How to Get to Virgin Gorda. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island, Tortola, serves as the main international gateway to the British Virgin Islands. Most international travelers arrive here. From EIS, you reach Virgin Gorda via a short inter-island flight or a ferry.

Airport Details

Virgin Gorda Airport (VIJ): Small domestic airport handles inter-island flights from EIS and regional hubs.
No direct long-haul international flights connect directly to EIS.
Connections: Most international travelers connect through San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), St. Thomas, USVI (STT), or Antigua (ANU).

Flight Availability & Airport Facilities

Flight frequency and prices reach highest during peak tourist season (December-April). Book flights well in advance for this period. During the low season (July-October), flights may be less frequent, and prices often decrease. You might find better deals, but flight options may be more limited.

Traveler's Amenities at EIS

EIS is a small, functional airport with basic facilities, including a few food vendors.
Car rental desks are available.
Limited duty-free shopping.

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Transfer Options from Airports to Accommodation

From EIS Tortola to Virgin Gorda

Inter-island Flight (EIS to VIJ): Fastest way (10-15 min flight). Book in advance, seats are limited.
Ferry via Trellis Bay: Short 5-min taxi from EIS to Trellis Bay for direct ferry to Spanish Town.
Ferry via Road Town: Longer 25-30 min taxi to Road Town for more frequent ferry services.
Confirm ferry schedules, as they vary by season and day.

Airlines to EIS

From North America: Cape Air (from SJU), InterCaribbean Airways (from SJU, ANU, SXM), Silver Airways (from SJU, codeshare with American Airlines).
From Europe: Connect through Antigua (ANU) or St. Maarten (SXM).
Airlines to ANU/SXM: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic (from London), KLM/Air France (to SXM).
Then, take connecting flights to EIS with regional carriers.

Car Rental Services

Discover Cars

For convenient car rental bookings, consider DiscoverCars.com to compare options and prices.

Local Agencies

On Virgin Gorda, local agencies like Mahogany Car Rental, L&S Car Rental, or Speedy's Car Rental are the main providers.

Vehicle Type

Jeeps and SUVs are popular and highly recommended for the island's hilly and sometimes unpaved roads.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Ferries deliver a popular mode of transport to Virgin Gorda, mainly connecting it with Tortola. The journey offers pleasant views of the islands.

Ferry Details

From Tortola (Road Town/Trellis Bay) to Spanish Town: Operators like Speedy's Ferry and BVI Ferry offer frequent daily services.
From US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas/St. John): Limited direct services; most routes require connection in Road Town, Tortola.
Cruise Ships: Large vessels mainly dock in Road Town, Tortola. Virgin Gorda has no deep-water cruise port.

Immigration & Land Connections

If you arrive by ferry directly from the US Virgin Islands, you will clear BVI Immigration and Customs upon arrival at the Spanish Town ferry terminal on Virgin Gorda. Have your passport and completed immigration form ready.

Port Procedures

Have passport and immigration form ready for efficient clearance.
Ferry terminals in Spanish Town have taxis readily available for transfers to accommodation or attractions.
Drivers often wait for arriving ferries, making onward travel straightforward.

Departure Information

Departure tax is typically included in your airline or ferry ticket price. The airport departure tax from EIS is US$20 for non-residents. The marine departure tax is also US$20 for non-residents.

Departure Procedures

For flights from EIS: Arrive at EIS at least 2 hours prior to international flight departure.
For ferry departures: Arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
VIJ (Virgin Gorda airport) is very small with minimal facilities; arrive just before your flight.

Visa & Passport Services

For visa applications, services like IVisa offer a consumer-friendly application process. VisaHQ directly handles visa and passport services.

Insurance Options

For medical and travel-related coverage, Insubuy caters to foreigners visiting the United States.
SafetyWing provides insurance for digital nomads and remote teams.
World Nomads serves adventurous travelers with comprehensive travel insurance.

Useful Departure Tip

If flying out of EIS, consider staying the last night on Tortola.
This simplifies your departure logistics.
It reduces travel stress, especially with early flights.

Departure fees are subject to change.
Confirm fee inclusions when booking your tickets.
Travel insurance can cover unexpected disruptions.

Ground Transportation

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are the most common mode of public transport on Virgin Gorda, especially for visitors without a rental car. They are readily available at main arrival points like the Spanish Town ferry dock, VIJ airport, and major resorts.

Taxi Information

Licensed taxis have "Taxi" signs, often white vehicles with a green stripe.
Fares are generally fixed for common routes; confirm before starting.
Payment typically occurs in USD cash; small denominations are helpful.

Rental Options

Renting a car offers flexibility and independence for exploring Virgin Gorda, especially for daily multi-spot visits.

Rental Requirements

Requirements: Age 25+ (some 23+ with surcharge), valid foreign driver's license.
BVI Driving Permit: Temporary permit needed, obtainable from rental agency (~$10 USD).
Driving Side: Driving occurs on the Left side of the road.

Road Conditions

Roads can be narrow, winding, and very steep. Some roads are unpaved or have potholes. Drive carefully.

Parking

Designated parking areas are limited, especially at popular spots like The Baths. Park safely and legally.

Walking & Cycling

Walking is feasible within Spanish Town. Trails at The Baths and Gorda Peak offer excellent walking. Cycling is challenging due to terrain and narrow roads.

Specialized Transportation

Boat Taxis & Water Transportation

Boat taxis are essential for accessing resorts in the North Sound (e.g., Oil Nut Bay, Bitter End Yacht Club), which are mainly boat-accessible. These resorts often arrange transfers for their guests.

Water Travel Options

Water taxis are available for inter-island transfers or private excursions.
Numerous charter companies offer day trips or multi-day sailing excursions.
Explore beautiful waters and visit neighboring cays and islands.

Accessibility Services

Due to the hilly terrain, lack of sidewalks, and the nature of attractions like The Baths (rocky paths, ladders, wading), Virgin Gorda has challenges for travelers with significant mobility impairments.

Considerations for Mobility

Newer resorts may offer some accessible rooms or facilities.
General transportation and public areas are not typically wheelchair-friendly.
Plan your itinerary carefully and inquire directly with accommodations about accessibility.

Public Transportation Overview

Public Bus System

Virgin Gorda does not have a formal public bus system.

Main Reliance

Visitors mainly rely on taxis, rental cars, or specialized water transportation.

Ride-Sharing Apps

No ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft operate on Virgin Gorda; rely on local taxi services.

Transportation Tip:

Consider a 4x4 vehicle for navigating the island's steep and sometimes unpaved roads, especially if staying in a secluded villa.

How to Get to Virgin Gorda