Getting around St. John USVI — transportation guide for 2026
St. John has no airport, steep mountain roads, and you drive on the left. Here's everything you need to know about ferries, jeep rentals, safari taxis, and exploring two-thirds of an island that's a National Park.
St. John has no airport. The only way onto the island is by ferry from St. Thomas. Most visitors fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, then taxi to the ferry dock.
Red Hook FerryMost popular route. Runs roughly every hour. Quick and frequent.~20 minutes
Charlotte Amalie FerryLeaves from downtown St. Thomas. Less frequent but convenient if staying near the cruise port.~45 minutes
Arrives in Cruz BayBoth ferries dock in Cruz Bay, St. John's main town. Rental companies and taxis meet the ferry.
Taxi to Red HookFrom STT airport to Red Hook ferry dock, expect a 30-45 minute taxi ride depending on traffic.
Check the ferry schedule before you fly in. The last ferry to St. John departs around 11 PM from Red Hook, but times change seasonally. If you miss it, you'll need a private water taxi (expensive).
Jeep rental companies on St. John
A jeep or SUV is the best way to explore St. John. Roads are steep, narrow, and often unpaved — especially the routes to North Shore beaches inside the National Park. A standard car won't cut it.
St. John Car RentalOne of the largest fleets on the island. Jeeps and SUVs. Located in Cruz Bay. Book early for peak season.
Cool BreezePopular with returning visitors. Jeep Wranglers and similar 4WD vehicles. Cruz Bay pickup.
Courtesy Car RentalEstablished local company. Will meet you at the ferry dock. Variety of vehicle types.
L&L JeepSolid local option. Known for reliable vehicles. Reserve well in advance during winter season.
Book your jeep 2-4 weeks ahead for peak season (December through April). St. John is a small island with limited rental inventory — vehicles sell out fast, especially around holidays and spring break.
How much does transportation cost on St. John?
Rental prices vary by vehicle type, season, and company. Here are the typical ranges — always confirm directly with the rental company.
Jeep / SUV (daily)Most popular choice. 4WD essential for steep hills and unpaved roads.$80-$150+/day
Compact carLimited usefulness. Fine for Cruz Bay area only — not recommended for beaches.$60-$90/day
Safari taxi (one-way)Open-air truck taxis with set posted rates. Per person pricing.$7-$15/person
Ferry (one-way)Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay. Per person.$7-$13/person
Gas is available in Cruz Bay. Fill up when you pick up your vehicle — there are no gas stations elsewhere on the island.
Jeep rental vs. safari taxi — honest comparison
Should you rent a jeep or rely on taxis? It depends on how many beaches you want to hit and how flexible you want your schedule to be.
Side by side
Price (per day)$80-$150$15-$40 total
FlexibilityGo anywhere, anytimeSet routes/times
Beach accessAll beachesMain beaches
AvailabilityBook in advanceFlag one down
Driving stressLeft-side, steepSit back, relax
TrailheadsAll accessLimited drops
Sunset spotsStay as late as you wantLast taxi ~5 PM
Best forFamilies, explorersDay-trippers
If you're staying more than one day, a rental jeep pays for itself fast. For a single day trip from St. Thomas, safari taxis can cover the highlights without the hassle of left-side driving.
Driving on St. John — what you need to know
Drive on the LEFTAll US Virgin Islands drive on the left side of the road — but cars have left-side steering wheels (American-style). It feels backwards. Take it slow.
Steep, narrow roadsNorth Shore Road to Trunk Bay and beyond is steep with sharp switchbacks. Low gear on the way down. Honk around blind curves.
Unpaved sectionsSeveral roads — especially to East End beaches and some trailheads — are unpaved, rocky, and rutted. 4WD is not optional.
Gas in Cruz Bay onlyThere are no gas stations outside Cruz Bay. Fill up first thing and don't let the tank run low.
No Uber / no LyftNo rideshare apps on St. John. Your options are rental vehicles, safari taxis, or walking.
Parking at beachesTrunk Bay has a paid lot. Other National Park beaches have small free lots that fill up by 10 AM in peak season. Go early.
First time driving on the left? Practice in Cruz Bay where traffic is slow, then head out to the beaches. The most common mistake is drifting right on curves — hug the left. Your rental company will give you tips when you pick up.
