🗺️ Ferry Routes Overview
There are two ferry routes connecting St. Thomas to St. John. Red Hook is the most popular — shorter crossing, lower fare, and runs until midnight.
⭐ Red Hook → Cruz Bay
Most Popular
Crossing time~20 min
Adult fare~$7 each way
Child fare~$3-4 each way
Frequency~Every hour
First ferry~6:30 AM
Last ferry~Midnight
From airportTaxi $11 (~20 min)
🏙️ Charlotte Amalie → Cruz Bay
Crossing time~45 min
Adult fare~$15 each way
Child fare~$8 each way
FrequencyLimited departures
First ferry~9:00 AM
Last ferry~5:30 PM
From airportTaxi $7 (~10 min)
🕐 Ferry Schedule
Approximate departure times from Red Hook. Schedules vary by operator and season — always confirm with your ferry operator on the day of travel.
6:30 AM
First ferry
7:00 AM
Red Hook
7:30 AM
Red Hook
8:00 AM
Red Hook
9:00 AM
Red Hook
10:00 AM
Red Hook
11:00 AM
Red Hook
12:00 PM
Red Hook
1:00 PM
Red Hook
2:00 PM
Red Hook
3:00 PM
Red Hook
4:00 PM
Red Hook
5:00 PM
Red Hook
6:00 PM
Red Hook
7:00 PM
Red Hook
8:00 PM
Red Hook
9:00 PM
Red Hook
10:00 PM
Red Hook
11:00 PM
Red Hook
12:00 AM
Last ferry
⚠️ Times are approximate. Multiple operators share the route — actual departures may vary. Ferries run more frequently during peak season (Dec–Apr). Always arrive 10–15 minutes early.
6:00 AM
First ferry
7:00 AM
Cruz Bay
7:30 AM
Cruz Bay
8:15 AM
Cruz Bay
9:15 AM
Cruz Bay
10:15 AM
Cruz Bay
11:15 AM
Cruz Bay
12:15 PM
Cruz Bay
1:15 PM
Cruz Bay
2:15 PM
Cruz Bay
3:15 PM
Cruz Bay
4:15 PM
Cruz Bay
5:15 PM
Cruz Bay
6:15 PM
Cruz Bay
7:15 PM
Cruz Bay
8:15 PM
Cruz Bay
9:15 PM
Cruz Bay
10:15 PM
Cruz Bay
11:15 PM
Last ferry
⚠️ Return times from Cruz Bay, St. John to Red Hook, St. Thomas. Times are approximate — confirm with your operator on the day of travel.
💵 Ferry Fares
All fares are approximate and per person each way. Prices may vary slightly by operator and season.
| Route | Adult | Child (under 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Red Hook → Cruz Bay | ~$7 | ~$3-4 |
| Cruz Bay → Red Hook | ~$7 | ~$3-4 |
| Charlotte Amalie → Cruz Bay | ~$15 | ~$8 |
| Cruz Bay → Charlotte Amalie | ~$15 | ~$8 |
* Cash only at most ferry terminals. Exact fares may vary by operator. Confirm fares on the day of travel. Luggage fees may apply for oversized bags.
⛴️ Ferry Operators
Multiple operators share the Red Hook to Cruz Bay route, running on rotating schedules throughout the day.
VI Seatrans
One of the primary operators on the Red Hook–Cruz Bay route. Reliable service throughout the day and into the evening.
Red Hook ↔ Cruz Bay
Native Son
Long-established USVI ferry operator running multiple routes including both Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie services.
Red Hook ↔ Cruz Bay
Charlotte Amalie ↔ Cruz Bay
Transportation Services
Additional operator covering the Red Hook route, adding capacity during peak travel times.
Red Hook ↔ Cruz Bay
Boyson Inc.
Operates the Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay route, a longer but scenic crossing that's convenient if you're in town.
Charlotte Amalie ↔ Cruz Bay
✈️ Getting from STT Airport to the Ferry
Just landed at STT and heading to St. John? Here's the step-by-step.
1
Collect your bags at STT baggage claim
Baggage claim is fast at STT — typically 15–20 minutes. Exit through the main doors after clearing baggage.
2
Take a taxi to Red Hook
Taxis queue directly outside baggage claim. Tell the driver you're going to Red Hook ferry dock. The ride is about 20 minutes along the eastern side of the island.
