No Uber or Lyft in the USVI. The U.S. Virgin Islands does not permit rideshare services. All taxis are government-regulated with fixed per-person fares. Taxis queue directly outside baggage claim at STT airport.
🚐 How USVI Taxis Work
USVI taxis operate differently from what most mainland visitors expect. Understanding the system makes the experience much smoother.
1
Find the taxi stand
At STT airport, taxis queue directly outside baggage claim. There will be a dispatcher or the drivers themselves will approach you. State your destination clearly.
2
Shared ride — the van fills up first
USVI taxis are shared rides. The driver will wait until the van has enough passengers headed in the same direction before departing. This is normal and expected — not a sign of anything wrong.
3
Fares are per person, not per ride
All fares are charged per person. A family of four going to Charlotte Amalie pays $7 × 4 = $28 total. Fares are government-set and non-negotiable for standard routes.
4
Safari vans are the main vehicle
Most USVI taxis are open-air safari vans — flatbed trucks with bench seating and a canopy. They're iconic, fun, and perfect for the island climate. Air-conditioned sedans are also available and cost more.
5
Private charter if you want it
If you don't want to share, ask for a "private charter." The driver will charge you the full van rate — typically 2–3× the per-person fare — and depart immediately without waiting for other passengers.
6
Cash is king, cards accepted by most
Most drivers accept cash (USD) and many now accept cards. Have small bills available as change can be limited. A 15–20% tip is customary for good service.
✈️ STT Airport Taxi Fares — 2026
Official government-regulated fares from Cyril E. King Airport (STT). All fares are per person for a shared ride.
🏙️ To/From Charlotte Amalie Area
| Destination | Per Person |
|---|---|
| Charlotte Amalie (downtown) | $7 |
| Havensight / Cruise Ship Dock | $7 |
| Crown Bay Marina | $6 |
| Sub Base / Long Bay | $6 |
🏨 To/From East End Resorts
| Destination | Per Person |
|---|---|
| Red Hook (ferry to St. John) | $11 |
| Marriott / Frenchman's Reef | $12 |
| Ritz-Carlton | $14 |
| Secret Harbour | $12 |
| Point Pleasant Resort | $13 |
| Sapphire Beach / Bolongo Bay | $12 |
🏖️ To/From Beaches & Attractions
| Destination | Per Person |
|---|---|
| Magens Bay Beach | $10 |
| Coki Beach / Coral World | $10 |
| Brewers Bay Beach | $6 |
| Emerald Beach | $5 |
| Lindqvist Beach | $11 |
| Paradise Point Skyride | $7 |
* Fares listed are per person for shared rides from STT airport. Private charter rates are higher. Rates are government-regulated and subject to annual review.
🗺️ Island-Wide Taxi Fares
Common routes around St. Thomas. All per-person shared ride fares.
| From → To | Per Person |
|---|---|
| Charlotte Amalie → Red Hook | $9 |
| Charlotte Amalie → Magens Bay | $8 |
| Charlotte Amalie → Coki Beach | $9 |
| Charlotte Amalie → Ritz-Carlton | $12 |
| Red Hook → Magens Bay | $13 |
| Red Hook → Charlotte Amalie | $9 |
| Havensight → Charlotte Amalie | $4 |
| Havensight → Magens Bay | $10 |
| Marriott → Charlotte Amalie | $9 |
| Ritz-Carlton → Red Hook | $7 |
* All fares are approximate per-person shared ride rates. Actual fares may vary slightly. Always confirm the fare with your driver before departing.
🧮 Fare Estimator
Estimate your total taxi cost based on your group size and destination from STT airport.
Calculate Your Fare from STT Airport
Estimated shared ride total
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💡 Insider Tips
Be patient at the airport. The driver will wait until the van fills up before leaving. This is standard practice — not a problem. Peak arrival times (mid-morning and afternoon) mean faster fill-up times.
Carry small bills. Many drivers have limited change. Have $1s, $5s, and $10s ready. USD is the currency — no exchange needed for US visitors.
Confirm the fare before you get in. While fares are regulated, always confirm your destination and the fare with the driver before departing. This avoids any confusion on arrival.
Large groups should book private charter. If you have 4+ people with luggage, a private charter may be more comfortable and comparable in price to a shared ride. Ask the driver for the charter rate.
Early morning and late night may need pre-arranged rides. Airport taxis are plentiful during the day but can be sparse for very early (before 6 AM) or very late (after 11 PM) arrivals. Ask your hotel to arrange pickup in advance.
Tip 15–20%. USVI taxi drivers depend on tips as a significant part of their income. $1–2 per person minimum, more for excellent service or heavy luggage handling.
Enjoy the safari van. The open-air safari vans are an iconic USVI experience. They give you fresh air, great views of the island, and a real sense of island culture. Embrace it.
❓ Taxi FAQ
No. Uber and Lyft do not operate in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The USVI has its own government-regulated taxi system with fixed per-person fares. All transportation from the airport is via licensed taxis, safari vans, or rental cars.
The government-regulated fare from STT airport to Charlotte Amalie (downtown St. Thomas) is $7 per person for a shared ride. A family of four would pay $28 total. For a private charter, ask the driver for the full van rate.
A safari van is an open-air flatbed truck with bench seating and a canopy roof — the most common form of taxi in the USVI. They hold 8–15 passengers and are perfect for the warm Caribbean climate. They're an iconic part of island culture and a fun way to travel.
Yes — ask for a "private charter." The driver will charge you the full van rate (not per-person) and depart immediately without picking up other passengers. This typically costs 2–3× the per-person fare but guarantees direct, private service.
Many do, but not all. It's safest to have cash (USD) available, especially for smaller fares. Carry small bills ($1, $5, $10) as drivers may have limited change. Most drivers at the airport now accept cards, but confirm before you get in.
Take a taxi from STT airport to Red Hook ($11/person, ~20 min), then board the ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John (~20 min crossing, ~$7 each way). See our St. John Ferry Guide for full ferry schedules and tips.