We always rent on STJ, even though I could get a cheaper deal on STT. That's because I like to be able to park in the company's lot when I'm in Cruz Bay and in case I have any sort of problem with the vehicle, I want to be dealing with a company on the same island. Also, I like to avoid dealing with traffic and related matters on STT---such as the car ferry. For elaboration on possible car ferry problems, do read the massive thread just below yours: STT's Dirty Little Secret.

Oh, and get 4wd. If you don't and the roads get the least bit wet, you'll have problems.

It depends on what you have more of:

Time/Patience
Money

If you have more money and less time/patience, rent on STJ. It is more convenient for all of the reasons stated above in Nick's post.

If you have less money, but more time and patience to deal with the issues in Nick's post, rent on STT and transfer over.

Either way, there's a trade-off.

I thought there was a hefty fine for bring over rental cars from STT.

Hi Bruce:

You can bring cars rented on St. Thomas to St. John, but often you will void your roadside assistance and/or auto rental insurance by doing so. You may be trading in a lot for convenience.

Lots of people do this without incident... just keep in mind the caveats.

Right now, the car barge system is like a cattle call. There are no signs anywhere. I'd avoid rush hour (both A.M. and P.M.). Employees carry tickets and wear company shirts so they are easy enough to spot. Bring your patience and a cool drink; you'll likely need them!

Isn't it a shame that we actually have to WARN people who wish to use this mode of transport? It could be easier to navigate, but there is no standard of service delivery. Hopefully, it will evolve into something that is more user-friendly.

Be sure and ask the rental company if they allow you to take the rental car from STT to STJ. Some companies do have a penalty if you take the rental to STJ and others allow it with limited coverage. We are using Budget which does allow inter-island travel. Hertz does not allow inter-island travel.

Thanks for the advice. I think we will rent on StJ this trip since we only have a few days anf on StT next time when we can stay longer.

Strange to get all these warnings when the Budget webpage (see below) seems to encourge taking the car to St John. Is it true that the ferry is now $50 Round trip?

from Budget
"Cross border traffic: All cars may be taken on the ferry to St. John. There are four ferry companies available. No appointment is necessary. Ferry fee is approximately USD 25 roundtrip. Ferry arrangements can be made upon arrival."

1) If your car rental company allows you to take your car to St. John on the ferry without loss of roadside assistance and/or insurance coverage, they will let you know, as Budget has. They do not all do this.

2) Last I heard, not all of the companies have raised their prices (which recently went up for some due to high fuel costs). Check the "Ferry Schedules" link waaaaay at the top of the web page! When you get there, click on the St. John Car Barge link.

We're getting a 2-door Vitara on St John. any idea if these normally carry AC ?

2 door soft top does not have AC.
Open the windows and enjoy the island. I find using AC, while a convenience on some occasions (dress up dinner, etc.) tends to sterilize the vacation and makes it feel like a Disney ride through the attraction.
I live in Houston where AC is king.

James don't know if you have taken your trip, but as a traveler I would suggest NOT taking the car ferry. If you want to make the most of a day trip to STJ it is worth paying a little extra ride the ferry over, and rent a car on STJ. The locals seem to know the ropes a little better. Because it seemed like mass confusion to me.

On my last visit to STT my husband and I decided to take our car on the ferry. Just a little problem that one of the ferrys was broken, didn't have a proper permit, or something that day. We wasted half our day waiting in the parking lots coming and going. Additionally, it seemed that commerical vehicles got to "cut" in line. I don't know if this is a normal practice, but I'm sure one of the locals can say. And of course it was a fight to the death for the last spot on the last ferry back that day. Several people were left on STJ. Not such a bad thing I guess. lol

All and all it was an "interesting" experience that my husband and I still laugh about to this day. In fact he jokes that he wants to "take the car ferry to STJ" when we go in August, just to see my eyes pop! I would have much rather spent an extra 3 or 4 hours site seeing on STJ. So I recommend taking the more relaxing ride on the passenger ferries.

Just to offer a counterbalance ot the negative car ferry remarks, we used the car barge on our June 2005 trip and drove right onto the gravel in front of the ferry, turned the car around and reversed onto the ferry (with the help of a friendly Boyson employee) without a hitch....in a few minutes the ferry left the dock and we departed smoothly on the other side.

I was all ready for a brawl.....darn 🙂

I've been reading all the posts, and had faxed or emailed several car rental providers on St. John for more information. Imagine my surprise when my office phone rang and it was Felix from Cool Breeze Car Rentals, who'd read my fax for more information, and rather than fax or email back, picked up the phone to see how he could help! Talk about awesome customer service! And thanks for the advice on 4X4, I reserved a 4x4 Vitara for my stay, I'm a hiker and it's better to have 4X4 and not need it than need it and not have it! Three months and counting!