You drive on the LEFT in the USVI. Despite being a US territory, the U.S. Virgin Islands follows left-hand traffic — the same as the British Virgin Islands and many Caribbean nations. American-style steering wheel on the left, but you drive on the left side of the road. Take it slow until it clicks.
🏢 Rental Car Agencies at STT
Multiple agencies operate at Cyril E. King Airport. Major chains are in the terminal; local agencies offer pickup via shuttle.
In Terminal
Budget
📍 STT Terminal · Counter inside
One of the most popular choices at STT. Good inventory of SUVs and Jeeps. Book well in advance during peak season.
In-terminal counter
Wide vehicle selection
Jeeps & SUVs available
In Terminal
Hertz
📍 STT Terminal · Counter inside
Major brand with reliable inventory. Gold members can skip the counter. Good for premium vehicle options.
In-terminal counter
Gold member skip-the-counter
Premium vehicles available
In Terminal
Avis
📍 STT Terminal · Counter inside
Reliable major brand. Preferred members get expedited service. Often competitive pricing for weekly rentals.
In-terminal counter
Preferred member benefits
Weekly rate deals
Thrifty
📍 STT · Shuttle pickup
Budget-friendly option with shuttle from the terminal. Good for cost-conscious travelers who don't mind a short wait.
Short shuttle from terminal
Competitive pricing
Economy & compact cars
Discount Car Rental
📍 St. Thomas · Local agency
Popular local agency known for competitive rates and good Jeep inventory. Often a better deal than the majors for longer rentals.
Locally owned & operated
Excellent Jeep selection
Competitive daily rates
Cowpet Rent-A-Car
📍 St. Thomas · Local agency
Well-established local rental company. Known for good customer service and island knowledge. Pickup available from STT.
Local island expertise
STT pickup available
Good rates for longer stays
🚙 What to Rent
Not all vehicles are created equal on St. Thomas. The island's steep, narrow roads and occasional off-road beach access make your choice matter.
⭐ Top Pick
Jeep Wrangler
~$80–130/day
The definitive St. Thomas vehicle. High clearance, 4WD, open-air option. Handles every road on the island. Gets the most out of your trip.
Great Choice
Compact SUV
~$60–100/day
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V style. Practical, comfortable, good clearance. Works well for most destinations. Better fuel economy than a Jeep.
Sedan / Economy
~$40–70/day
Fine for main roads and popular beaches. Avoid unpaved roads. Budget option if you're sticking to paved, well-maintained routes.
Minivan
~$80–120/day
Good for large families or groups. Low clearance can be an issue on steep or rough roads. Stick to main roads.
💡 Our recommendation: Rent a Jeep Wrangler or compact SUV. St. Thomas has beautiful viewpoints and beaches that require navigating steep, narrow, and sometimes unpaved roads. The right vehicle unlocks the whole island.
💵 Rental Costs & What to Expect
📅 Daily rate (economy)
~$40–70/day
🚙 Daily rate (SUV/Jeep)
~$80–130/day
📆 Weekly rate (economy)
~$250–400/week
📆 Weekly rate (SUV/Jeep)
~$500–800/week
⛽ Gas
Higher than mainland US — budget ~$4–5/gallon
🛡️ Insurance
CDW recommended · Check your credit card coverage first
🪪 License required
Valid US driver's license accepted · International visitors may need IDP
🎂 Minimum age
25 at most agencies · Some allow 21+ with young driver fee
💳 Credit card
Required for deposit · Check if your card covers rental insurance
📅 Book in advance
Peak season (Dec–Apr) — book weeks or months ahead
🛣️ Driving on St. Thomas
St. Thomas roads are unlike anything most mainland US drivers have experienced. Here's what to know before you put it in drive.
⬅️ Drive on the LEFT
The single most important thing. Left side of the road, always. The steering wheel is on the left (American style) but you drive on the left. At every intersection, remind yourself: left side. It becomes natural quickly.
⛰️ Steep & Narrow Roads
St. Thomas is mountainous. Roads are often single-lane, steep, and winding. Take your time. Pull over to let oncoming traffic pass. Honk before blind corners — it's standard and expected.
