You take a taxi/van from the airport to either the ferry in Charlotte Amalie or at Red Hook. Yes, the rates are regulated, see the above resources under St John for "getting here" and you'll find taxi rates and ferry schedules which are all pretty up to date. There are unregulated taxis so watch out for them and after dark I hear that all bets are off. Otherwise, its regulated. We paid about $30 for the two of us adults plus one main piece of luggage each from the airport in STT to Red Hook then $4 each ( I think, have already forgotten) for the ferry ticket, $1 extra for each luggage piece I think (can't believe I've forgotten this already). The taxi/vans carry a full load so you'll be packed in with other tourists as the driver makes his way to Red Hook, stopping at some resorts on STT along the way. It's AC'd though so no worries. Not to be a nudge, but if you are REALLY concerned about money and not just a planner of all things including money like I am, then you may want to re-think the trip. These islands are not inexpensive, well worth it, but not too affordable for the budget-minded without a tremendous amount of decision making about alternatives. Transportation is one area where you can't make alternative decisions, you are "stuck" when it comes to the taxis to and from the ferries. Its worth the trip though, best place on earth!

Karrie is right on. The Virgin Islands are LOTS of fun and argueably the best beaches in the world, but they are certainly NOT for people who get nervous about spending money. You may wish to look at my trip report. It's a couple pages back, entitled "Canoebase's STJ 6-page trip report". It's pretty detailed and I listed costs for everything I did.

Thanks so much for the help. The nervous part is more having some idea how to get to the island. I understand the cost part!

Here's what you do. When you get off the airplane, first go find a bathroom and use it! Then collect your luggage if you've checked it and walk outside. There will be several vans parked outside and someone will probably come up to you and ask you where you need to go. You may not be able to understand them, but just say in a cheerful manner "HI, I've got (how ever many people are with you) to RED HOOK, Please!" and the dispatcher will find a vehicle that's going to Red Hook and summon the driver who will assist you with your luggage. It's about a 45 minute drive to Red Hook from the airport, but it might take a bit longer depending on traffic and how long you wait until the driver has a full load of people. Once you get to the ferry dock at Red Hook the driver will assist you unloading your luggage. The ticket office isn't open until just a few moments before the ferry leaves, so if there's nobody in the ticket office, don't panic. Sooner or later a ticket person WILL show up. Tell the ticket person how many people AND how many bags you have and she'll give you tickets and luggage tags. put the tags on your bags and then carry them with you to the line that'll be forming on the pier. the ship's crewman will take your ticket and help you load your luggage on board the ship. You can eitehr sit topside or below. Topside is nicer. If you've got a while to wait before the ferry departs, there's a refreshment stand that sells drinks and beer. Relax.You're on island time! If you tell us where you're going once you get off the ferry, I'd bet there's LOTS of people on this board who can help further!

Don't stress Deb...you will be among lots of first timers at the airport and the taxi drivers, etc. understand it - they see it every day. They will help you, get you to where you need to go, take care of your luggage from the taxi to the ferry, and direct you to where to buy your ferry tickets. It can be a little intimidating at first, but you'll be fine - just relax... once you hop off the ferry onto the dock at Cruz Bay you'll wonder what you were worried about!! Have a great trip with your family... 🙂

We will be staying at Lavender Hill. I am told we just call ahead and they will come and get us, but it would be nice to know how to "go it" on our own. Any comments about the condos would be wonderful (good or bad). Thanks again, you have all been so kind.

The ticket office isn't open until just a few moments before the ferry leaves, so if there's nobody in the ticket office, don't panic. Sooner or later a ticket person WILL show up.

Follow up and a VERY helpful hint for ferry travelers. The ferry boat never leaves without the ticket lady. Keep your eye on her and just make sure you are on the ferry right behind her. Because, as soon as she is on board the ferry leaves not matter what time it is.

Gee thanks for the "right on" Gee-Dubbyah! I should show this to my kids who think I'm just old, never right about anything!