3
Arrive at Red Hook ferry dock
The Red Hook ferry terminal is easy to find — it's right at the water. Look for the ticket booth near the dock. Arrive 10–15 minutes before departure.
4
Buy your ticket
Purchase tickets at the booth or from the operator. Cash is preferred — have small bills ready. Adult fare is approximately $7 each way.
5
Board the ferry to Cruz Bay
The crossing takes about 20 minutes. Enjoy the views of St. John approaching — it's a beautiful arrival. Cruz Bay dock is right in the heart of the village.
6
Arrive in Cruz Bay, St. John
Welcome to St. John! Taxis and safari vans wait at the Cruz Bay dock to take you to your resort, villa, or beach. The Virgin Islands National Park is minutes away.
💡 Total time from STT arrival to Cruz Bay: Allow 1.5–2 hours including baggage claim, taxi, and ferry crossing. If your flight lands late, confirm the last ferry time (usually around midnight from Red Hook).
🇻🇬 BVI Ferry Routes
Ferries also connect St. Thomas and St. John to the British Virgin Islands. A passport is required for all BVI routes.
⚠️ Passport Required for BVI
The British Virgin Islands are a separate country from the USVI. All travelers — including US citizens — must have a valid passport to enter the BVI by ferry. Make sure your passport is valid before attempting this crossing.
Red Hook → West End, TortolaInter Island Boat Services
Cruz Bay → West End, TortolaVarious operators
Charlotte Amalie → Road Town, TortolaNative Son · Speedy's
Red Hook / Cruz Bay → Virgin GordaSpeedy's (seasonal)
Red Hook → Jost Van DykeOccasional service
💡 Ferry Tips
Arrive 10–15 minutes early. Ferries leave on time and won't wait. During peak season (December–April) the docks can be busy, especially on weekends.
Bring cash. Most ferry operators are cash-only. Have small bills — $5s and $10s. There is an ATM near the Red Hook dock if you need it.
Travel light if possible. The ferry is a passenger boat — large luggage takes up space and can be awkward on the dock. If you're staying on St. John long-term, consider shipping bags through a luggage service.
It can get choppy. The Pillsbury Sound between St. Thomas and St. John can be rough, especially in the afternoon with trade winds. If you're prone to motion sickness, sit in the middle of the boat and look at the horizon.
Last ferry from St. John is around 11:15 PM. If you're day-tripping from St. Thomas, plan your return well before the last ferry. Missing it means an overnight stay or an expensive water taxi.
You can bring a car — but it's complicated. Vehicle ferries exist but are expensive, require reservations well in advance, and are primarily used by residents. Visitors are better off renting a Jeep on St. John directly.
Sit on the right side going to St. John. You'll get the best views of the island approaching — lush green hills dropping into crystal-clear water. Have your camera ready for the approach into Cruz Bay.
❓ Ferry FAQ
Take a taxi from STT airport to Red Hook (~$11/person, ~20 min), then board the ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John (~$7/person, ~20 min crossing). Total travel time from landing is about 1.5–2 hours including baggage claim. See the step-by-step guide above.
The Red Hook to Cruz Bay ferry costs approximately $7 per person each way for adults, and $3–4 for children under 12. The Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay ferry is approximately $15 each way. Fares are cash only at most terminals.
Ferries from Red Hook to Cruz Bay run approximately every hour from around 6:30 AM until midnight. During peak season (December–April) service is more frequent, sometimes every 30 minutes. The Charlotte Amalie route has fewer departures — typically 4–6 times per day.
No passport is needed for the St. Thomas to St. John ferry — both are US territories. However, a passport is required for all BVI ferry routes (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke), as the British Virgin Islands is a separate country.
The last ferry from Cruz Bay (St. John) to Red Hook (St. Thomas) is approximately 11:15 PM. If you miss it, a water taxi is available but significantly more expensive (~$75–150 per boat). Always plan to be at the dock well before the last departure.
Vehicle barges exist between St. Thomas and St. John but are primarily for residents and require advance reservations. They're not practical for tourists. We recommend renting a Jeep or vehicle directly on St. John — there are several rental agencies at the Cruz Bay dock.
Red Hook is better for most travelers — shorter crossing (~20 min vs ~45 min), lower fare (~$7 vs ~$15), and much more frequent service. The Charlotte Amalie ferry is convenient if you're already in town or at Havensight, and the longer crossing gives you more scenic time on the water.