🏪 Left Turn = Yield
Turning left means crossing oncoming traffic. Yield carefully. Many intersections have no traffic lights — treat them as yield signs and use common sense and courtesy.
🔢 Route Numbers
Main roads are numbered. Route 30 (Veterans Drive) runs along the waterfront. Route 38 goes up the hill to Drake's Seat. Signs exist but aren't always obvious — download an offline map before you go.
🌧️ Wet Roads
After rain, roads can be slippery, especially on steep hills. Slow down significantly. Some unpaved roads to beaches become impassable — always check conditions before heading off main roads.
🐐 Watch for Animals
Goats, chickens, iguanas, and the occasional donkey wander onto roads in the USVI. Drive slowly in residential areas and near hillsides. It's charming — until it isn't.
🅿️ Parking
Parking in Charlotte Amalie can be tight. Most beaches have small lots — arrive early on weekends. Never park blocking someone's driveway; residents have limited options and will call for a tow.
📱 Google Maps Works
Google Maps navigates St. Thomas well. Download the offline map before arrival in case of spotty signal in the hills. Apple Maps also works. Set navigation to avoid ferries if you're not taking your car on one.
💡 Insider Tips
Book well in advance during peak season. December through April is peak tourist season — Jeeps and SUVs sell out weeks ahead. Book the moment your flights are confirmed, especially around Christmas, New Year, and spring break.
Check your credit card for rental car coverage. Many premium credit cards (Chase Sapphire, Amex, Capital One Venture) provide collision damage waiver coverage when you pay with the card. This can save $15–30/day on CDW fees.
Fill up before returning. Return the car with a full tank to avoid the agency's refueling charge, which is significantly higher than pump prices. There are several gas stations near the airport.
Document the car before driving off. Walk around and photograph any existing dents, scratches, or damage before you leave the lot. Send the photos to your email so they're timestamped. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage.
Download offline maps before you go. Signal can be spotty in the hills. Download St. Thomas on Google Maps (or Maps.me) while you're still on WiFi at the airport. It'll save you when you're navigating blind corners on a hilltop road.
Local agencies sometimes have better Jeep availability. When the major chains are sold out of Jeeps, local agencies like Discount Car Rental often still have them. Call ahead and ask specifically about Jeep availability.
Having a car unlocks the whole island. Drake's Seat sunset views, the back roads of the North Side, Secret Beach, Mountain Top — these spots are hard or impossible to reach by taxi. A rental car is worth every penny for a longer stay.
❓ Rental Car FAQ
Yes — this surprises many mainland US visitors. Despite being a US territory, the USVI drives on the left side of the road, as do the British Virgin Islands and many Caribbean islands. The steering wheel is on the left (American style), but you stay on the left lane. It feels strange for the first 10–15 minutes, then becomes natural. Just keep reminding yourself at every turn.
A Jeep Wrangler or compact SUV is strongly recommended. St. Thomas roads are steep, narrow, and sometimes unpaved near beaches and viewpoints. A high-clearance vehicle gives you access to the whole island. Sedans work for main roads but limit your exploration significantly.
Yes. A valid US driver's license is all you need to rent and drive in the U.S. Virgin Islands. International visitors from most countries should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home license. Minimum age at most agencies is 25, though some allow 21+ with a young driver surcharge.
Economy cars start at around $40–70/day. Jeeps and SUVs run $80–130/day. Weekly rates offer better value. Prices spike significantly during peak season (December–April) when Jeeps can exceed $150/day. Book early for the best rates and availability.
Most rental agreements prohibit taking the car on a ferry or off St. Thomas. Check your agreement carefully. Vehicle barges to St. John exist but are primarily for residents. We recommend renting a separate Jeep on St. John directly from an agency at the Cruz Bay dock if you need wheels there.
Your personal auto insurance from the mainland may not cover rentals in the USVI — check with your provider before you go. Many premium credit cards provide Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage when you pay with the card and decline the agency CDW. This is often the best approach and can save $15–30/day.