St. John has no airport. Every visitor flies into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, then takes a taxi to a ferry dock and a passenger ferry to Cruz Bay. The whole trip takes about an hour. Here is how it works, step by step.
The short version
- There is no ferry at the airport itself. You take a taxi to a ferry dock first.
- Most travelers use the Red Hook ferry: a 30 to 40 minute taxi ride, then a 15 to 20 minute crossing that runs about every hour.
- Crown Bay is only about 5 minutes from the airport, but its ferry runs just a few times a day and the crossing takes about 35 minutes.
- Allow about an hour from the airport curb to the Cruz Bay dock, plus waiting time for the next boat.
Step 1: Take a taxi from the airport
Right outside baggage claim there is a taxi stand with a dispatcher. Tell them which ferry dock you want and they will line you up with a driver. Taxis in the U.S. Virgin Islands are usually shared vans and fares are charged per person, with a small extra charge for luggage. Drivers often wait a few minutes to fill the van with passengers heading the same way.
Cash is the most reliable way to pay for taxis and ferry tickets, so bring small bills.
Step 2: Choose your ferry dock
Red Hook (the usual choice). Red Hook is on the east end of St. Thomas, about 10 miles from the airport. The taxi ride takes 30 to 40 minutes, longer in afternoon traffic. Passenger ferries leave for Cruz Bay about every hour from early morning until late at night, and the crossing takes 15 to 20 minutes. Because the boats run all day, you rarely wait long. The terminal has restrooms, seating and a ticket counter.
Crown Bay (closest to the airport). Crown Bay Marina is about a 5-minute taxi ride from the airport. The ferry from here to Cruz Bay takes about 35 minutes, but it only runs a few times a day. If your flight lines up with a departure it is the easiest route. If it does not, Red Hook is almost always faster overall.
A third route from downtown Charlotte Amalie runs only at certain times of year. Check whether it is operating before you plan around it.
Step 3: Ride the ferry to Cruz Bay
Buy your ticket at the counter, or from the ferry attendant at Crown Bay, and plan to be at the dock 10 to 15 minutes before departure. There is a small fee for luggage. Most boats have enclosed seating below and open-air seating on the top deck, and the ride itself is one of the prettiest parts of the trip.
The Red Hook ferry arrives at the main Cruz Bay ferry dock in the middle of town. The Crown Bay ferry arrives a short walk away at the dock locals call The Creek.
Timing tips
- Check the current schedule before you fly. Ferry times change, especially for Crown Bay and for late evening boats.
- Landing late? Red Hook ferries run into the night, but confirm the last departure for your travel date so you are not stranded on St. Thomas.
- Leave buffer time on the way home. For your return flight, work backwards: ferry, taxi, check-in and security. Most travelers leave Cruz Bay at least three hours before their flight.
- Renting a Jeep? Book it well ahead in peak season, from December through April.
Arriving in Cruz Bay
Cruz Bay is small and walkable. Taxis wait at the ferry dock if you have heavy bags, and most places in town are a few minutes away on foot.
If you are staying with us, Dolphin Suites is about a 5-minute walk from the Cruz Bay ferry dock, and Raintree Suites is about the same distance. For groceries, packing and getting around the island, see our Plan Your Visit guide.
Where to stay in Cruz Bay
DGMI Properties manages two places to stay in the heart of Cruz Bay, both about a 5-minute walk from the ferry dock. Dolphin Suites has eight one-bedroom suites with full kitchens that sleep 2 to 4 guests. Raintree Suites is a brand-new one-bedroom apartment for two, steps from the beach. Planning your trip? Our Plan Your Visit guide covers the ferry, groceries and what to pack.
