Hook and the Theovald Moorehead Dock and Terminal at Enighed Pond, minutes from downtown Cruz Bay. A ticket from one company is not valid on another, and the Port Authority says cars board first come, first loaded, whatever reservations you hold, so arrive 30 minutes to an hour early. Our driving guide covers the barge rules and rental car limits in more detail.

Getting to Water Island

The Water Island Ferry leaves from Crown Bay Marina on St. Thomas. The Department of Tourism describes a small red boat that departs about every hour and reaches Phillips Landing in about 10 minutes. There is no terminal: you buy your ticket from the captain, in cash. Water Island has no buses or taxis, so the department points visitors to golf cart rentals near the dock and suggests reserving one, since they can sell out. See our Water Island area guide.

Between St. Thomas and St. Croix

There are three ways across:

• By plane. The Port Authority’s airline list shows daily flights between the two airports on Cape Air and Fly the Whale.
• By seaplane. Seaborne Airlines flies between the downtown harbors, from the Charles F. Blair Jr. Seaplane Terminal beside the Blyden Terminal in Charlotte Amalie to the Svend Aage Ovesen Jr. terminal at Water Gut in Christiansted. Seaborne calls it a 25-minute flight, downtown to downtown. Its fleet page lists one 12-seat Twin Otter, and it asks passengers to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure.
• By ferry. The QE IV ferry runs between Gallows Bay in Christiansted and the Blyden Terminal, a ride the operator puts at about two hours. Its website and the Port Authority list different operating days and fares, so confirm with QE IV. The Coast Guard requires ID or birth papers for every passenger, children included.

The Port Authority lists no ferry between St. Croix and St. John, so that trip connects through St. Thomas.

Leaving St. Croix by any route? As of October 2026, the island is under a quarantine for the Mediterranean fruit fly, and the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture asks that no fresh fruits, vegetables or host plants be taken off the island.

Taxis and safari taxis

The Port Authority says taxi rates to and from the airports and town are set by the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission and approved by the Legislature. Ask the fare before you get in. The Port Authority also notes:

• Official taxis have a dome light and the letters TP on the license plate. Unmarked cars are not licensed and may charge rates the Commission has not approved.
• Many taxis are vans carrying 8 to 12 passengers, and only these shared, multi-destination vans serve the airports.
• To report a problem, note the plate number and contact the Commission, which has one office for the St. Thomas/St. John district and one for St. Croix.

On St. John, open-air safari taxis leave from Cruz Bay for destinations around the island, and taxis wait at the ferry terminal. The Park Service advises arranging a set time for the ride back, especially from beaches, where cell service is limited.

VITRAN buses

VITRAN, the public transit system of the Department of Public Works, runs buses and paratransit on all three islands. Its route list includes:

• St. Thomas: routes to the university, Bordeaux, Donoe and Hidden Valley, Tutu, Bovoni and Red Hook via Smith Bay, and a City/Subbase/Airport route.
• St. Croix: routes between Christiansted and Frederiksted, plus routes from the La Reine terminal.
• St. John: routes between Cruz Bay and Salt Pond, in the Coral Bay area, and a Gifft Hill route.

Board at designated stops and carry the exact fare; VITRAN does not give change. The Park Service says St. John’s buses usually run Monday to Friday along Centerline Road and are not reliable enough for a tight schedule. Visitors who qualify for ADA paratransit at home can use VITRAN Plus for up to 21 days in a year, and VITRAN suggests applying before you arrive.

Renting a car

Rental counters at Cyril E. King Airport include Avis, Budget, Hertz and Enterprise, and at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, Avis, Budget, Centerline and Hertz, according to the Port Authority. On St. John, agencies rent cars and Jeeps near the Cruz Bay ferry dock, and some meet customers at the dock. The Department of Tourism advises booking well ahead, especially in busy seasons, and notes that vehicles rented on St. John must stay on the island. If you rent on St. Thomas and plan to take the barge, ask the rental company first.

Traffic keeps left. Read Driving in the USVI before you pick up the keys.

Where to check schedules

• St. Thomas to St. John ferries and barges: the Port Authority’s ferry and cargo schedules and VITRAN’s ferry page.
• Car barges: Big Red Barge, Love City Car Ferries and Global Marine, which the Port Authority lists with a phone number.
• St. Croix ferry: QE IV Ferry.
• Seaplane: Seaborne Airlines.
• Flights: the Port Authority’s airline list.
• Buses: VITRAN schedules.
• Ferries to the BVI: the BVI Ports Authority list of operators.

For more on each island, see St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, and Visit for beaches, food and tours.