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I am leaving tomorrow morning for St Thomas. We plan to take the car over to St John on both Wed and Thurs. I read there was some problems with the car ferrys last week. What is the current status of the car ferrys and what is the best time to get to the car ferry dock to get over to St John. I understand that a lot of trucks go over first thing in the morning. Is it better to get to the dock at 7:00 am or 9:00am. I would prefer to leave early to get to the beaches before any crowds but would love some advice on when I might expect the shortest lines.
Thanks, this board has been great help in planning my trip! Eric
Hey Midwesterblues,
I also am leaving tommorow on a red eye to St. Thomas. I also plan on taking the car ferry on Thursday to St. John. What was the problem with the car ferry last week? I too have the same questions as you do in respect to what is the best time to take it over.
Hi, I believe that the problems had to do with the new location on St. John by Frank Bay. (no longer arrive/depart in center of town on the car barges)
I would say get there as early as possible to get over faster, even with the trucks, they will manage to find spots to fill with cars & jeeps.
Hi just got back from our trip. You will have a great time. We did not use the car ferry last week. The passenger ferry worked great. We took it over several times. One day we rented a jeep from Varlack Ventures for $72 on St. John. They are located just up the road from the ferry dock turn right at the First Bank and they are on your right. Just a plan B if the car ferry thing doesn't work. You don't want to miss a day in St. John it is beautiful. The passenger ferry also gives you more time there as well because you have until 11pm to come back. Parking in Red Hook is a little hairy. We saw the car ferry at the dock in Red Hook and there are a lot of trucks that use it. You may want to consider leaving the car on St. John overnight and then taking the passenger ferry back to STT and taxi back to the hotel. It may turn out less expensive than the car ferry 2 days in a row and give you more time in St. John. We had a wonderful trip. My trip report is coming.
Kraushaus - can't wait to read your trip report! I know you put LOTS of planning into your trip. I hope it still exceeded your expectations!
Hi we just got back yesterday and will eventually get my trip report out, but just wanted to reply to your questions as we went on the car ferry. I was really nervous about how crowded it would be, the whole turn around thing and if it would be worth it. I was definetly glad we had our car (we rented from Budget) over in St John as we had three kids with us and the taxis would have cost a lot. We drove in the lot at 8:00am expecting a crowd, but there were only three trucks waiting. The barge had just pulled in and I was directed to turn around, back into the barge and that was it! We didn't know what to expect but you do stay in your car the whole time as the trucks are right next to you...and I do mean right next to you! The only problem is if you buy a round trip ticket the barges tend to be running late as the afternoon goes on. If you just missed it you have another hour wait. Hope this helps with questions about the car barge
