Getting around St. Croix — car rental, driving & transportation guide for 2026
St. Croix is the largest US Virgin Island at 84 square miles — you need wheels. Here's an honest guide to car rentals, left-side driving, taxis, buses, and getting from the airport to anywhere on the island.
Unlike smaller islands where a golf cart or scooter will do, St. Croix is big. Christiansted (east side) and Frederiksted (west side) are 17 miles apart. Major attractions are spread across the entire island — from Point Udall in the far east to the rainforest in the northwest. There's no Uber, no Lyft, and public buses are limited. A rental car is the only practical way to see everything.
St. Croix is bigger than St. Thomas and St. John combined. Don't underestimate the distances — a rental car isn't optional here, it's essential.
Car rental companies on St. Croix
You'll find both national chains and local operators. Local companies often have better rates and more flexible policies. Most are at or near Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX).
Budget / Avis / HertzNational chains at the airport. Familiar booking process. Higher prices but well-maintained fleets. Reserve early for peak season.
Centerline Car RentalPopular local company. Competitive rates, good selection of vehicles. Airport pickup available. A go-to for repeat visitors.
Judi of CroixWell-reviewed local option. Known for friendly service and fair pricing. SUVs and sedans available.
Olympic Car RentalAnother established local company. Offers a range of vehicles including Jeeps. Good option when chains are sold out.
Book your rental car 2-4 weeks ahead for peak season (December-April). Local companies sell out fast, and national chains raise prices as availability drops.
How much does a rental car cost on St. Croix?
Prices depend on the company, vehicle type, and time of year. Here are typical daily rates — always confirm directly with the rental company.
Sedan / compactBest value for couples or small groups. Fine for paved roads.$50–$80/day
SUV / JeepBetter for rough roads and beach access. More cargo room.$70–$120+/day
MinivanFamilies or groups of 5+. Limited availability.$80–$130/day
Taxi (one-way)Airport to Christiansted or Frederiksted. Per-person fixed rates.$15–$30/trip
Gas is more expensive than the mainland US — expect $4–$6 per gallon. Multiple gas stations are available throughout the island, so you won't have trouble finding fuel.
Left-side driving — what you need to know
This is the single biggest surprise for first-time visitors. St. Croix (like all US Virgin Islands) drives on the LEFT side of the road — but the cars have the steering wheel on the LEFT (American-style). It feels strange at first. Here's how to handle it:
Take it slow on day oneGive yourself extra time. Stay in your lane. Your instincts will fight you at intersections — pause and look.
RoundaboutsGo clockwise (opposite of the US mainland). Yield to traffic already in the circle coming from your right.
Right turns are the tricky onesWhen turning right, you're crossing traffic. This is the #1 mistake tourists make — look right first.
Follow the localsIf you're unsure, stay behind a local car and mirror their moves. Most roads are two lanes, so the pace is slow and forgiving.
Left-side driving tip: When in doubt, keep the center line on your RIGHT. After a day or two, it becomes second nature. Don't let it scare you out of renting a car — everyone adjusts.
Transportation options compared
Here's how the options stack up for getting around St. Croix:
Side by side
Daily cost$50–120$15–30/trip
TypeRental carTaxi
FreedomGo anywherePoint to point
AvailabilityBook aheadHail or call
Best forFull explorationAirport transfer
Night drivingYour scheduleHard to find
Remote beachesFull accessLimited
Luggage / gearTrunk spaceLimited
Bottom line: rent a car. Use taxis only for the airport transfer if your rental doesn't start until the next day, or for a night out when you'd rather not drive.
Getting to St. Croix
St. Croix has its own airport — you don't need to fly into St. Thomas first.
Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX)Direct flights from Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, New York (JFK/EWR), and other mainland cities. Also inter-island flights from St. Thomas.
SeaplaneSeaborne Airlines runs seaplane service between St. Croix and St. Thomas. Scenic 25-minute flight landing in Christiansted Harbor.
Ferry from St. ThomasLimited ferry service between Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) and Gallows Bay (Christiansted). Check current schedules — service is not daily.
No passport neededSt. Croix is a US territory. US citizens only need a valid government-issued photo ID. No passport required.
