Getting around St. Thomas means choosing among open-air taxis, shared safari buses, rental cars, and inter-island ferries on a hilly 32 square mile island where traffic moves on the left. Most visitors use 2 or 3 of these options during one trip. Taxis cover airport and beach runs, safari buses handle cheap trips along main roads, and ferries connect you to St. John and Water Island. This guide explains how each option works, what it costs in general terms, and which one fits your travel style. You can then pick a base, such as an oceanfront stay, that matches how you plan to move.
What Are the Main Ways to Get Around St. Thomas?
St. Thomas visitors rely on 5 main transportation options: licensed taxis, safari buses (shared “dollar rides”), rental cars and jeeps, VITRAN public buses, and ferries. No train or rideshare network like Uber or Lyft operates at scale. Walking works only in compact areas like downtown Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook.
Island geography shapes every one of these choices. St. Thomas measures about 13 miles long and 3 miles wide, but steep ridges and winding roads stretch a short distance into a 30- to 45-minute drive. The main hubs sit at opposite ends: Cyril E. King Airport (STT) and Crown Bay are on the west side, Charlotte Amalie is central, and Red Hook (the East End ferry hub for St. John) is on the east.
Here is a quick comparison of each option before we cover them in detail.
| Option | How It Works | Cost Guidance (Approximate) | Best For | Watch Out For |
| Licensed taxi | Open-air safari trucks or vans; fares per person, per destination | Often about $15 to $25 per person for common routes; confirm before riding | Airport transfers, beaches, evenings | Fares vary by group size, luggage, and time of day |
| Safari bus (dollar ride) | Shared open-air truck on fixed main-road routes | Roughly $1 to $2 per person; cash only | Budget trips between Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie | Limited evening service; no beach detours |
| Rental car or jeep | Self-drive on the left side of the road | Daily rates vary by season; book early | Families, multi-day explorers, remote beaches | Steep hills, tight parking, left-side driving |
| VITRAN public bus | Government-run buses on set routes | Low fixed fares | Locals and long-stay budget travelers | Schedules can be irregular |
| Ferry | Passenger boats to St. John, Water Island, and the BVI | Varies by route; check the operator | Day trips off-island | Last departures; passports for the BVI |
How Do Taxis Work in St. Thomas?
St. Thomas taxis charge set fares per person, per destination, rather than using meters. The Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission regulates and publishes official rates. Fares vary based on passenger count, luggage, and time of day, so confirm the total price with your driver before departure.
What Do St. Thomas Taxis Look Like?
Most taxis are open-air safari vehicles: pickup trucks fitted with bench seating and a canopy roof. Smaller enclosed vans also operate, especially from the airport and hotels. Licensed taxis display a “TP” license plate and the driver’s credentials. Avoid unmarked cars offering rides.
How Are Taxi Fares Calculated?
Fares follow a per-person structure. A solo traveler pays the full single rate, while groups usually pay a lower rate per person for the same trip. Drivers often wait to fill a vehicle at busy spots like the cruise docks, which keeps per-person costs down but adds a few minutes of waiting.
Extra charges can apply for:
- Each piece of luggage beyond a carry-on
- Late-night trips, often after midnight
- Waiting time on longer excursions
- Private or charter-style service when you want the vehicle to yourself
Visitors and locals frequently report fares of roughly $15 to $20 per person for common trips, such as airport to a hotel or downtown to a beach. Treat those figures as a starting point only. Rates change, and the Taxicab Commission’s official schedule is the reference drivers follow.
How Do You Get a Taxi?
Taxis wait at the airport, both cruise ports, Red Hook, Charlotte Amalie, and Magens Bay. For pickups from a hotel, villa, or restaurant, ask the front desk to call one or save a reliable driver’s number on day one. Many visitors book the same driver for return trips, which simplifies evenings out.
A tip that saves stress: Ask the driver, “What is the total fare for all of us, including bags?” before you load luggage. That single question prevents most fare disputes.
What Are Safari Buses and Dollar Rides?
Safari buses, also called “dollar rides” or “dollar taxis,” are shared open-air trucks that run along St. Thomas’s main roads. Riders flag them down, hop on, and pay a small cash fare when they get off. Fares typically run around $1 to $2, though they can change.
Dollar rides work like a hop-on, hop-off local shuttle. The most used route connects Red Hook on the East End with downtown Charlotte Amalie, following the main road past Smith Bay and Tutu. Other routes serve western areas toward the airport and Bovoni.
How to Ride a Safari Bus
- Stand on the correct side of the road. Traffic moves on the left, so stand on the left side to travel in that direction.
- Wave the vehicle down. No formal stops exist on many stretches; a raised hand works.
- Climb in and sit on a bench. Expect to share space with locals and other visitors.
