Red Hook to Cruz Bay Ferry 2026: Schedule, Prices & Insider Tips

Red Hook to Cruz Bay Ferry 2026: The Complete Guide

The 20-minute ferry from Red Hook (St. Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St. John) is the single most-used route in the USVI. Here is the 2026 schedule, pricing, and everything the signs at the dock do not tell you.

Passenger Ferry Schedule (2026)

Operated by Varlack Ventures and Transportation Services on alternating hours.

From Red Hook to Cruz Bay:
6:30 AM, 7:30, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, then hourly through 11:00 PM (midnight on Fri/Sat)

From Cruz Bay to Red Hook:
6:00 AM, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, then hourly through 11:00 PM

Extra runs: July 4, New Year's Eve, and major event nights get 30-minute frequency.

Passenger Fares (2026)

• Adults: $8.15 one-way
• Children (2–11): $2.15 one-way
• Seniors 62+: $6.15 one-way
• Bikes: $2 extra
• Kayaks/SUPs: $5–10 extra depending on size

Cash only at the dock booth. ATM inside.

Car Barge Schedule (Big Barge)

Operated by Boyson Inc. and Global Marine:

From Red Hook: 6:30 AM, 7:30, 8:00, then hourly through 7 PM
From Cruz Bay: 6:00 AM, 7:00, 8:00, then hourly through 6:30 PM

Rates: ~$50 round trip per standard car + $8.15 per passenger.

Which Ferry to Take

• Foot passenger: The passenger ferry — every hour on the hour
• Bringing a rental car: The car barge — but check that your rental agreement allows STJ (many do not)
• Better move for cars: Skip the barge, ferry as passenger, rent a Jeep on St. John from Island Buddy or L&L

Insider Tips

• Buy the return ticket at Red Hook. Cruz Bay's booth line on Sunday afternoon is brutal
• Sit on the top deck. Better breeze, best view of Great St. James
• Arrive 20 min early on July 4 and cruise ship days
• Bags: Roll-aboard is free — no baggage fees
• Sea sick? Passage is smooth 90% of the time — outer bay only gets rough in strong easterlies
• Dogs OK on both ferries, leashed

The Charlotte Amalie Ferry (Different Route)

There is also a longer 45-min ferry from Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay — cheaper flights land there but the Red Hook route is faster once you factor the taxi.

Getting to Red Hook from the Airport

• Taxi: $17 per person, ~30 min
• Rental car return at STT: Taxi over — parking at Red Hook is limited and pricey
• Pre-arranged shuttle: $20 per person, worth it with luggage

After You Land in Cruz Bay

Everything you need is a 5-minute walk from the dock — see our St. John Festival guide or Cruz Bay restaurant roundup.

Booking a boat day out of Cruz Bay? Charter departures from St. John here.