Key distances on St. Croix
St. Croix is roughly 23 miles long and 6 miles wide. Here are drive times from Christiansted (where most visitors stay):
Christiansted to FrederikstedThe two main towns, opposite ends of the island.~30 min (17 mi)
Christiansted to Airport (STX)Southwest of town, near the oil refinery.~20 min (10 mi)
Christiansted to Point UdallEasternmost point of the US. Sunrise spot.~20 min (8 mi)
Christiansted to Buck Island dockBoat tours leave from Christiansted waterfront — no driving needed.Walk from town
Christiansted to Cruzan RumDistillery tours on the west side of the island.~25 min (12 mi)
Frederiksted to RainforestThe only rainforest in the USVI. Northwest of the island.~15 min (5 mi)
Other transportation options
If you can't get a rental car, or need alternatives for certain situations:
TaxisAvailable at the airport and in Christiansted/Frederiksted. Fixed-rate system (no meters). Can be expensive for long distances — $24+ from airport to Christiansted.
VITRAN public busesGovernment-run buses between Christiansted and Frederiksted. Very affordable ($1) but limited schedule and routes. Not reliable for tourists on a tight itinerary.
Hotel shuttlesSome resorts offer airport pickup and beach shuttles. Ask your hotel when booking — this can save you a taxi fare or a rental day.
Scooter rentalsAvailable from some local shops. Affordable for solo travelers. Remember: left-side driving applies to scooters too.
No Uber, no Lyft, no rideshare apps of any kind. If you're going out at night, plan your ride home in advance — taxis can be hard to find after dark outside of Christiansted.
5-day trip cost comparison
Here's what transportation might cost for a typical 5-day St. Croix trip:
Rental car (sedan) x 5 daysFull freedom. See everything. Most cost-effective for active travelers.~$250–$400
Rental car (SUV) x 5 daysBetter for families, rough roads, and beach access.~$350–$600
Taxis only x 5 days2 rides/day average. Gets expensive fast on a big island.~$200–$350
Car + taxi mixRent 3 days for exploring, taxi for airport and resort days.~$200–$320
Money-saving tip: Rent a car for your active exploration days and go car-free on resort or beach days within walking distance. Split a taxi from the airport with fellow travelers if possible.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a rental car on St. Croix?
Yes. St. Croix is the largest US Virgin Island at roughly 84 square miles. The two main towns are 17 miles apart, and major attractions are spread across the island. There's no Uber or Lyft, and public buses are limited. A rental car is the most practical way to explore.
Which side of the road do you drive on in St. Croix?
You drive on the LEFT side of the road — British-style. But the cars are American-style with the steering wheel on the left. It takes a day to adjust. Take it slow at intersections and roundabouts, and remember: right turns cross traffic.
Where can I rent a car on St. Croix?
National chains (Budget, Avis, Hertz) are at the airport. Local companies like Centerline Car Rental, Judi of Croix, and Olympic Car Rental often have better rates. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for peak season.
How much does a rental car cost on St. Croix?
Expect $50-$80/day for a sedan and $70-$120+/day for an SUV or Jeep. Local companies tend to be cheaper. Prices go up during peak season (December-April). Gas runs $4-$6 per gallon.
Is there Uber or Lyft on St. Croix?
No. There are no rideshare services anywhere in the US Virgin Islands. Taxis operate on a fixed-rate system and are available at the airport and in the main towns. Late-night taxis can be difficult to find.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
Taxis are available outside the terminal at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX). Frederiksted is about 10 minutes west, Christiansted is about 20 minutes east. Some hotels and resorts offer airport shuttles — ask when you book. Most car rental counters are at or near the airport.
Are the roads on St. Croix safe to drive?
Yes. Main highways are paved and well-maintained. Rural roads and some beach access roads can be rougher. The biggest adjustment is left-side driving. Speed limits are generally 20-35 mph. Drive cautiously, especially at night when some roads have limited lighting.
Do I need a passport to visit St. Croix?
No. St. Croix is a US territory. US citizens only need a valid government-issued photo ID to travel there. It's like flying to another US state — no passport, no customs. Non-US citizens should check visa requirements for US territories.
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