- Press the buzzer or call out to stop. Most trucks have a buzzer near the seats.
- Pay the driver on exit. Carry small bills and coins; drivers rarely have change for large notes.
What Are the Limits of Dollar Rides?
Safari buses stay on main routes. They do not detour to Magens Bay, Coki Point, or hillside hotels, so you may walk the final stretch or switch to a taxi. Service thins out in the evening and on Sundays. Luggage space is minimal, which rules them out for airport runs with suitcases.
Some licensed taxi drivers stop to pick up passengers and charge the higher taxi rate instead of the dollar fare. Confirm “dollar ride?” before boarding if you are unsure.
Should You Rent a Car in St. Thomas?
Renting a car in St. Thomas makes sense for travelers who want to explore multiple beaches, stay in hillside areas, or travel as a family. Drivers must stay on the left side of the road, navigate steep switchbacks, and handle limited parking. Short stays near a hub often work fine without one.
What Is Driving Like on St. Thomas?
St. Thomas drives on the left, yet most rental cars are standard American left-hand-drive vehicles. You sit closest to the road’s edge rather than the center line, which takes practice. Roads climb sharply, curve without guardrails in places, and narrow to barely two lanes. Speed limits are low, commonly 20 mph in town and 35 mph on open roads; follow posted signs.
Traffic congestion builds around Charlotte Amalie during weekday rush hours and on days with multiple cruise ships in port. Plan extra time for any drive that crosses downtown.
Who Benefits Most From a Rental?
Rentals pay off for:
- Families with young children who need car seats and flexible timing
- Stays of 5 days or longer that include many beaches or restaurants
- Hillside or East End stays far from safari bus routes
- Travelers visiting St. John by car barge, if the rental agreement allows it
Jeeps and SUVs are popular because the extra clearance handles potholes and steep driveways. A valid U.S. driver’s license works for U.S. citizens. International visitors should check current license requirements with the rental company before booking.
Rental tip: Ask whether your rental agreement permits taking the vehicle on the car barge to St. John. Some agreements restrict it, and insurance may not cover you there.
Where Can You Park in St. Thomas?
Parking in St. Thomas is easiest at hotels, beaches, and shopping centers, and hardest in downtown Charlotte Amalie. Downtown offers paid public lots and limited street parking. Red Hook has paid lots near the ferry terminal that fill early on busy days.
Downtown Charlotte Amalie packs shops and historic sites into narrow streets built long before cars. Public lots near the waterfront and Vendors Plaza charge hourly or daily rates. Arrive before mid-morning on cruise days, when lots fill quickly.
Beach parking varies by location. Magens Bay has a paved lot included with park entry, while smaller beaches offer roadside or gravel spaces. Never leave valuables visible in a parked car, especially at beaches and trailheads.
Hotel and resort parking policies differ. Some include parking with your stay, and others charge a daily fee. Confirm details with your accommodation before you reserve a rental car.
Can You Walk Around St. Thomas?
Walking works well within downtown Charlotte Amalie, the Havensight shopping area, and Red Hook, but not between them. Steep hills, narrow roads with few sidewalks, and midday heat make long walks impractical. Use taxis or safari buses to connect different areas.
Charlotte Amalie rewards walkers. Main Street shops, the 99 Steps, Fort Christian, and Emancipation Garden sit within a compact grid. The waterfront promenade along Veterans Drive links much of downtown.
Outside those pockets, sidewalks disappear quickly. Many roads have no shoulder, and drivers navigate blind curves. Walking at night along unlit roads carries real risk from traffic. Daytime temperatures commonly reach the mid to upper 80s°F, and hills turn short distances into tiring climbs.
If you prefer walking, choose a stay near a beach, restaurants, or a safari bus route. Our St. Thomas travel blog covers neighborhoods and what each area offers on foot.
How Do Ferries Connect St. Thomas to St. John and Beyond?
Passenger ferries link St. Thomas with St. John, Water Island, and the British Virgin Islands. The busiest route runs from Red Hook to Cruz Bay, St. John, in about 15 to 20 minutes. A longer route departs downtown Charlotte Amalie. Check current schedules with operators before you go.
Red Hook to Cruz Bay, St. John
Red Hook ferries run frequently throughout the day, commonly about once an hour. The trip makes St. John an easy day trip for Virgin Islands National Park beaches like Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay. Buy tickets at the terminal, and arrive 15 to 20 minutes early in peak season.
Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay
The downtown route takes roughly 45 minutes and runs less often. Cruise passengers docked near downtown sometimes find it more convenient than taking a taxi to Red Hook.
Car Barge to St. John
Car barges carry vehicles from Red Hook to St. John. Barges suit travelers staying on St. John or planning a full day of driving there. Confirm your rental company’s policy first.
