Chapter 6: Getting Around St. Thomas

One of the first decisions you'll make after arriving in St. Thomas is how you're going to explore the island.

Should you rent a car? Are taxis reliable? Is it difficult to drive on the left side of the road? Can you rely on public transportation?

The good news is that getting around St. Thomas is relatively straightforward once you understand your options.

The island is only about 32 square miles, meaning most destinations are within a 15–30 minute drive of one another. So if you're heading to Magens Bay, shopping in Charlotte Amalie, enjoying dinner in Red Hook, or catching a ferry to St. John, you rarely have to travel far.

The best transportation choice depends on your budget, travel style, and what you hope to see during your vacation.

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Renting a Car

For visitors who want maximum flexibility, renting a car is often the best option.

Having your own vehicle allows you to explore the island on your schedule, visit multiple beaches in a single day, stop at scenic overlooks, and discover restaurants or hidden viewpoints that aren't part of organized tours.

It's especially valuable if you're staying in a vacation rental, visiting for several days, or planning to explore beyond the main tourist areas.

Best For

• Families
• Couples
• Travelers staying 4+ days
• Beach hopping
• Photography
• Exploring scenic drives

Pros

• Complete flexibility
• Easier access to quieter beaches
• Convenient for sunrise and sunset photography
• Often more economical than repeated taxi rides for longer stays

Cons

• Parking can be limited in popular areas.
• Mountain roads are steep and winding in places.
• Driving on the left requires extra attention.

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Driving on the Left

One of the most unique aspects of visiting St. Thomas is that traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road.

If you're from the United States, that may sound intimidating, but most visitors adjust surprisingly quickly.

An interesting twist is that many rental vehicles still have the steering wheel on the left side, just like cars on the mainland. This combination feels unusual at first, but most drivers become comfortable after a short time.

Tips for Driving on the Left

• Take your time during your first few miles.
• Let experienced local drivers pass if you're moving more slowly.
• Pay close attention at intersections.
• Use extra caution on narrow mountain roads.
• Remember to stay left when pulling out of parking lots.

The key is not to rush. Island driving is generally more relaxed than in many major U.S. cities.

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Your first drive from the airport is often the trickiest simply because everything is new. If you're nervous, consider arriving during daylight hours when visibility is better and traffic is lighter. You'll feel much more confident by your second day.

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Taxis

If you'd rather skip driving altogether, taxis are a popular and dependable way to get around.

Unlike ride-sharing services that calculate fares by distance, taxis in St. Thomas often operate using fixed rates based on destinations, and fares are typically charged per person rather than per vehicle.

You'll find taxi stands at:

• Cyril E. King Airport
• Cruise ports
• Major beaches
• Shopping districts
• Popular hotels and resorts

Many taxi drivers also serve as informal tour guides, sharing local history, restaurant recommendations, and scenic viewpoints along the way.

Best For

• Cruise passengers
• Couples staying near town
• Visitors who don't plan to explore extensively
• Travelers who prefer not to drive

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Safari Buses

One of the most distinctive ways to travel around St. Thomas is aboard a safari bus.

These open-air vehicles, originally adapted from trucks, serve as a local form of public transportation and are an experience in themselves.

Safari buses follow established routes along major roads, picking up and dropping off passengers as they travel.

Best For

• Budget travelers
• Adventurous visitors
• Travelers with flexible schedules
• Experiencing local life

Things to Know

• They don't operate on fixed timetables.
• Routes can be confusing for first-time visitors.
• They're not ideal if you're trying to keep a strict schedule.
• They generally don't reach every tourist attraction.

For travelers with plenty of time, riding a safari bus can be a fun way to experience the island from a local perspective.

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Walking

Walking can be enjoyable in certain parts of St. Thomas, but it's not practical everywhere.

The island's steep terrain, limited sidewalks, and winding roads make walking between many attractions difficult or even unsafe.

Areas where walking works well include:

• Downtown Charlotte Amalie
• Havensight
• Crown Bay
• Red Hook
• Resort properties
• Beach promenades

Outside these areas, most visitors rely on a car or taxi.

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Boat Transportation

Here's something many first-time visitors don't realize:

Some of the most memorable destinations in and around St. Thomas simply can't be reached by road.

Hidden coves, offshore cays, secluded snorkeling reefs, floating restaurants, and neighboring islands all require access by boat.

Whether you're taking a ferry to St. John, hopping over to Water Island, or spending the day exploring aboard a private charter, traveling by water unlocks an entirely different side of the Virgin Islands.

For many travelers, a day on the water becomes the highlight of the entire vacation, not because it's the most luxurious option, but because it reveals places that land-based visitors never get to experience.

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Parking

Parking is available throughout much of the island, but availability varies depending on where you go.

Downtown Charlotte Amalie

Public lots and street parking are available, though spaces can fill quickly on cruise ship days.

Popular Beaches

Many beaches offer dedicated parking areas. Arriving earlier in the morning generally means easier parking and fewer crowds.

Restaurants

Most restaurants provide parking for guests, though some popular waterfront locations have limited spaces during dinner hours.

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Which Transportation Option Is Right for You?

Transportation	Best For	Flexibility	Cost
Rental Car	Exploring the island	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Moderate
Taxi	Short trips & convenience	⭐⭐⭐	Moderate–High
Safari Bus	Budget travelers	⭐⭐	Low
Walking	Downtown areas	⭐	Free
Ferry	Island hopping	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Moderate
Private Boat Charter	Exploring beyond St. Thomas	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Premium

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Recommended Transportation by Traveler Type

First-Time Visitors

Rent a car if you're staying several days and want to see more than the main tourist areas.

Cruise Passengers

Taxis are usually the simplest and most efficient choice, especially if you're on a tight schedule.

Couples

A combination of a rental car for exploring the island and a boat excursion for one day offers an excellent balance of flexibility and memorable experiences.

Families

A rental car often provides the greatest convenience, particularly when traveling with beach gear, children, or multiple stops planned throughout the day.

Adventure Travelers

Combine transportation methods. Use a car to explore St. Thomas, ferries for nearby islands, and at least one day on the water to experience the Virgin Islands from a completely different perspective.

The Best Way to Experience St. Thomas

Every transportation option has its place. Driving lets you chase scenic overlooks and discover hidden restaurants. Walking allows you to soak in the charm of Charlotte Amalie.

Ferries connect you to neighboring islands, but if your goal is to experience the Virgin Islands at their very best, there is one perspective that stands above the rest.

From the water, you'll discover quiet anchorages, coral reefs, secluded beaches, and panoramic views that simply aren't visible from the road. It's a reminder that while St. Thomas is beautiful from land, it was shaped by the sea, and some of its greatest treasures are waiting just offshore.