Whether you’re island-hopping with a car, suitcase, family or even a pet, here’s how to get from St. Thomas to St. John or St. Croix — and what to expect on the way.
Getting Around the USVI — Island Hopping Basics
Traveling between the islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands is easier than you think. For most travelers, ferries (passenger or car barges) are the go-to, but there are also air options if you’re headed to or from St. Croix.
Here’s a breakdown depending on your needs 👇
---
If You Have a Car (Road-tripping between islands)
- Between St. Thomas and St. John you can bring your car on a car-ferry (aka car barge) from Red Hook (St. Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St. John).
- The ride takes about 25–30 minutes on the water, but give yourself extra time for loading and unloading — backing the car onto the barge can be a bit tricky.
- Typical cost: around US $50 one-way for a standard vehicle or US $65 round-trip for a Jeep or similar vehicle. There’s also a small port fee (about US $3) at the terminal.
- Note: If you rented your car on St. Thomas, some rental companies do not allow their vehicles on the barge — always check rental policy first.
👉 Why you might choose this: full flexibility on St. John (or vice versa), especially if you want to explore beaches and inland roads at your own pace.
👉 Heads-up: Parking on St. John can be limited (especially at popular beaches or in national-park areas). Once you arrive, you might need to park in designated lots or use taxis/safari vans for parts of the island.
---
If You Have Luggage, Kids or Seniors (Travel Light or Travel Smart)
- The most common option is the passenger ferry between St. Thomas and St. John. The main route is from Red Hook (St. Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St. John), with regular departures (often hourly) throughout the day.
- Typical cost: US $6-9 one-way for adults (Cruz Bay to Red Hook is $6), with additional baggage fees around $4 per bag. Children rates vary by operator.; there’s also a baggage fee (around US $4 per bag).
- From Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St. John) there are fewer sailings, the trip runs around 45 minutes and costs more (adults around US $13).
- Infants are often free or heavily discounted, and many ferry services offer reduced fares for seniors when they show valid ID.
👉 Why this works: if you’re traveling with luggage, kids or older family members — no need to navigate tricky car-loading procedures or worry about parking.
👉 Tip: Try to catch an early ferry to avoid crowds. Also plan ahead if you have a lot of bags — there is an extra charge per bag, and ferry staff expect you to manage carry-on items yourself if possible.
---
If You Have a Dog or a Support Animal
Good news — many ferries and barges in the USVI are used regularly by locals, which means pets or support animals are often part of daily travel. There’s no universal published fee or policy online for animals, but here are things to keep in mind:
- Treat the animal as part of your luggage or carry-on. If it’s small and can stay on your lap or under your seat, you likely won’t pay a separate fee (just standard baggage or carry-on rules).
- If the animal is larger and requires space or a crate, mention that at ticketing — some ferries may raise a luggage fee.
- Make sure any paperwork required for support animals is ready (especially if you’re traveling with a service animal).
- When loading/offloading (on car ferries) consider extra time — moving a pet + gear plus backing the car may take longer than you think.
If traveling with kids, seniors or pets, it might be easier to skip the car barge and take a passenger ferry + local taxi/safari van on arrival.
---
If You’re Headed to St. Croix or Between St. Croix and St. Thomas
- There is (or was) a ferry service between St. Croix and St. Thomas (passenger ferry), and air/seaplane options too.
- However many travelers now prefer the plane (especially if they are short on time) because ferry rides can be long and seas unpredictable.
- If you plan to fly, keep in mind airlines and seaplane-shuttle services operate between St. Croix and St. Thomas — it’s often the fastest and smoothest option.
---
Final Thoughts & Pro Tips
- Always carry small bills or cash. Many ferry/barge operators only take cash, especially for luggage fees, port fees, or car-barge fares.
- Give yourself buffer time. On busy days or when you have a car, luggage, or pets — loading and boarding takes longer.
- For convenience and flexibility: use a passenger ferry + local taxi/van for hassle-free travel. If you want freedom to roam with a car — the car barge is worth it.
- Don’t forget to check ferry times ahead of time and watch for weather changes — seas can sometimes be rough, or schedules shift.
Whether you’re hopping with little ones, pulling suitcases, or bringing the family dog — traveling between the islands can be smooth and easy. With a little planning, you’ll be island-hopping like a local.
Happy travels, and enjoy the islands 🌴