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Good Afternoon,
I am going to be staying on the beautiful St. Thomas Island for a week near Charlotte Amelia and thinking about renting a vehicle. We plan to go to Coral World for a day and plan to go on an eco tour at Mangrove Lagoon and plan on going to St. John's for a day... along with exploring the island and doing all on a tight budget. Just trying to know all the costs involved in renting vs taxi service. I wanted to know if there is a cost for parking at beaches, restaurants, attractions and is there adequate parking throughout the main highlights of the island. If there is a charge, how much? The cost involved in taking taxis eat up your $$ quickly, but I don't see anything talking about the parking situation and if there is any other costs or problems involved when renting. Thank you for any insight.
K
Taxi fares are PER PERSON PER DESTINATION, so it almost always pays to rent a car. I always rent a car to be picked up right at the Airport, I prefer Avis. Get an island map right at the rental counter. Magens Bay and the new beach at Smith Bay charge a fee for parking, something like $5 plus $1 per person. No charge at Coral World or Eco Tour area, and it is so worth it to be able to drive around and tour the island. I just rented an intermediate sized car from Avis for 9 days over Christmas week for $395.00. You need a reservation, make it online, and your card does not get charged until after the vehicle is returned. I have never had a problem in 35 years of traveling to STT.
Have a great trip !
K:
Parking at the Red Hook Ferry is $10./day.
Magen's Bay beach is (I believe) $4.
Unless you're going down town for some business that's about all of your parking fees.
Beaches like Coki, Sapphire, Secret Harbor, etc. are free.
Highly suggest that you rent a car. Taxis are very expensive (they charge per person, not per ride). Plus you'll get to explore more in your own car.
F.I.
You can take your rental car to St John (no "s") on the car barge as long as you rent from anyone but Hertz who doesn't allow it. "Quick Links" top right this page will take you to the ferry schedules and prices and then if you drop down the "St Thomas" bar right beneath the Quick Links selection you can scroll down to the taxi rates.
Thanks for all your help - I booked a car!!
Parking downtown in the Fort Christian lot is $1 an hr and $5 all day. Smith Bay $1 or2 and Magens $2 . Most places have free parking but downtown be careful and don't get a ticket.
thanks everyone! I appreciate your advice!
