How do I get to Tortola by ferry?

Most visitors reach Tortola by ferry from St. Thomas. Road Town Fast Ferry, Native Son, and Smith's Ferry all operate cross-border service. Ferries arrive at either Road Town or West End, depending on the operator and departure terminal. The crossing from Charlotte Amalie takes about 45 minutes; from Red Hook, about 30–45 minutes depending on whether you're heading to West End or Road Town.

Do I need a passport to visit Tortola?

Yes, if you're coming from the USVI or anywhere outside the BVI. Tortola is part of the British Virgin Islands, so a valid passport is required for entry. You must also complete the BVI Online ED Card at bviedcard.gov.vg before arrival.

How long is the ferry to Tortola?

Ferry times to Tortola range from about 25 minutes (from Jost Van Dyke or St. John) to 45–50 minutes (from St. Thomas). Inter-island BVI routes from Virgin Gorda take about 30 minutes.

Is there an airport on Tortola?

Yes — Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) is on Beef Island, connected to Tortola by the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. The airport receives direct flights from Miami (the main US gateway), San Juan, and other Caribbean islands. Many visitors also fly into St. Thomas (STT) and take a ferry.

What is there to do on Tortola?

Tortola offers Cane Garden Bay beach, Sage Mountain National Park hiking, the Callwood Rum Distillery, snorkeling at Smuggler's Cove, and shopping along Road Town's Main Street. It's also the starting point for most BVI yacht charters.

How much does the ferry to Tortola cost?

Ferry fares to Tortola vary by operator and route. One-way adult fares typically range from $30–65 depending on the operator and terminal. Check individual route pages on this site for current pricing from each departure point.

How to Get to Tortola — Ferry Routes, Schedules & Tips

Getting there

Ferry Terminals & Logistics

Tortola has three ferry terminals, each serving different routes. The Road Town ferry terminal is on the waterfront in the capital, within walking distance of Main Street shops and restaurants. Ferries from Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas (Road Town Fast Ferry, Native Son, Smith's Ferry) and from Virgin Gorda (Speedy's, Road Town Fast Ferry) arrive here. The West End ferry terminal (Soper's Hole) is at the western tip of the island, serving ferries from Red Hook, St. Thomas (Native Son, Smith's Ferry, Road Town Fast Ferry) and from Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke (New Horizon Ferry). The Beef Island terminal at Trellis Bay is on the east end, connected to Tortola by the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, and serves the Speedy's route to Virgin Gorda.

When arriving from St. Thomas, you will clear BVI customs and immigration at your arrival terminal. Have your passport and completed BVI Online ED Card ready. The customs process typically takes 15–30 minutes depending on the queue. Taxis are available at both Road Town and West End terminals. A taxi from Road Town to West End costs roughly $24 per person, and from Road Town to the Beef Island airport area about $27. Shared safari-style open-air taxis are common and less expensive than private rides.

If you're connecting to another ferry — for example, arriving at Road Town and heading to Jost Van Dyke from West End — you'll need a taxi between terminals (about 20 minutes). Plan at least 45 minutes of buffer time for the customs process and transfer.

BVI passport & entry requirements Island hopping guide

Ferry Routes to Tortola

From	Crossing Time	Border
Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas	~45 min	Passport required	Schedule & Fares
Cruz Bay St. John	~25 min	Passport required	Schedule & Fares
Great Harbour Jost Van Dyke	~25 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares
Red Hook St. Thomas	~45 min	Passport required	Schedule & Fares
Red Hook St. Thomas	~30 min	Passport required	Schedule & Fares
Setting Point Anegada	~75 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares
Spanish Town Virgin Gorda	~30 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares
Spanish Town Virgin Gorda	~20 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares

Ferry Routes from Tortola

To	Crossing Time	Border
Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas	~45 min	Passport required	Schedule & Fares
Cruz Bay St. John	~25 min	Passport required	Schedule & Fares
Great Harbour Jost Van Dyke	~25 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares
Red Hook St. Thomas	~45 min	Passport required	Schedule & Fares
Red Hook St. Thomas	~30 min	Passport required	Schedule & Fares
Setting Point Anegada	~75 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares
Spanish Town Virgin Gorda	~20 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares
Spanish Town Virgin Gorda	~30 min	Domestic	Schedule & Fares

Getting to Tortola by Air

Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island receives direct flights from Miami (MIA) — the primary US gateway to the BVI — as well as San Juan (SJU) and other Caribbean islands. The airport is connected to Tortola by the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.

On the island

What to Expect on Tortola

Tortola is the commercial and transportation hub of the BVI, and most visitors pass through on their way to the outer islands. But the island itself has plenty to offer: Cane Garden Bay is a popular beach with bars and restaurants, Sage Mountain National Park has hiking trails through tropical rainforest, and the Callwood Rum Distillery in Cane Garden Bay has been producing rum since the 1800s.

Tortola is also where the vast majority of BVI yacht charters begin. The island's marinas — Village Cay and Wickham's Cay in Road Town, Nanny Cay Marina on the south coast, and Soper's Hole Marina at West End — are home base for the charter industry. If you're starting a sailing vacation in the BVI, you'll almost certainly be picking up your boat on Tortola.

At a glance

Ferry routes: 16
Crossing time: 20–75 min
Territory: BVI
Passport: Required

Tips for Visiting Tortola

Arrive at the St. Thomas ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before departure — cross-border ferries require check-in and you could lose your seat.

Bring your passport and a printed or digital copy of your BVI ED Card confirmation.

Taxi fares on Tortola are per person, not per vehicle. Rates are government-set but confirm the price before getting in.

If you're heading to Jost Van Dyke or Virgin Gorda, check whether a direct ferry from St. Thomas is available — it can save you a connection on Tortola.

The West End terminal has limited food options. Road Town has more restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Common Questions About Getting to Tortola

How do I get to Tortola by ferry?: Most visitors reach Tortola by ferry from St. Thomas. Road Town Fast Ferry, Native Son, and Smith's Ferry all operate cross-border service. Ferries arrive at either Road Town or West End, depending on the operator and departure terminal. The crossing from Charlotte Amalie takes about 45 minutes; from Red Hook, about 30–45 minutes depending on whether you're heading to West End or Road Town.
Do I need a passport to visit Tortola?: Yes, if you're coming from the USVI or anywhere outside the BVI. Tortola is part of the British Virgin Islands, so a valid passport is required for entry. You must also complete the BVI Online ED Card at bviedcard.gov.vg before arrival.
How long is the ferry to Tortola?: Ferry times to Tortola range from about 25 minutes (from Jost Van Dyke or St. John) to 45–50 minutes (from St. Thomas). Inter-island BVI routes from Virgin Gorda take about 30 minutes.
Is there an airport on Tortola?: Yes — Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) is on Beef Island, connected to Tortola by the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. The airport receives direct flights from Miami (the main US gateway), San Juan, and other Caribbean islands. Many visitors also fly into St. Thomas (STT) and take a ferry.
What is there to do on Tortola?: Tortola offers Cane Garden Bay beach, Sage Mountain National Park hiking, the Callwood Rum Distillery, snorkeling at Smuggler's Cove, and shopping along Road Town's Main Street. It's also the starting point for most BVI yacht charters.
How much does the ferry to Tortola cost?: Ferry fares to Tortola vary by operator and route. One-way adult fares typically range from $30–65 depending on the operator and terminal. Check individual route pages on this site for current pricing from each departure point.

Entry Requirements

A valid passport is required for travel to the British Virgin Islands. You must also complete the BVI Online ED Card before arrival. Read our full BVI passport & entry requirements guide.