Water Island Ferry
A small ferry crosses from the Crown Bay area to Water Island in about 10 minutes. Water Island, the smallest of the four main U.S. Virgin Islands, draws visitors for Honeymoon Beach.
Ferries to the British Virgin Islands
Ferries to Tortola and Jost Van Dyke depart from Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook. The BVI is a separate country, so you need a valid passport, and you clear customs on arrival and on return to St. Thomas. Check entry requirements and schedules close to your travel date.
How Do You Get From Cyril E. King Airport to Your Hotel?
Most visitors take a licensed taxi from Cyril E. King Airport (STT). Taxis line up outside baggage claim and charge per person by destination, plus possible luggage fees. Confirm the total fare before loading bags. Rental car counters also operate at the airport.
The airport sits on the west side of St. Thomas, about 2 to 3 miles from downtown Charlotte Amalie. Travel times vary by destination and traffic:
- Downtown Charlotte Amalie: roughly 10 to 20 minutes
- Havensight and the cruise port: roughly 15 to 25 minutes
- Red Hook and East End resorts: roughly 30 to 45 minutes or longer at rush hour
A taxi dispatcher usually assigns arriving passengers to vehicles heading in the same direction. Expect to share the ride with other travelers going nearby, which keeps per-person costs reasonable.
Some hotels and villas offer or recommend transfer arrangements. Ask your accommodation in advance, especially for late-night arrivals. Vi Ocean Front guests can reach out through the contact page to ask about arrival logistics and directions before travel.
How Do Cruise Passengers Get Around From the Port?
Cruise ships dock at one of 2 St. Thomas piers: Havensight (the West Indian Company Dock) or Crown Bay. Taxis wait at both piers for trips to downtown, Magens Bay, and Coki Point. Havensight sits about 1.5 miles from downtown, and Crown Bay lies west of town.
Havensight Cruise Port
Havensight has its own shopping area beside the pier. Many passengers walk the waterfront toward Charlotte Amalie, though the stretch can feel long in the heat. Taxis to downtown are short and inexpensive per person. The Skyride to Paradise Point, a cable car with harbor views, starts across the road.
Crown Bay Cruise Port
Crown Bay sits farther from downtown, so most passengers take taxis. The pier area includes shops and a marina, plus quick access to the Water Island ferry.
How Do Cruise Passengers Avoid Missing the Ship?
Allow at least 60 to 90 minutes of buffer before all-aboard time. Traffic near the ports builds when several ships leave at once, and taxi lines grow. Save the taxi dispatcher’s number, and keep your ship’s departure time handy.
How Safe Is Getting Around St. Thomas?
Getting around St. Thomas is generally safe for visitors who use licensed taxis, agree on fares before riding, and take normal travel precautions. The biggest risks come from road conditions, nighttime walking on unlit roads, and driving after drinking.
Follow these practical safety habits:
- Ride only in licensed taxis. Look for “TP” plates and posted driver credentials.
- Confirm fares upfront. Ask for the total, including luggage and group size.
- Avoid walking unlit roads at night. Take a taxi for evening dinners, even short distances.
- Never drive after drinking. Mountain roads leave little room for error, and strict DUI laws apply.
- Lock valuables away. Keep bags out of sight in parked cars and on the beach.
- Carry small bills. Safari buses and some taxis prefer cash.
- Watch for weather. Heavy rain makes steep roads slippery and can flood low spots.
Check the U.S. Virgin Islands’ official tourism site and local news for current conditions, especially during hurricane season (June through November).
What Mistakes Do First-Time Visitors Make With Transportation?
First-time visitors most often underestimate drive times, forget to confirm taxi fares, and assume rideshare apps will work. Others rent cars they rarely use or miss the last ferry back from St. John. Planning around these issues saves money and stress.
The 6 most common mistakes include:
- Judging distance by miles. A 10-mile drive can take 40 minutes on mountain roads.
- Skipping the fare question. Unconfirmed fares lead to surprises at drop-off.
- Expecting Uber or Lyft. Rideshare service is limited or unavailable, so plan on taxis.
- Renting a car for a walkable stay. Parking costs and stress outweigh benefits for downtown visitors.
- Missing the last ferry. Check return schedules from Cruz Bay before you leave Red Hook.
- Arriving without cash. Safari buses and some taxi drivers do not take cards.
What Is the Best Way to Get Around St. Thomas for Your Travel Style?
