Getting around St. Thomas, USVI — the complete transportation guide for 2026
Safari buses, car rentals, taxis, ferries to St. John, and everything you need to know about driving on the left side of the road. Written for visitors, not cruise ship brochures.
You drive on the LEFT side of the road in St. Thomas. But your car has the steering wheel on the LEFT (American-style). Yes, it's confusing. Take it slow at intersections, roundabouts, and when turning. Stay left, pass on the right. You will feel weird — that's normal.
St. Thomas (along with all the US Virgin Islands) follows British-style left-side driving, but nearly all cars are standard American left-hand-drive vehicles. This means your instincts will fight you at every turn. The most dangerous moments are intersections, pulling out of parking lots, and mountain switchbacks. Give yourself a few minutes to adjust before heading into traffic.
Transportation options at a glance
Safari busesOpen-air bench trucks. The island's main public transport. Run between Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook along main roads.$1-2 per ride
TaxisSet rates by zone (not metered). Available at airport, cruise port, and hotels. Share rides to save money.$8-18+ per person
Car rentalBest for exploring the full island. Available at the airport from national and local companies.$50-90/day
FerriesRed Hook to St. John (~20 min). Charlotte Amalie to St. John (~45 min). Frequent daily service.$7-14 one way
No Uber or Lyft on St. Thomas. Safari buses and taxis are your main options if you don't rent a car. Some hotels and resorts run their own shuttle services — ask when you book.
Safari buses — the local way to get around
Safari buses are the heart of St. Thomas transportation. They're open-air trucks or vans with bench seating, and they run fixed routes along the main roads. Here's what you need to know:
How to catch oneStand on the roadside and wave one down. They stop anywhere along the route. Tell the driver where you're going before you board.
Main routeMost safari buses run between Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook along Route 30 (Veterans Drive / Red Hook Road).
CostJust $1-2 per ride depending on distance. Pay when you board. Have small bills or coins ready.
ScheduleNo fixed timetable — they run when they run. Most frequent during the day, especially when cruise ships are in port. Limited evening service.
Safari buses are great for the Charlotte Amalie to Red Hook corridor, but they won't take you to every beach or attraction. For off-route destinations like Magens Bay, you'll need a taxi or rental car.
Taxis on St. Thomas
St. Thomas taxis use set rates by zone — they are not metered. Rates are posted at the airport and cruise port. Always confirm the fare before you get in.
Airport to Charlotte AmalieAbout 3 miles. Per-person rate in a shared van.~$8-10/person
Airport to Red HookAbout 10 miles east. Longer ride, higher rate.~$15-18/person
Charlotte Amalie to Magens BayAbout 4 miles north over the mountain.~$10-12/person
Cruise port to Red HookFull island crossing. Often shared ride.~$15-18/person
Taxi drivers on St. Thomas often combine passengers headed the same direction. Per-person rates assume shared rides. A private taxi costs more. Tip 15-20% — drivers rely on tips.
Car rental on St. Thomas
If you want to explore beyond Charlotte Amalie and the cruise port, renting a car is the best option. Remember: you drive on the LEFT side of the road.
Budget / Avis / HertzNational chains at the airport. Book online in advance. Standard rates and insurance.
Discount Car RentalWell-known local option. Competitive pricing. Also at the airport area.
Local companiesSeveral smaller operators on the island. Sometimes cheaper, sometimes more flexible. Ask your hotel for recommendations.
What you needValid driver's license (US license accepted — it's a US territory). Must be 25+ at most companies. Credit card required.
Left-side driving reminder: When turning, your instinct will pull you to the right lane — fight it. At intersections, look RIGHT first (traffic comes from the right on left-driving roads). Roundabouts go clockwise. Go slow until it clicks.
Driving tips for St. Thomas
RoadsHilly, winding, and narrow — especially outside Charlotte Amalie. Mountain roads have steep switchbacks and limited guardrails.
SpeedSpeed limits are generally 20-35 mph. Roads enforce this naturally. Don't rush — enjoy the views.
Gas stationsMultiple stations around the island (unlike some smaller islands). Fuel up when you see one — prices vary.
ParkingLimited in Charlotte Amalie. Beach parking is usually free but fills up on busy days. Arrive early for popular spots like Magens Bay.
GPS / NavigationGPS apps work but aren't always accurate on smaller roads. Use our free map at todoculebra.com for verified local pins.
Animals on the roadGoats, chickens, iguanas, and the occasional donkey. They have the right of way. Seriously.
Ferries — getting to St. John and beyond
St. Thomas is a ferry hub for the US and British Virgin Islands. The most popular route is to St. John, just a short ride from Red Hook.
Red Hook to Cruz Bay, St. JohnMost frequent service. Runs every hour during peak times. Quick and easy.~20 minutes
Charlotte Amalie to Cruz BayLess frequent but convenient if you're staying in town or arriving by cruise ship.~45 minutes
Car ferriesVehicle barges to St. John exist but are limited and expensive. Most visitors rent a separate car on St. John or use taxis.
BVI ferriesService to Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and other British Virgin Islands from Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook. Passport required.
