Hey Greg....we were confused with that too. Actually, we just drove up and got on the first one there and I couldn't even tell you which one it was. They charge you $3.00 per car at the gate for port charges and then after you get on the barge a girl comes around and collects the other $50.00 from you (that was for a round trip).

Be warned...any car or truck can get on the car barges, ours had a lovely trash truck right in the front middle that was full of garbage....didn't smell real good out in that hot sun. On the way back one of the barges looked like they had all trucks on them coming from St. John into St. Thomas. Maybe that was a barge that was cheaper? I don't know.

We always try to get the one with the palm trees growing in the tubs - I think that may be the Roanoke. It has two observation decks, they always have good island music playing and there is a little snack window where you can get a beer or some ice cream. It's nice to get out of your car for the crossing if the weather is nice - good picture taking. The staff has always been friendly. If you are struggling with backing on they will help you and one of the guys let me use his cell phone one time when I couldn't get service and needed to call our villa escort. I really like the new car ferry area on STJ - lots easier to line up.

Margy....we were on that barge last year..it's really cute isn't it? We just took the first barge that came in. Wanted to get over there. Yes, this year getting on the barge was alot easier. The people were very nice..just wish that garbage truck wasn't on there, but hey...that's part of the adventure!

Remember it's better (as a visitor) to buy a one way ticket as they are not transferable from one ferry company to another and you don't want to have to wait for the "correct" ferry for your return trip.

Pia

Hey, Connie - condolences on the garbage truck. I once stayed in the SUV for a crossing. I thought better of it and was about to get out and go upstairs when the guys came down the line pinning the mirrors back on the SUVs to make room for some trucks that were coming on quickly so it was too late to get out. Guess what was next to me on that trip?? The FISH truck - now, that was a fun one, too - lol.

Looks like we kind of hi-jacked Greg's thread here. Guess we don't have any real recommendations, Greg - just preferences. And, some advice: like, try not to get wedged in next to a garbage truck or fish truck - lol. Agree about the one way ticket - gives you options when you want to return. Oh yes, if the barge is not full when it leaves expect it to cast off and go back, cast off, then go back, a couple of times or more to pick up stragglers and try to make a full load. Lean back on the observation deck, sip a Caribe and just go with it. It's always fun to hear folks grumble when things don't leave or arrive on schedule in the VI or, in the case of the car ferry, the crew keeps going back for more customers. I always think "Geez, what's the big deal - - would I rather be at WORK waiting in the cafeteria line or stuck in traffic or would I rather be inconvenienced a little bit HERE??" HERE always wins that argument - 🙂

Margy...i really had to laugh about the fish truck...i don't know what's worse..fish or garbage.

Just remember folks. The employees are NOT to pack you in like sardines. They have to allow room for you to get out of your vehicle in case of an emergency. If they cannot provide this, they are supposed to ask you to vacate the vehicle prior to them barricading you in.

Ambassaor..i didn't know that and it's a good point you make. We did get out of our vehicles, only because i tried sitting in the car and the water was rough...not good on the stomach for sure.

Girlfriend couldn't get our her side and had to climb over the passenger seat.

On our barge from STJ to STT, they really packed us in, hard to walk around any vehicle at all.

This is my first time to take the STT - STJ ferry, more so the car barge. Is the location of the Car barge the same as the passenger ferry ? Coming for the STT Airport do we take the same "star" route to Red Hook ? when we get to Red hook will we be able to identify where the Car Barge is ?

thank you.

Gabe

gabe...it's almost the same location, but if you're coming from the airport, it will be on your right, "just" pass the people ferry...you will see a sign.

Connie -

thank you very much

Remember to back onto the ferry and line up backwards as well 🙂

Pia

Here are the directions that EastEnder gave in a reply to my post about this last November. It was great to have them for the drive even though it was fairly well marked with the startfish.

"My instructions would be: Navigator should yell "keep left" at random points through this ride. Go out the airport road and turn right at the stoplight. Stay on that road along the waterfront. You will go by the new Yacht Haven. Go straight (veer right) at the stoplight at Mandela Circle and drive through Havensight. Keep on this road and you will eventually come to a stop sign. Turn left and stay on that road down Donkey Hill, past Bolongo Bay, past the horse track. Turn right at the T (there will be a gas station in front of you, the bridge to nowhere on your right.) Stay on that road. You will eventually pass Food Center, if you want to stop for some groceries. Continue through the stop light at the top of the hill. Follow the road, you will curve to the left and pass a high school. You are in Red Hook. If you need fruits and veggies, meats and fish, stop at Marina Market on the left. If not, continue past American Yacht Harbor and have the navigator watch for the signs for the ferry dock, turn right right just past the taxi van area. Voila! "

My tip would be to MAKE SURE you know when the last barge is coming back to STT!! I had some guests that had missed the last barge and were stuck in STJ. Get this....They were greeted by a couple of Rasta's that were on a garbage barge and offered to take them get back to STT with them!!! Talk about SMELL, lol, but how awesome that they were able to get back and how awesome that they offered!!! 🙂 They really had a story to tell!