Tortola to St. Thomas Ferry Schedule
Tortola → St. Thomas · Multiple terminals and operators · ~45 minutes
Route Overview
This page shows the current ferry schedule, operators, and fares for travel from Tortola to St. Thomas. It combines the active terminal pairs on this island-to-island route, so use the route sections below to confirm the exact departure and arrival terminals for each operator. The crossing typically takes about 45 minutes, though trip time can vary slightly by operator, sea conditions, and the exact departure and arrival terminals. Yes. This route crosses the USVI-BVI border, so travelers should bring a valid passport and be prepared for USVI customs and immigration on arrival.
Red Hook to Road Town (return schedule)
Routes on this page
Cross-border route. Passport required. BVI travelers must complete an online embarkation card up to 72 hours before arrival.
Road Town → Charlotte Amalie
Smith's Native Son| Departure | Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | Smith's Ferry | Visit site |
| 10:00 AM | Native Son Ferry | Visit site |
| 11:30 AM | Smith's Ferry | Visit site |
| 3:15 PM | Native Son Ferry | Visit site |
Road Town → Red Hook
Road Town Fast Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express| Departure | Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| 6:45 AM | Road Town Fast Ferry | Visit site |
| 7:45 AM | Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express | Visit site |
West End → Red Hook
Road Town Fast Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express| Departure | Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| 7:15 AM | Road Town Fast Ferry | Visit site |
| 8:15 AM | Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express | Visit site |
| 10:00 AM | Road Town Fast Ferry | Visit site |
| 11:00 AM | Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express | Visit site |
| 3:30 PM | Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express | Visit site |
| 4:00 PM | Road Town Fast Ferry | Visit site |
Common Questions
How long is the ferry from Tortola to St. Thomas?
The crossing typically takes about 45 minutes, though trip time can vary slightly by operator, sea conditions, and the exact departure and arrival terminals.
How much does the ferry from Tortola to St. Thomas cost?
Adult one-way fares currently range from $25 to $65, with round-trip fares from $45 to $95. Always confirm taxes, customs fees, and operator-specific pricing before travel.
Do you need a passport for the Tortola to St. Thomas ferry?
Yes. This route crosses the USVI-BVI border, so travelers should bring a valid passport and be prepared for USVI customs and immigration on arrival.
Which ferry operators run the Tortola to St. Thomas route?
The current operators on this route are Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express, Native Son Ferry, Road Town Fast Ferry, and Smith's Ferry. Operators can vary by date, so check the schedule table and upcoming departure notes on this page before booking.
Can I buy Tortola to St. Thomas ferry tickets online?
Some operators on this route offer online booking through their websites. Check each operator's website or call ahead to confirm availability. You can also purchase tickets at the terminal before departure.
How much luggage can I bring on the ferry?
Luggage policies vary by operator. Most ferries allow at least one carry-on bag, with fees for additional or oversized luggage. Check your operator's baggage policy before traveling — fees typically range from $4 to $25 per bag depending on the operator and bag size.
What documents do I need for the Tortola to St. Thomas ferry?
You need a valid passport for this cross-border route between the USVI and BVI. The BVI recommends your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date. You must also complete the BVI Online ED Card at bviedcard.gov.vg before traveling.
Is the Tortola to St. Thomas ferry crossing rough?
The crossing can be choppy, especially during winter trade wind season (December through April) when northerly swells build. If you're prone to seasickness, sit toward the center of the boat on the lower deck. Summer months tend to have calmer seas.
What fees are there besides the ferry ticket?
Cross-border ferry travel involves additional fees beyond the ticket price. Departing the USVI for BVI, expect a $10 port/development fee. When departing the BVI, a $20 per person departure tax applies. These are typically paid at the terminal.
Will my cell phone work on the ferry to St. Thomas?
Your US cell phone will work in the USVI but may pick up BVI towers during the crossing, triggering international roaming charges. Put your phone in airplane mode once underway to avoid unexpected fees. The BVI uses separate telecom providers (Flow and Digicel) from US networks.
Weekly Schedule — Road Town → Charlotte Amalie
Weekly Schedule — Road Town → Red Hook
Weekly Schedule — West End → Red Hook
Fares
Road Town → Charlotte Amalie
Native Son Ferry
Select-date service. Next departures: May 8, May 10, May 11.
| Passenger | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
| adult | $25 | $45 |
| child (6-12) | $19 | $35 |
| infant (3-5) | $10 | $20 |
Smith's Ferry
| Passenger | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
| adult | $28 | $49 |
| child (3-11) | $23 | $40 |
Road Town Fast Ferry
| Passenger | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
| adult | $30 | $55 |
| child (3-11) | $20 | $30 |
Road Town → Red Hook
Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express
| Passenger | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
| adult (12+) | $65 | $95 |
| child (3-11) | $55 | $65 |
| infant (0-2) | $20 | $30 |
West End → Red Hook
Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express
| Passenger | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
| adult (12+) | $65 | $95 |
| child (3-11) | $55 | $65 |
| infant (0-2) | $20 | $30 |
Baggage Fees
Additional Fees
- BVI Departure Tax: $20 per person (Non-resident rate. Residents $15, domestic $5.)
- USVI Port Fee: $10 per person (Charged at USVI ports.)
Traveler's Guide
What to know before you sail
Customs & Immigration
This route crosses from the British Virgin Islands to the US Virgin Islands. A valid passport is required. US citizens must clear US Customs and Border Protection upon arrival at Red Hook.
Before departing Road Town, a $20 BVI departure tax per person applies (paid at the terminal). Arrive early enough to clear departure security before boarding.
Terminals, Crossing & Arrival
The ferry departs from the Road Town ferry terminal in downtown Tortola. The terminal is walkable from downtown Road Town — about 10 minutes from the main shopping area. If you're coming from the north shore or West End, taxis to Road Town take 15–25 minutes. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to pay the $20 BVI departure tax and clear departure security at the terminal gate.
Smith's Ferry and Native Son operate this route. The crossing to Red Hook takes approximately 45 minutes across open water through The Narrows between Tortola and St. Thomas. Ferries have air-conditioned cabins with outdoor sun deck seating. The passage can be choppy during winter trade wind season (December through April), particularly when northerly swells build.
Switch your phone to airplane mode during the crossing to avoid international roaming charges — BVI cell towers (Flow and Digicel) will be in range for most of the trip and will trigger roaming fees on US phone plans.
You'll arrive at the Urman Victor Frederick (UVF) Marine Terminal in Red Hook, on the east end of St. Thomas. After docking, all passengers clear US Customs and Border Protection. If you're heading to the airport, Red Hook is about 25 minutes by taxi from Cyril E. King Airport. Taxis line up outside the terminal. The Red Hook area itself has restaurants, bars, and the American Yacht Harbor if you want to grab a meal before moving on. If you need to get to Cruz Bay, St. John, the Red Hook–Cruz Bay ferry runs frequently from the same terminal complex.
Quick facts
- Crossing time
- ~45 minutes
- Departure terminal
- Road Town, Tortola
- Arrival terminal
- Red Hook, St. Thomas
- Passport
- Required — cross-border route
- Extra fees
-
$20 bvi departure$10 usvi port
- Schedule verified
- April 2026