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HOW TO GET TO ST. JOHN, USVI: THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE

 

🏝️ How to Get to St. John, USVI: The Ultimate Travel Guide

St. John is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled islands in the Caribbean—but part of its charm is that you can’t fly directly there. That leaves many travelers wondering: How do you get to St. John, USVI?

Don’t worry—getting to St. John is easier than you might think. Here’s everything you need to know to plan a smooth, stress-free arrival to paradise.


✈️ Step 1: Fly Into St. Thomas (STT)

Because there’s no airport on St. John, all travelers must fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

This airport is well connected to major U.S. cities with direct flights from:

  • Miami (American Airlines)
  • Charlotte (American Airlines)
  • Atlanta (Delta)
  • New York (JetBlue, Delta)
  • Philadelphia, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and more

🚖 Step 2: Get From the Airport to the Ferry Dock

After landing on St. Thomas, you’ll need ground transportation to one of three ferry terminals that offer service to Cruz Bay, St. John:


🚕 Option A: Red Hook Ferry Terminal (East End)

  • Taxi time from airport: ~35 minutes
  • Ferry schedule: Hourly service, 6AM–11PM
  • Ferry duration: ~15–20 minutes
  • Best for: Travelers arriving later in the day or wanting frequent departure options

🚕 Option B: Charlotte Amalie Ferry Terminal (Downtown)

  • Taxi time from airport: ~15–20 minutes
  • Ferry schedule: Limited (typically 10AM, 3PM, 5:30PM)
  • Ferry duration: ~35–40 minutes
  • Best for: Scenic ride with a shorter taxi commute

🚕 Option C: Crown Bay Marina Ferry Terminal

  • Taxi time from airport: Only 5 minutes
  • Ferry schedule: 4 daily departures (check schedule for current times)
  • Ferry duration: ~35 minutes
  • Best for: Quickest access from the airport — perfect for tight connections

Crown Bay Ferry Quick Facts:

  • Operated by Inter Island Boat Services
  • One-way fare: $20 per adult, $15 seniors, $10 children
  • One personal item included; $5 for larger luggage
  • Check in 30 minutes before departure

💡 Pro Tip: If your arrival time aligns, Crown Bay is the most convenient option for getting to St. John fast. But for maximum flexibility, Red Hook is the safest bet.


⛴️ Step 3: Take the Ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John

Once you’re at your selected ferry terminal, you’ll board a boat bound for Cruz Bay, the main port and downtown area on St. John.

  • No passport needed (St. John is a U.S. territory)
  • Buy tickets at the dock or online (not required in advance)
  • Expect small fees for luggage at Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie

🚙 Traveling With a Rental Car?

You can either:

  • Rent a car in St. Thomas and take the car barge from Red Hook
    • Car barge departs every 30–60 minutes, check the schedule
  • Or rent on St. John, which is often simpler unless you’re planning to explore St. Thomas too

🚤 Want the Easiest, Most Luxurious Option?

Book a private water taxi for a seamless and scenic arrival. It’s the fastest and most stress-free way to get to St. John, with VIP service from the airport to your villa or resort.

Benefits of a private water taxi:

  • Airport pickup and luggage assistance
  • No waiting on ferry schedules
  • Comfortable ride directly to Cruz Bay

We help Caribbean Concierge clients book trusted private transfer partners for a smooth start to your trip.


📍 Final Stop: Cruz Bay, St. John

All ferries and water taxis arrive in Cruz Bay, the vibrant heart of the island. From here, you’re just a short ride from St. John’s top beaches, villas, and resorts.


✨ Let Us Plan It For You

At Caribbean Concierge, we specialize in seamless travel to St. John—from booking the best flight times and ferry transfers to curating personalized excursions and luxury villa stays.

Whether this is your first visit or your fifth, we’ll handle the details so you can focus on relaxing.

👉 Click here to start planning your trip to St. John with us!

 

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