How do I get to St. John by ferry?

The most common route is the passenger ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas (about 20 minutes, roughly every hour). Ferries also run from Charlotte Amalie (about 45 minutes via Transportation Services of St. John) and Crown Bay (about 35 minutes via Inter Island Boat Services). If you need to bring a car, use the Big Red Barge vehicle barge from Red Hook.

Do I need a passport to visit St. John?

No, if you're a US citizen or resident. St. John 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. John?

Ferry times to St. John are about 20 minutes from Red Hook, 35 minutes from Crown Bay, or 45 minutes from Charlotte Amalie.

What is there to do on St. John?

St. John is a nature lover's paradise. Virgin Islands National Park covers most of the island, with hiking trails (Reef Bay, Lind Point) and beaches like Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Maho Bay. Cruz Bay has restaurants and shops, and the pace is wonderfully slow.

How much does the ferry to St. John cost?

Ferry fares to St. John vary by operator and route. One-way adult fares typically range from $7–14 for the Red Hook passenger ferry, with other routes varying. Check individual route pages on this site for current pricing from each departure point.

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

Getting there

Ferry Terminals & Logistics

The passenger ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas, is the primary way to reach St. John. Ferries run roughly every hour from early morning to late evening, and the crossing takes about 20 minutes to Cruz Bay, the main town on St. John. No reservations are needed for the passenger ferry — just show up, buy a ticket at the booth, and board. Fares are paid in cash at the terminal.

If you're coming from the airport or downtown, Transportation Services of St. John runs from Charlotte Amalie (about 45 minutes) and Inter Island Boat Services runs from Crown Bay (about 35 minutes) to Cruz Bay. These routes are less frequent but avoid the 25-minute taxi ride to Red Hook. The car barge from Red Hook (Big Red Barge) is the only way to bring a vehicle to St. John — advance booking is recommended, especially on weekends.

There is also a ferry from West End, Tortola, to Cruz Bay (about 25 minutes). This is a cross-border route between the BVI and USVI, so a valid passport is required and you will clear US customs upon arrival in Cruz Bay.

All ferries arrive at the Cruz Bay ferry dock in the center of town. Taxis and open-air safari buses meet every ferry. No passport is needed for ferries from St. Thomas — St. John is part of the US Virgin Islands, so it's domestic travel for US citizens and residents.

STT Airport to Red Hook guide Island hopping guide

Ferry Routes to St. John

From	Crossing Time	Border
Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas	~45 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares
Crown Bay St. Thomas	~35 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares
Red Hook St. Thomas	~20 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares
West End Tortola	~25 min	Passport required	Schedule & Fares

Ferry Routes from St. John

To	Crossing Time	Border
Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas	~45 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares
Crown Bay St. Thomas	~35 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares
Red Hook St. Thomas	~20 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares
West End Tortola	~25 min	Passport required	Schedule & Fares

Getting to St. John by Air

There is no airport on St. John. All visitors arrive by ferry, primarily from St. Thomas. The closest airport is Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas.

On the island

What to Expect on St. John

St. John is the quietest and most nature-focused of the main Virgin Islands. Virgin Islands National Park covers about 60% of the island, with well-maintained hiking trails through tropical dry forest and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Trunk Bay is the most famous — a long, curved beach with an underwater snorkeling trail. Cinnamon Bay, Maho Bay, and Hawksnest Bay are also excellent and often less crowded.

Cruz Bay is the island's only real town, with a handful of restaurants, shops, and bars clustered around the ferry dock. The pace is slow and the vibe is casual. Many visitors come for the day from St. Thomas, but staying overnight lets you explore the hiking trails and beaches at a more relaxed pace. Coral Bay on the east end is even more laid-back, with a small-town feel and water views.

At a glance

Ferry routes: 8
Crossing time: 20–45 min
Territory: USVI
Passport: Required

Tips for Visiting St. John

The Red Hook passenger ferry runs roughly hourly, but check the schedule for the last departure — missing it means an expensive water taxi.

Bring cash for the ferry ticket booth at Red Hook. Some ferries don't accept cards.

Rent a car or jeep if you want to explore beyond Cruz Bay — the island's best beaches and trails require driving on steep, winding roads.

Trunk Bay charges a $5 national park entrance fee. Other beaches like Maho Bay and Hawksnest are free.

Bring your own snorkel gear to save on rental fees. The underwater trail at Trunk Bay is worth it.

Common Questions About Getting to St. John

How do I get to St. John by ferry?: The most common route is the passenger ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas (about 20 minutes, roughly every hour). Ferries also run from Charlotte Amalie (about 45 minutes via Transportation Services of St. John) and Crown Bay (about 35 minutes via Inter Island Boat Services). If you need to bring a car, use the Big Red Barge vehicle barge from Red Hook.
Do I need a passport to visit St. John?: No, if you're a US citizen or resident. St. John 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. John?: Ferry times to St. John are about 20 minutes from Red Hook, 35 minutes from Crown Bay, or 45 minutes from Charlotte Amalie.
Is there an airport on St. John?: There is no airport on St. John. All visitors arrive by ferry, primarily from St. Thomas. The closest airport is Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas.
What is there to do on St. John?: St. John is a nature lover's paradise. Virgin Islands National Park covers most of the island, with hiking trails (Reef Bay, Lind Point) and beaches like Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Maho Bay. Cruz Bay has restaurants and shops, and the pace is wonderfully slow.
How much does the ferry to St. John cost?: Ferry fares to St. John vary by operator and route. One-way adult fares typically range from $7–14 for the Red Hook passenger ferry, with other routes varying. Check individual route pages on this site for current pricing from each departure point.