The best way to get around St. Thomas depends on your trip length, budget, and plans. Cruise passengers and short-stay visitors do well with taxis. Budget travelers use safari buses. Families and longer stays benefit from a rental car, while day-trippers combine taxis with ferries.
| Traveler Type | Best Primary Option | Backup Option | Why It Works |
| Cruise passenger (1 day) | Taxi from the pier | Walking near Havensight | No parking, fast access to beaches, easy return to ship |
| Couple on a 3 to 4 day beach trip | Taxi | Safari bus | Avoids left-side driving; drivers know beach routes |
| Family with young kids | Rental SUV or jeep | Taxi for airport | Car seats, flexible nap and meal timing |
| Budget traveler | Safari bus | VITRAN bus | Lowest cost along main roads |
| St. John day-tripper | Taxi or safari bus to Red Hook, then ferry | Car barge with rental | Frequent ferries; avoids parking at Red Hook |
| Week-long explorer | Rental car | Taxi for nights out | Reaches remote beaches and lookouts |
| Nightlife and dining focus | Taxi with a saved driver’s number | Hotel-arranged rides | Safe returns without driving after drinks |
Your accommodation choice affects this table more than any other factor. A stay near beaches, restaurants, or a safari bus route lets many travelers skip a rental entirely. Browse our St. Thomas city tour guide to map your must-see spots before deciding.
Why Stay at Vi Ocean Front When Exploring St. Thomas?
An oceanfront base gives you a simple daily rhythm on St. Thomas: beach time at your doorstep, then planned outings by taxi, safari bus, ferry, or rental car. Vi Ocean Front offers that kind of base for travelers who want the water close by while they explore.
Staying on the water reduces how often you need transportation. Many guests spend mornings or late afternoons swimming and relaxing nearby, then save transportation for specific plans like a downtown shopping trip, a ferry to St. John, or dinner out. Fewer daily trips mean lower taxi costs and less time in traffic.
Planning becomes easier too. Before you arrive, ask Vi Ocean Front about the nearest taxi pickup points, safari bus access, parking, and driving times to the airport and ferry terminals. Those answers help you decide whether a rental car fits your stay or whether taxis cover everything you need.
To compare services and see what Vi Ocean Front includes for your stay, visit the Vi Ocean Front services page. Use the transportation table above as your checklist, and choose the base that matches how you want to move around the island.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Around St. Thomas
1. Do you need a car in St. Thomas?
No, many visitors manage without a car. Taxis, safari buses, and ferries cover most popular destinations. A rental makes more sense for families, longer stays, or accommodations far from main roads.
2. Which side of the road do people drive on in St. Thomas?
Drivers in St. Thomas use the left side of the road. Most rental cars are American left-hand-drive models, so the driver sits near the road’s edge.
3. Are St. Thomas taxis metered?
No. St. Thomas taxis charge set fares per person, per destination, based on rates published by the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission. Always confirm the total fare before departure.
4. How much does a taxi cost in St. Thomas?
Fares vary by route, group size, luggage, and time of day. Visitors often report about $15 to $20 per person for common trips. Confirm the exact fare with your driver before riding.
5. What is a dollar ride in St. Thomas?
A dollar ride is a shared open-air safari bus that runs along main roads, such as the route between Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie. Fares typically run about $1 to $2 per person in cash.
6. Do Uber and Lyft operate in St. Thomas?
Rideshare service is limited or unavailable on St. Thomas. Plan on licensed taxis, and save a reliable driver’s phone number for return trips.
7. How long is the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John?
The Red Hook to Cruz Bay ferry takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The downtown Charlotte Amalie route takes roughly 45 minutes and runs less often.
8. Do you need a passport to get around St. Thomas?
U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit or travel within the U.S. Virgin Islands. You do need a passport for ferries to the British Virgin Islands.
9. Can you walk from the cruise port to downtown Charlotte Amalie?
From Havensight, you can walk about 1.5 miles along the waterfront, though heat makes it tiring. From Crown Bay, most passengers take a taxi.
10. Is it safe to drive in St. Thomas?
Driving is manageable for confident drivers who stay alert. Expect steep hills, sharp curves, left-side traffic, and low speed limits. Avoid night driving on unfamiliar roads if possible.
11. Where can you park in Charlotte Amalie?
Paid public lots near the waterfront and Vendors Plaza offer the most reliable downtown parking. Arrive early on cruise days, when lots fill quickly.
12. Can you take a rental car to St. John?
Car barges carry vehicles from Red Hook to St. John. Some rental agreements restrict this, so confirm the policy and insurance coverage with your rental company first.
13. How do you get from the airport to the East End?
Take a licensed taxi from Cyril E. King Airport or pick up a rental car. The trip to Red Hook and East End resorts takes about 30 to 45 minutes, longer at rush hour.
14. How can Vi Ocean Front guests plan transportation before arrival?
Guests can contact Vi Ocean Front before travel to ask about taxi pickup points, parking, and drive times to the airport and ferries. Those details help you decide whether you need a rental car.
15. What is the best way to get around St. Thomas at night?
Licensed taxis are the safest nighttime option. Safari buses run less often after dark, and walking unlit roads carries traffic risks. Arrange a return ride before heading out for dinner.