Cross-island from south shore to east end
VI Taxicab Commission rates
Crown Bay (5 min) & Charlotte Amalie (10 min)
How Far Is It?
Cyril E. King Airport (STT) is on the south side of St. Thomas, near Charlotte Amalie. The Red Hook ferry terminal (Urman Victor Frederick Marine Terminal) is on the east end of the island. The drive takes about 25 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.
Getting There by Taxi
Taxis are available right outside the airport arrivals area. St. Thomas taxis are shared vans — you may share the ride with other passengers heading the same direction. Fares are set by the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission.
Tell your driver you're going to the "Red Hook ferry dock." They'll know exactly where to take you.
Alternatives Closer to the Airport
If you don't need to get to Red Hook specifically, two ferry terminals are much closer to the airport:
Crown Bay
Inter Island Boat Services runs ferries to Cruz Bay, St. John (~35 min crossing). This is the best option if you're heading to St. John and want to minimize taxi time.
Charlotte Amalie
Ferries to Cruz Bay (~45 min) and to Road Town, Tortola (~50 min) via Road Town Fast Ferry and Native Son.
What If You Miss the Last Ferry?
If your flight arrives after the last Red Hook ferry departure, you have a few options:
- Stay overnight on St. Thomas — there are hotels near both Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie
- Check the Charlotte Amalie or Crown Bay schedules — they may have a later departure that works
- Arrange a private water taxi (expensive, but available — ask at the ferry terminal or your hotel)
VITRAN Bus Option
The Virgin Islands Transit Authority (VITRAN) operates public buses on St. Thomas, but there is no direct route from the airport to Red Hook. You would need to transfer in Charlotte Amalie, and buses run infrequently with no guaranteed schedule. For travelers with luggage or a ferry to catch, a taxi is the only reliable option.
Planning Your Connection
If you're catching a ferry from Red Hook, give yourself at least 60-90 minutes between your flight's arrival and the ferry departure. This accounts for the taxi ride, any luggage wait, and check-in time at the terminal. For BVI-bound ferries, allow even more time — you'll need to arrive 45 minutes before departure for check-in.
If you arrive early, Red Hook has several restaurants and bars within walking distance of the ferry terminal. American Yacht Harbor, right next to the dock, has shops and waterfront dining where you can grab a meal while you wait.
Ferries from Red Hook
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the St. Thomas airport from Red Hook ferry terminal?
Cyril E. King Airport (STT) is about 25 minutes from the Red Hook ferry terminal by taxi, depending on traffic. The route crosses the island from the south shore to the east end.
How much is a taxi from STT airport to Red Hook?
Taxi fares from the airport to Red Hook are set by the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission. Shared taxi (per person) rates apply. The fare varies by number of passengers — expect roughly $15-20 per person in a shared van. Private taxis cost more.
What if my flight arrives after the last ferry?
If you arrive too late for the last Red Hook ferry, your options are: stay overnight on St. Thomas near Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie, or check if an earlier Charlotte Amalie or Crown Bay ferry works with your arrival time. Crown Bay is only about 5 minutes from the airport.
Is there a ferry closer to the airport than Red Hook?
Yes. Crown Bay Marina is only about 5 minutes from STT airport, and Inter Island Boat Services runs ferries from Crown Bay to Cruz Bay, St. John. Charlotte Amalie terminal is about 10 minutes from the airport and has ferries to both St. John and the BVI.