Safari taxis and public transit
If you don't want to drive, St. John has open-air safari taxis and a very limited public bus system.
Safari taxisOpen-air truck benches. Set rates posted at the Cruz Bay taxi stand. Flag them down along North Shore Road. Per-person pricing.
VITRAN busesPublic buses run a limited schedule on main routes. Very infrequent — not practical for beach-hopping. Fine for Cruz Bay to Coral Bay if timing works.
Private taxiCan hire a taxi for a custom island tour. Negotiate the rate in advance. Good option for groups of 4+.
Walking in Cruz BayCruz Bay is compact and walkable. Restaurants, shops, and the ferry dock are all within a few blocks.
Beaches and distances from Cruz Bay
Most of St. John's best beaches are inside Virgin Islands National Park, along the North Shore Road. Here's how far they are from the Cruz Bay ferry dock.
Honeymoon BeachWalkable from Cruz Bay via Lind Point Trail (~20 min hike). No vehicle needed.0.7 miles
Trunk BayFamous underwater snorkel trail. $5 entrance fee. Parking lot fills early.4.5 miles / 15 min
Cinnamon BayLong sandy beach. Watersports rentals on-site. Free entry.5.5 miles / 18 min
Maho BayCalm water, sea turtles. Free parking along the road. No entrance fee.6.5 miles / 20 min
Drive times assume normal conditions. Roads are winding and steep — don't rush. Two-thirds of St. John is National Park land, and the scenery on the drive is part of the experience.
Week-long trip cost comparison
Here's what transportation might cost for a typical 5-day St. John stay:
Jeep rental x 5 daysFull freedom to explore every beach and trail at your own pace.~$400-$750
Safari taxis only2 beach runs per day, per person. Works for day-trippers, limiting for a full stay.~$70-$150/person
Jeep (3 days) + taxi (2 days)Rent for beach days, walk and taxi for Cruz Bay days.~$280-$500
Day trip from St. ThomasFerry round-trip + taxi to 1-2 beaches. Budget-friendly sampler.~$40-$60/person
Money-saving tip: Split a jeep rental with another couple. Many rentals seat 4 comfortably and the cost per person drops fast. Walking covers Cruz Bay for dinners and shopping.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to St. John USVI?
St. John has no airport. Take a ferry from St. Thomas — either from Red Hook (~20 minutes, runs hourly) or Charlotte Amalie (~45 minutes, less frequent). Most visitors fly into St. Thomas (STT), taxi to Red Hook, and catch the ferry to Cruz Bay.
Do I need a jeep on St. John?
Strongly recommended. Roads are steep, narrow, and often unpaved — especially routes to North Shore beaches inside the National Park. A standard sedan will struggle on many roads. Most rental companies offer Jeep Wranglers and similar 4WD vehicles.
Which side of the road do you drive on?
You drive on the LEFT side of the road in St. John and all US Virgin Islands. Cars have American-style left-side steering wheels, which feels unusual. Take it slow, especially on steep narrow roads with blind curves.
Is there Uber or Lyft on St. John?
No. There are no rideshare services on St. John. Local options are safari taxis (open-air trucks with set rates), VITRAN public buses (very limited), rental vehicles, and walking within Cruz Bay.
How much does a jeep rental cost on St. John?
Typically $80 to $150+ per day depending on vehicle type, season, and company. Peak season (December through April) is pricier. Multi-day and weekly discounts are common. Book 2-4 weeks ahead during winter season.
Can I walk to beaches from Cruz Bay?
A few — Honeymoon Beach is reachable via the Lind Point Trail (about 20 minutes on foot), and Solomon Beach is along the same path. The main National Park beaches (Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Bay) are 4-7 miles away on steep roads and require a vehicle or taxi.
Do I need to pay to enter Virgin Islands National Park?
The National Park itself is free to enter. Trunk Bay charges a $5 per person fee (free for kids under 16 and park pass holders). Other popular beaches like Cinnamon Bay, Maho Bay, and Francis Bay have no entrance fee.
Where can I get gas on St. John?
Gas stations are in Cruz Bay only. There are no stations anywhere else on the island. Fill up as soon as you pick up your rental vehicle and keep the tank topped off.
Plan your St. John trip with our free map
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