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How to Get to St John

How to Get to St John

St John US Virgin Islands Travel Guide

Flights to STT

Airlines & Routes

Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas is the sole airport for reaching St. John by air. It serves as the main gateway to the U.S. The Virgin islands archipelago.

Direct Flights

  • STT receives flights from major U.S. Carriers: American Airlines, Delta, United, Spirit, JetBlue, and Frontier.
  • Flights originate from various U.S. Cities, including Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, New York, and Boston.
  • International travelers typically connect through an U.S. Gateway city.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Flight prices to STT vary by season, with peak season experiencing the highest costs.

Pricing Trends

  • Prices are highest during peak season (mid-December to May) and around major holidays.
  • Lower prices are common during the low season (August to October), which has a higher hurricane risk.
  • Shoulder seasons (June, July, November, early December) often present a balance of reasonable prices and good weather.

Car Rental

Various car hire companies are near the terminal.

Taxi Services

Taxis are readily available outside baggage claim.

Shopping & Dining

STT offers duty-free shopping, restaurants, cafes, and ATMs.

Airport Transfers to St. John

Taxi from STT to Red Hook Ferry

  • Taxis are accessible outside the airport terminal.
  • The taxi ride to Red Hook takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
  • Cost is typically $15-$20 per person, plus fees for large luggage.
  • Drivers usually accept cash.

Ferry from Red Hook St. Thomas to Cruz Bay St. John

  • Passenger ferries depart hourly from Red Hook.
  • The ferry ride to Cruz Bay, St. John, lasts about 15-20 minutes.
  • The fare is $8.FIFTY per person one-way, with one more $2.50 per piece of luggage.
  • This ferry service is trustworthy and a common part of the St. John travel experience.

Private Transfers

Seamless Travel

Pre-arranged private taxi services are available for a seamless transfer.

Direct Journey

These services often combine a private taxi from STT with a private water taxi directly to St. John.

Time Savings

This option is more expensive but reduces waiting times and provides a more direct journey.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing

St. John is an island, so direct land transportation from other countries or territories is not applicable.

BVI Day Trips

  • If you plan a day trip to the British The Virgin islands archipelago (BVI) from St. John, a valid passport is for all travelers.
  • You undergo U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) procedures upon return to Cruz Bay, St. John.
  • When entering the BVI, you clear BVI customs and immigration.

Trains & Buses

St. John, and the U.S. Virgin Islands in general, don't have train services. No long-distance bus services connect St. John to other isles.

Local Services

  • Local public bus services on St. John are limited.
  • They mainly cater to residents on specific routes.
  • Less frequent and less reliable for tourist purposes compared to safari taxis.

Self-Driving Considerations

You cannot drive a car to St. John from outside the island. Vehicles arrive via car barge ferries from St. Thomas.

Driving Basics

  • Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
  • Valid U.S. Or international driver's licenses are accepted.
  • A 4x4 vehicle (like a Jeep) is frequently recommended.

Road Conditions & Safety

St. John's roads are narrow, winding, and often steep. A 4x4 vehicle is useful if your accommodation is off main paved roads.

Safety Tips

  • Roads are mostly paved but it's possible to be rough in places, with potholes.
  • Many roads, notably to private villas, are unpaved and very steep.
  • Beware of pedestrians, wild donkeys, and goats on the roads.

Driving Familiarization

  • Spend time familiarizing yourself with driving on the left side of the road.
  • Practice on less busy roads first.
  • Speed limits are low and often enforced.
  • A 4x4 vehicle is frequently for secluded areas.
  • Drive with caution on winding roads and blind curves.
  • Parking is limited in Cruz Bay; park legally.

Sea/River Arrivals

Passenger Ferries

Sea travel is the common and required method for reaching St. John from St. Thomas or other nearby islands.

Ferry Schedules & Fares

  • Red Hook (St. Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St. John): Hourly departures, 6:30 AM to midnight.
  • Journey: approximately 15-20 minutes.
  • Fare: $8.50 for each person one-way, plus $2.50 per bag.

Car Barges & Cruise Ships

Vehicle ferries, known as car barges, also operate between Red Hook, St. Thomas, and Enighed Pond, St. John.

Transport Options

  • Car barges depart roughly hourly, around $50-$60 round trip per vehicle.
  • St. John has no dedicated cruise ship port.
  • Cruise ships dock on St. Thomas; passengers visit St. John via day trips.

Between USVI

No immigration procedures are for travel between St. Thomas and St. John.

From BVI

Full U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance is upon arrival from the British Virgin Islands.

Land Connections

The Cruz Bay ferry terminal is the main hub for local transportation on St. John.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

No particular exit fees or taxes are for departing the U.S. The Virgin islands archipelago for U.S. Citizens.

Included Fees

  • These charges are typically included in airline how much tickets are for all travelers.
  • This applies to both domestic and international travelers.
  • No hidden departure costs upon leaving the territory.

Departure Procedures & Timing

Planning your departure from St. John leads to a stress-free end to your trip.

Timing

  • Ferry to St. Thomas: Allow ample time; ferries sometimes run behind schedule.
  • STT Airport: Arrive 2-3 hours before domestic flight, 3 hours for international.
  • Security lines at STT can be long and unpredictable.

STT Airport Facilities

Check-in

Airline check-in counters are available.

Security

TSA security checkpoints for departing travelers.

Shopping & Dining

Duty-free shops, several dining places, cafes, and lounges.

Departure Checklist

Confirm your ferry and flight schedules the day before departure. Check for any weather advisories that might affect travel times, specifically during hurricane season.

How to Get to St John. Flights, Transportation, Airlines