The US Virgin Islands Best Guide

How To: St. John Ferry from the St. Thomas Airport

How To: St. John Ferry from the St. Thomas Airport
Direction: St. Thomas to St. John

# 1: Choose a Ferry Route

There are two ferry routes that connect St. Thomas and St. John. The most frequent is Red Hook, St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, St. John. The second is Crown Bay, St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, St. John. Crown Bay is about 1.5 miles from the airport. Red Hook is about 10 miles from the airport. Crown Bay-St. John ferry has a limited schedule. Red Hook-St. John ferry has hourly departures from early morning to midnight. Reservations are not required for either. Ferry Schedule/Rates

# 2: Get to the Ferry

Right outside the baggage claim area at the St. Thomas airport there is a taxi stand with dispatcher. Tell them where you need to go, and they will line you up with a driver. From the airport to Crown Bay is about a 5-minute drive. From the airport to Red Hook is about a 35-minute drive in low traffic. It’s a good idea to get to the ferry at least 10-15 minutes before departure.  Editor’s Tip: At the airport, the taxi driver may not leave right away. They often try to fill their van with people going to the same destination. Taxi fares are per person here in the USVI, its therefore most profitable for the taxi to have a full vehicle. You can request a private taxi; however, the rate is a lot more. St. Thomas Taxi Rates

# 3: Arrive and Buy Your Tickets

At Crown Bay: The ferry from Crown Bay to St. John departs from the Crown Bay Marina. It pulls up right in front of the ice-cream shop called Scoops and Brew. Purchase your ticket from a ferry attendant when boarding.

At Red Hook: The ferry from Red Hook to St. John departs from the Red Hook Ferry Terminal. The proper name for the terminal is: Urman Victor Frederiks Marine Terminal, but that name is seldomly used. At Red Hook Ferry Terminal there are restrooms, visitor information booth, a bar, seating area and ticket counters. Purchase your ticket at the counter. There is a fee for luggage. Payment is by cash or credit cards. When they are very busy, they prefer cash payments. If internet service is slow or down, they will not accept credit card. Ferry Schedule/Rates

# 4: Board the Ferry

Hand your ticket to the ferry attendant, get on the ferry and enjoy the ride. The ferry boats generally have enclosed seating on the main deck, and open-air seating on the top deck. From Crown Bay to St. John the ferry ride takes about 35 minutes; and arrives at “The Creek” in Cruz Bay. From Red Hook to St. John the ferry ride is about 15 minutes and arrives at the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock. Both are scenic.

# 5: Arrive in Cruz Bay, St. John

There are typically taxis waiting at the ferry dock. Car rental companies are in walking distance. If you booked a car rental in advance, then a representation might meet you at the ferry dock. Villa agency reps also typically meet guests at the ferry dock. Enjoy your visit! See St. John Taxi Rates. St. John Car Rentals

Direction: St. John to St. Thomas (Destination: Airport)

# 1: Choose a Ferry Route

There are two ferry routes that connect St. John and St. Thomas. The most frequent is Cruz Bay, St. John to Red Hook, St. Thomas. The second is Cruz Bay, St. John to Crown Bay, St. Thomas. Crown Bay is 1.5 miles from the airport. Red Hook is about 10 miles from the airport. St. John-Crown Bay ferry has a limited schedule. St. John-Red Hook ferry has hourly departures from early morning to midnight. Reservations are not required for either. Ferry Schedule/Rates

# 2: Get to Ferry

Take a taxi or catch a ride from your hotel shuttle or villa representative, and head to Cruz Bay. If you rented a car, then drop your group off with the luggage; and then go return the car. Most car rentals are in walking distance to the ferries in Cruz Bay. The ferry to Crown Bay, St. Thomas leaves from “The Creek” in Cruz Bay. The ferry to Red Hook, St. Thomas leaves from the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock. It’s a good idea to get to the ferry at least 10-15 minutes before departure. St. John Taxi Rates

# 3: Arrive and Buy Your Tickets

At “The Creek”: Purchase your ticket from a ferry attendant when boarding.

At Cruz Bay Ferry Dock: The ferry from St. John to Red Hook, St. Thomas departs from the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock. The proper name for the dock is: Loredon L. Boynes, Sr. Dock, but that name is seldomly used. At Cruz Bay Ferry Dock there is a covered waiting area with benches, visitor booklets and a ticket counter. Purchase your ticket at the counter. There is a fee for luggage. Payment is by cash or credit cards. When they are very busy, they prefer cash payments. If internet service is slow or down, they will not accept credit card. Ferry Schedule/Rates

# 4: Board the Ferry

Hand your ticket to the ferry attendant, get on the ferry and enjoy the ride. The ferry boats generally have enclosed seating on the main deck, and open-air seating on the top deck. From Cruz Bay, St. John to Crown Bay, St. Thomas the ferry ride takes about 35 minutes; and arrives at Crown Bay Marina. From Cruz Bay Ferry Dock to Red Hook, St. Thomas the ferry ride is about 15 minutes and arrives at the Red Hook Ferry Terminal. Both are scenic.

# 5: Arrive in St. Thomas

At Red Hook Ferry Terminal there is a taxi stand right outside the entrance, let them know you are heading to the airport. Red Hook is about 10 miles from the airport. At Crown Bay Marina there are usually taxis in the area. If you don’t see any, ask someone working at the ice-cream shop or nearby restaurant if they would call one for you. Crown Bay is 1.5 miles from the airport. Safe travels, thank you for visiting. St. Thomas Taxi Rates

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