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Air Travel

Air Travel

British Virgin Islands

Connecting to Tortola

Major Airports & Connections

EIS is the largest airport on Tortola. It does not have direct flights from major global hubs. All international travelers connect through other Caribbean islands.

Hubs

  • San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU): Most common connection point for North America/Europe (Cape Air, Silver Airways, InterCaribbean Airways).
  • St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (STT): Popular hub for US travelers. Regional flight or ferry to Road Town.
  • Antigua (ANU) and St. Maarten (SXM): Regional hubs connecting to EIS.

Flight Availability & Transfers

Flight frequency varies seasonally, impacting prices. EIS offers taxi stands, car rental desks, and basic amenities.

Seasonal & Airport Details

  • High Season (Mid-Dec to May): More frequent flights, higher prices. Book 6-9 months ahead.
  • Low Season (Jul to Oct): Fewer flights, lower prices, higher chance of storms.
  • Airport Services: Currency exchange, car rental, taxi stands, small shops, snack bars. Wi-Fi.

Airport Taxis

Taxis are the most common way from EIS to accommodation. Readily available, fixed fares to common destinations.

Rental Cars

Car rental agencies have desks at the airport or offer pick-up services. Pre-booking is recommended, especially in high season.

Fares

Taxi fares from EIS to Road Town range around $25-$30 USD per person for shared rides. Confirm fares before starting.

International Connections Summary

Connecting Flight Airlines

  • American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue.
  • British Airways, Virgin Atlantic fly to larger Caribbean hubs.
  • Transfer to regional carriers for final leg to Tortola.
  • No direct commercial flights from major global hubs to EIS.

Regional Carriers to EIS

  • Cape Air, Silver Airways, InterCaribbean Airways, LIAT, Winair.
  • Flights from San Juan, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Maarten are short (30-60 minutes).
  • Ferries also connect St. Thomas to Road Town for US travelers.
  • This planning accounts for two flight segments for international trips.

Airport Transfer Insights

Taxi Availability

Taxis are readily available outside the terminal upon arrival. Fares are fixed.

Pre-booked Rentals

If pre-booked, rental car agencies provide pick-up instructions.

Fare Confirmation

Confirm the fare with the driver before beginning your journey.

Land Transportation

Self-Driving in Tortola

Familiarize yourself with local driving requirements and conditions.

Driving Requirements

  • Valid Driver's License: From your home country.
  • Temporary BVI Driving Permit: Purchase at rental agency, costs $10-20 USD.
  • Age: Most companies require drivers to be at least 25 (surcharge for 21-24).

Road Conditions & Safety

Tortola's roads are challenging. Driving on the left is standard. A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended.

Driving Environment

  • Road Conditions: Narrow, winding, steep, potholes, especially in mountainous areas.
  • Driving Side: On the left-hand side, similar to the UK.
  • Safety: Exercise caution on blind curves, watch for pedestrians/animals.

Vehicle Recommendations

Ideal Vehicle Type

  • 4x4 or High-Clearance Vehicle: Highly recommended for steep, winding roads and potholes.
  • Easier Navigation: A robust vehicle makes navigating challenging conditions simpler.
  • Access to Remote Areas: Reaches more remote beaches and panoramic viewpoints.

Driving Laws & Rules

Adhere to local driving regulations for safety and compliance. Local drivers use horns as a warning.

Regulations

  • Driving Side: Remember to drive on the left.
  • Seatbelts: Mandatory for all occupants.
  • Speed Limits: Low, typically 20-40 mph due to winding roads.

Safety Precautions

  • Blind Curves: Drive slowly, be prepared to stop.
  • Pedestrians/Animals: Watch for them on narrow shoulders, especially in rural areas.
  • Night Driving: Challenging due to limited street lighting. Reduce speed.
  • Parking: Limited in Road Town, can be metered. Popular beaches may fill up.
  • Drink-Driving: Laws are strict. Do not drink and drive.
  • Local Horn Use: Often a warning, not an aggressive gesture.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Tortola connects well via regular ferry services to the US Virgin Islands and other BVI islands.

Ferry Routes

  • From St. Thomas, USVI (Red Hook/Charlotte Amalie): Frequent service to Road Town (45-60 min).
  • Inter-island: Connects Tortola to Virgin Gorda (Spanish Town), Jost Van Dyke (Great Harbour), and Anegada (Setting Point).
  • Ferry companies: Road Town Fast Ferry, Native Son Ferry, BVI Ferry.

Cruise Ship Arrivals

Road Town is a major cruise ship port, accommodating large vessels at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park.

Cruise Procedures

  • Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park accommodates large cruise vessels.
  • Brings thousands of visitors for day excursions.
  • Cruise passengers are generally pre-cleared or processed collectively.

River Transport

Not applicable. Tortola has no navigable rivers used for transportation.

Seaport Immigration

Ferry passengers clear BVI Immigration/Customs. Present passport and completed immigration form.

Land Connections

Road Town Ferry Terminal/Cruise Pier are transportation hubs. Taxis readily available outside terminals.

Departure Information

Exit Fees and Taxes

Departure taxes are usually part of your airfare, but ferry departures typically pay on-site.

Fee Details

  • Departure Tax for air travel is typically included in your airfare.
  • For ferry departures, a tax (approx. $20 USD) is paid at the terminal.
  • Cruise passengers have all taxes and fees included in their cruise fare.

Departure Procedures

Reconfirm departure times the day before travel. Local conditions or weather may cause schedule changes.

Timing Recommendations

  • Air Travel (EIS): Arrive at least 2 hours prior for international flights.
  • Ferry Travel: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
  • Ferry: Allows time for tickets, departure tax, and security/immigration.

Airport & Ferry Facilities

Category Terrance B. Lettsome Intl. Airport (EIS) Ferry Terminals (e.g., Road Town)
Facilities Limited duty-free, snack bar, restrooms, Wi-Fi. Basic facilities, restrooms, ticket counters, small snack bar/convenience store.
Amenities Comfortable seating, information desk. Waiting areas.
General Information Relatively small departure lounge. Main hubs for inter-island travel.

International Airlines

Essential Services

Visa & Travel

  • IVisaConsumer visa application
  • VisaHQDirect visa/passport service

Other Travel Resources

Connectivity & Car Rentals

NordVPNConsumer VPN service
ExpressVPNVPN for travelers
DiscoverCars.comCar rental search
IVisaVisa application service
InsubuyUS visitor insurance
AirHelpFlight compensation

Travel Planning Checklist

  • Confirm visa requirements for your nationality well in advance.
  • Secure comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation.
  • Pre-book accommodations and car rentals, especially during peak season.
  • Prepare digital copies of all important documents.
  • Pack climate-appropriate clothing and essential health items.
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