How do I get to St. Croix by ferry?

The QE IV Ferry operates between Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Gallows Bay, Christiansted, St. Croix. The crossing takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours. The ferry runs Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays), departing St. Thomas at 3:00 PM. No passport required — this is a domestic USVI route.

Do I need a passport to visit St. Croix?

No, if you're a US citizen or resident. St. Croix is part of the US Virgin Islands — no passport is required for travel from the US mainland or between USVI islands. A passport is needed only if you're arriving from the BVI or another country.

How long is the ferry to St. Croix?

The ferry from St. Thomas to St. Croix takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours.

What is there to do on St. Croix?

St. Croix offers Christiansted's Danish colonial architecture and boardwalk dining, world-class wall diving at Cane Bay, the Cruzan Rum Distillery tour, Buck Island snorkeling, and the Frederiksted Pier — one of the Caribbean's best shore dives.

How much does the ferry to St. Croix cost?

Ferry fares to St. Croix vary by operator and route. One-way adult fares typically range from $50–90 for the QE IV Ferry from Charlotte Amalie. Check individual route pages on this site for current pricing from each departure point.

How to Get to St. Croix — Ferry Routes, Schedules & Tips

Getting there

Ferry Terminals & Logistics

The QE IV Ferry is currently the only scheduled ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix. It departs from the Charlotte Amalie waterfront terminal on St. Thomas and arrives at Gallows Bay in Christiansted, St. Croix. The crossing takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on sea conditions. The ferry operates Wednesday through Monday, with no Tuesday service. Check-in opens about an hour before departure.

The Charlotte Amalie terminal is about 10 minutes by taxi from Cyril E. King Airport (STT). Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to purchase tickets and board. On the St. Croix side, Gallows Bay is on the waterfront in Christiansted, within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and hotels along the historic boardwalk. Taxis are available at the dock for travel to Frederiksted (about 30 minutes) or resort areas.

This is a domestic USVI route, so no passport is required for US citizens and residents. The crossing is over open ocean and can be choppy, especially in winter months when north swells build. Seas are typically calmer in summer.

STT Airport to Red Hook guide Island hopping guide

Ferry Routes to St. Croix

From	Crossing Time	Border
Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas	~90 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares

Ferry Routes from St. Croix

To	Crossing Time	Border
Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas	~90 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares

Getting to St. Croix by Air

Yes — Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) receives direct flights from the US mainland, San Juan, and other Caribbean islands. Flying is faster but the ferry offers a scenic alternative.

On the island

What to Expect on St. Croix

St. Croix has a distinctly different character from St. Thomas and St. John. The island is larger, flatter, and more agricultural. Christiansted on the northeast coast is the main town, with a well-preserved Danish colonial waterfront, Fort Christiansvaern, and a growing restaurant scene. Frederiksted on the west coast is quieter, with a long public beach and the Frederiksted Pier — a world-renowned shore diving and snorkeling site.

The island is a major diving destination. Cane Bay Wall, accessible from shore, drops thousands of feet into the Caribbean Sea and attracts divers from around the world. The Cruzan Rum Distillery near Frederiksted offers tours and tastings. Buck Island Reef National Monument, a short boat ride from Christiansted, has an underwater snorkeling trail through elkhorn coral formations.

At a glance

Ferry routes: 2
Crossing time: 90 min
Territory: USVI
Passport: No

Tips for Visiting St. Croix

Book your QE IV Ferry tickets in advance online when possible — the ferry can sell out on weekends and holidays.

Take seasickness medication before boarding if you're sensitive — the open-ocean crossing between St. Thomas and St. Croix can be rough.

The ferry arrives in Christiansted. If your hotel is in Frederiksted, arrange transportation in advance — it's about a 30-minute drive.

Bring a light jacket or sweatshirt for the ferry — the air conditioning onboard runs cold.

Consider flying if time is short. Seaborne Airlines and Cape Air operate quick flights between STT and STX (about 25 minutes).

Common Questions About Getting to St. Croix

How do I get to St. Croix by ferry?: The QE IV Ferry operates between Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Gallows Bay, Christiansted, St. Croix. The crossing takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours. The ferry runs Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays), departing St. Thomas at 3:00 PM. No passport required — this is a domestic USVI route.
Do I need a passport to visit St. Croix?: No, if you're a US citizen or resident. St. Croix is part of the US Virgin Islands — no passport is required for travel from the US mainland or between USVI islands. A passport is needed only if you're arriving from the BVI or another country.
How long is the ferry to St. Croix?: The ferry from St. Thomas to St. Croix takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Is there an airport on St. Croix?: Yes — Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) receives direct flights from the US mainland, San Juan, and other Caribbean islands. Flying is faster but the ferry offers a scenic alternative.
What is there to do on St. Croix?: St. Croix offers Christiansted's Danish colonial architecture and boardwalk dining, world-class wall diving at Cane Bay, the Cruzan Rum Distillery tour, Buck Island snorkeling, and the Frederiksted Pier — one of the Caribbean's best shore dives.
How much does the ferry to St. Croix cost?: Ferry fares to St. Croix vary by operator and route. One-way adult fares typically range from $50–90 for the QE IV Ferry from Charlotte Amalie. Check individual route pages on this site for current pricing from each departure point.