St. John, in the US Virgin Islands, is a popular travel destination. You can expect beautiful beaches, Caribbean history and hiking in the Virgin Islands National Park, and fun boating experiences. Before you enjoy these amazing adventures however, you must first get to St. John.
On this page, you will find comprehensive information about traveling to St. John. It includes the most popular options for transportation from St. Thomas to St. John, such as passenger and car ferries. In addition, we provide details about other alternatives like water taxis, boat charters, and term yacht charters.
For those traveling between St. John and the British Virgin Islands, we have compiled information on ferry options leaving St. John.
To supplement your planning, we also provide links to articles and frequently asked questions about taking the St. John-St. Thomas ferries. For those interested in cruise vacations, we highlight cruise lines with Caribbean itineraries that include a stop at St. John.
Prepare to embark on your journey—here’s everything you need to know about reaching the island of St. John!
- There is no airport on the island of St. John.
- The closest airport to St. John is the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas, and its airport code is STT.
- St. Thomas and St. John are both part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The two islands are maybe 6 miles apart at their closest points.
- The only way to get to the St. John, in the US Virgin Islands, is by boat. The options include taking a passenger ferry, car barge, water taxi, boat charter, or term yacht charter.
- Cruz Bay, the main town on St. John, is the primary gateway to the island. It is where all the ferry landings are located, and its where private boats drop off and pick up passengers.
- There are two ferry landings in Cruz Bay: Loredon Lawrence Boynes Sr. Dock (Cruz Bay Dock), and Victor William Sewer Marine Facility ("The Creek"). The Theovald Eric Moorehead Dock and Terminal are at Enighed Pond (very close to Cruz Bay).
The Essential Facts About Getting to St. John
Top 5 Options for Traveling between St. John and St. Thomas
1. St. John Passenger Ferries
St. John Ferry Schedules & RatesThere are three passenger ferry routes that connect St. Thomas and St. John. Ferry service is reliable, convenient, and easy. Daily service is available. [St. John Ferry Schedules & Rates]
2. Day Trips and Boat Charters to St. John
Boat trips and charters are very popular for visitors staying on St. Thomas that want to island hop to St. John. There are power boat and sailboat options.
3. Virgin Islands Term Charters that include St. John
Term charters in the US Virgin Islands allow you to cruise to multiple islands, including St. John, over several days. Cruise aboard a sailing yacht, motor yacht, or a catamaran and explore the islands for a few days, a week, or longer. [Overnight Yacht Charters in the USVI]
4. St. John Car Barge
You can take your car, and its passengers, between St. Thomas and St. John on a car ferry. Daily service is available.
Travel Tip: If you are taking a car over to St. John from St. Thomas, you should read up on where to park on St. John, and within the main town of Cruz Bay.
5. Water Taxi to St. John
Water taxis are available to get you between St. Thomas and St. John. They offer personalized service and work around your schedule.
Articles about the St. John-St. Thomas Passenger Ferry and Car Barge
- How To: Traveling from the St. Thomas Airport to St. John by ferry.
- How To: Getting from the St. Thomas Cruise Ship Docks to St. John by ferry.
- How To: How can I take my rental car from St. Thomas to St. John using a ferry?
- Your Ultimate Guide to Reserving and Buying Tickets for St. John-St. Thomas Passenger Ferry: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Navigating the St. John to St. Thomas Ferry: Your Questions Answered
Additional Ferry Options for Visiting St. John
St. Croix/St. John Ferry: In recent months one of the St. Croix ferries offered round-trip day trips from St. Croix to St. John. It was offered largely during season. You can check whether anything is currently scheduled by visiting: St. Croix to St. John Ferry.
BVI/St. John Ferry: Ferry service between the British Virgin Islands and St. John is limited but there are trips from Tortola and Jost van Dyke. The Virgin Gorda and Anegada ferries plan to resume service in March 2023. Review the USVI-BVI Ferry Schedules for updates.
Visiting St. John on a Cruise
It is possible for you to visit St. John, US Virgin Islands on a cruise ship. St. John receives on average two cruise ships a month during season (December to April), and generally no ships in off season. The yacht-style cruise ships, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, through SeaDream Yacht Club; and mid-sized ships from Azamara Cruises such as Azamara Quest, offer Caribbean cruise itineraries that include Cruz Bay, St. John.