If you're day-tripping to St. John, take the Red Hook ferry. Park at Red Hook (limited parking — arrive early or take a taxi there). You don't need a car on St. John for a day trip — taxis and safari buses run from Cruz Bay to the beaches.
Transportation comparison — what's best for you?
Side by side
CostCar rentalSafari bus
Per day$50-90/day$2-6/day
FlexibilityGo anywhereMain routes
Left-side drivingYou driveThey drive
Night serviceAnytimeLimited
Beach accessAll beachesMain beaches
Parking hassleYou parkNo parking
Best forExplorersBudget trips
Many visitors combine options — rent a car for beach-hopping days, use safari buses for the Charlotte Amalie to Red Hook corridor, and grab a taxi for airport transfers. There's no single right answer.
Key destinations and how to reach them
Charlotte AmalieMain town. Cruise ship port, duty-free shopping, restaurants, nightlife. Walkable once you're there. Taxi or safari bus from elsewhere.
Magens Bay BeachFamous beach on the north shore. About 4 miles from Charlotte Amalie over the mountain. Taxi or rental car — no safari bus route.
Red HookEast end. Ferry dock to St. John. Restaurants, bars, marina. Safari bus or car from Charlotte Amalie (~30 min).
Sapphire BeachEast side near Red Hook. Great snorkeling. Car or taxi — off the main safari bus route.
Coral World Ocean ParkMarine attraction at Coki Point. Taxi or car. Near Coki Beach (another popular snorkel spot).
Paradise Point SkyrideTramway from the cruise port area up to panoramic views. Walkable from Charlotte Amalie / cruise dock.
VI Transit (public buses)
The Virgin Islands Transit (VITRAN) operates a limited public bus system on St. Thomas. Routes connect some residential areas with Charlotte Amalie. Service is infrequent and schedules can be unreliable. For most visitors, safari buses and taxis are more practical. VITRAN buses are air-conditioned, which is a plus over open-air safari trucks.
Cruise ship visitors — getting around for the day
If you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll dock at or near Charlotte Amalie. Here's the best approach for a day on St. Thomas:
Stay in townCharlotte Amalie is walkable — duty-free shops, restaurants, historic sites, and Paradise Point Skyride are all within reach of the port.
Beach dayGrab a taxi from the cruise port to Magens Bay (~$10/person) or Coki Beach. Confirm return timing with your driver or arrange a pickup.
St. John day tripTaxi to Red Hook, ferry to Cruz Bay (~$25-30 total round trip). Make sure you leave enough time to get back to the ship.
Shore excursionThe cruise line sells organized tours, but independent taxis and safari buses are often cheaper and more flexible.
Always know your ship's last boarding time and plan backward. Traffic on St. Thomas can be heavy when multiple ships are in port. Give yourself at least 60-90 minutes to get back from remote beaches.
Frequently asked questions
Do you drive on the left or right side in St. Thomas?
You drive on the LEFT side of the road in St. Thomas and all US Virgin Islands. However, most vehicles have the steering wheel on the left (American-style). This combination is unusual and takes some adjustment. Take it slow, especially at intersections and when turning. Stay left, pass on the right.
How much does a taxi cost in St. Thomas?
Taxis use set rates by zone, not meters. Airport to Charlotte Amalie is about $8-10 per person, airport to Red Hook is about $15-18 per person. Rates are posted at the airport and cruise port. Confirm the fare before you get in, and note that per-person rates assume shared rides.
What is a safari bus in St. Thomas?
Safari buses are open-air trucks or vans with bench seating — the main form of public transport on St. Thomas. They run set routes along the main roads, mostly between Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook. Just $1-2 per ride. Wave one down from the roadside.
Is there Uber or Lyft on St. Thomas?
No. Uber and Lyft do not officially operate on St. Thomas. Your options are taxis (set zone rates), safari buses ($1-2), rental cars, and hotel shuttles. Some visitors arrange private drivers through their hotel.
How do I get from St. Thomas to St. John?
Take the passenger ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay, St. John — it runs frequently throughout the day and takes about 20 minutes. There's also a less frequent ferry from Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay (about 45 minutes). You cannot bring most rental cars to St. John.
Should I rent a car on St. Thomas?
If you want to explore beyond Charlotte Amalie and the cruise port, yes. A rental car gives you freedom to visit Magens Bay, Sapphire Beach, Red Hook, and mountain viewpoints at your own pace. Budget, Avis, Hertz, Discount, and local companies operate at the airport. Just remember: left-side driving.
Are the roads on St. Thomas difficult to drive?
Yes — roads are hilly, winding, and narrow, especially outside Charlotte Amalie. Mountain roads have steep switchbacks and limited guardrails. Combined with left-side driving, it requires attention. GPS helps but isn't always accurate on smaller roads. Take it slow, especially at night when lighting is limited.
What is the cheapest way to get around St. Thomas?
Safari buses at $1-2 per ride are the cheapest option. They run along the main Charlotte Amalie to Red Hook corridor. For destinations off the main route, taxis are the next most affordable option. Car rentals start around $50-70/day and make sense if you plan to visit multiple spots.
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