How Do You Get from St. Thomas to St. John? Ferry, Taxi & Charter Options (2026)

How do you get from St. Thomas to St. John? There are four main ways: the public car ferry from Red Hook, the passenger ferry from Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie, a private water taxi, or a private charter boat. Each option has different costs, schedules, and advantages depending on your group size, budget, and plans.

Quick Answer

The most common way is the Red Hook to Cruz Bay passenger ferry, which runs every hour, takes about 20 minutes, and costs $7.50 per person each way. If you need to bring a car, the car ferry from Red Hook costs $42-$50 round trip.

Option 1: Passenger Ferry from Red Hook

The Red Hook ferry is the most popular route to St. John.

Schedule & Pricing

• Frequency: Every hour from 6:00 AM to midnight
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Cost: $7.50 per person each way ($5.50 for children under 11)
• Tickets: Cash only at the dock, first-come first-served

Pro Tips

• Arrive 30 minutes early during peak season (December–April)
• The ferry dock has limited parking — budget $10/day for the Red Hook parking lot
• Last ferry back from St. John is at 11:00 PM

Option 2: Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay Ferry

If you're staying near the cruise ship port or downtown Charlotte Amalie, this ferry saves you a 30-minute taxi ride to Red Hook.

Schedule & Pricing

• Frequency: Roughly every 1-2 hours, fewer runs than Red Hook
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Cost: $14.50 per person each way
• Best for: Cruise ship passengers and downtown hotel guests

Option 3: Car Ferry from Red Hook

Need a vehicle on St. John? The car barge is your only option.

Schedule & Pricing

• Frequency: Every 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Vehicle cost: $42-$50 round trip (driver included)
• Passengers: $7.50 per additional person

Important Notes

• Reservations recommended — the car ferry fills up fast, especially on weekends
• Rental car companies on St. Thomas often don't allow their vehicles on the ferry — check your rental agreement
• Consider renting a Jeep directly on St. John instead

Option 4: Private Water Taxi

For convenience and flexibility, private water taxis operate between various points on both islands.

Pricing

• 2-6 passengers: $125-$200 one way
• 7-12 passengers: $200-$350 one way
• After hours (9 PM+): Add $50-$100 surcharge

When It's Worth It

• Groups of 4+ (cost per person drops below ferry + taxi)
• Hotel pickups at waterfront resorts (Westin, Ritz-Carlton)
• Custom drop-off points (Trunk Bay, Caneel Bay)

Option 5: Private Charter Boat

The most luxurious option — combine your transportation with a full-day island experience.

What You Get

• Door-to-dock pickup at your resort
• Stops at snorkeling spots, beaches, and lunch spots en route
• Full-day charters from $1,200-$2,800 for up to 6-12 guests
• Half-day transfers with 2-3 stops from $800-$1,500

Book a private charter to St. John →

Best For

• Families and groups of 4-12
• Honeymoons and special occasions
• Anyone who wants to maximize their day

Getting from the Airport to the Ferry

If you're flying into Cyril E. King Airport (STT), here's how to get to the Red Hook ferry:

Pro Tip: Don't try to rush for the last ferry. If you land after 9 PM, consider staying overnight on St. Thomas and catching the first ferry in the morning.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John?

The Red Hook to Cruz Bay ferry takes about 20 minutes. The Charlotte Amalie ferry takes approximately 45 minutes.

Can you take an Uber from St. Thomas to St. John?

No — Uber and Lyft do not operate in the US Virgin Islands. You'll need to use local taxis, which use fixed government rates.

Do you need a passport to go from St. Thomas to St. John?

No. Both islands are part of the US Virgin Islands, a US territory. US citizens only need a valid photo ID. No passport required.

What time does the last ferry leave St. John?

The last passenger ferry from Cruz Bay to Red Hook departs at 11:00 PM. The last Charlotte Amalie ferry leaves much earlier (typically around 5:15 PM).

Is it better to stay on St. Thomas or St. John?

St. Thomas has more nightlife, shopping, and resort options. St. John is quieter with world-class beaches and national park access. Many visitors split their trip between both — plan your perfect itinerary here.

Related Guides

• USVI 7-Day Itinerary — St. Thomas & St. John Combined
• St. Thomas Taxi Rates — Complete 2026 Guide
• Passenger Ferry Schedules
• Car Ferry Schedules