St. Thomas to Tortola Ferry Schedule
St. Thomas → Tortola · Multiple terminals and operators · ~45 minutes
Route Overview
This page shows the current ferry schedule, operators, and fares for travel from St. Thomas to Tortola. 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 arrives in the British Virgin Islands, so travelers should bring a valid passport and complete any required BVI arrival forms before departure.
Tortola to St. Thomas (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.
Red Hook → Road Town
Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express Road Town Fast| Departure | Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00 PM | Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express | Visit site |
| 5:45 PM | Road Town Fast Ferry | Visit site |
Red Hook → West End
Road Town Fast Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express| Departure | Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Road Town Fast Ferry | Visit site |
| 9:15 AM | Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express | Visit site |
| 1:45 PM | Road Town Fast Ferry | Visit site |
| 2:30 PM | Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express | Visit site |
| 5:00 PM | Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express | Visit site |
| 5:45 PM | Road Town Fast Ferry | Visit site |
Charlotte Amalie → Road Town
Smith's Road Town Fast| Departure | Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Smith's Ferry | Visit site |
| 1:50 PM | Road Town Fast Ferry | Visit site |
| 4:00 PM | Smith's Ferry | Visit site |
| 5:30 PM | Road Town Fast Ferry | Visit site |
Common Questions
How long is the ferry from St. Thomas to Tortola?
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 St. Thomas to Tortola 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 St. Thomas to Tortola ferry?
Yes. This route arrives in the British Virgin Islands, so travelers should bring a valid passport and complete any required BVI arrival forms before departure.
Which ferry operators run the St. Thomas to Tortola 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 St. Thomas to Tortola 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 St. Thomas to Tortola 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 St. Thomas to Tortola 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 Tortola?
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.
How do I get from the airport to the Charlotte Amalie ferry terminal?
Cyril E. King Airport (STT) is about 10 minutes from the Charlotte Amalie ferry terminal by taxi. Road Town Fast Ferry reports a taxi fare of about $10 one-way.
Weekly Schedule — Red Hook → Road Town
Weekly Schedule — Red Hook → West End
Weekly Schedule — Charlotte Amalie → Road Town
Fares
Red Hook → Road Town
Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express
| Passenger | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
| adult (12+) | $65 | $95 |
| child (3-11) | $55 | $65 |
| infant (0-2) | $20 | $30 |
Red Hook → West End
Aquatic Rentals / Sea Express
| Passenger | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
| adult (12+) | $65 | $95 |
| child (3-11) | $55 | $65 |
| infant (0-2) | $20 | $30 |
Charlotte Amalie → Road Town
Native Son Ferry
| Passenger | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
| adult | $25 | $45 |
| child (6-12) | $19 | $35 |
| infant (3-5) | $10 | $20 |
Smith's Ferry
Select-date service. Next departures: Apr 19, Apr 20, Apr 21.
| Passenger | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
| adult | $28 | $49 |
| child (3-11) | $23 | $40 |
| infant (8mo-2yr) | $11 | $20 |
Road Town Fast Ferry
| Passenger | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
| adult | $30 | $55 |
| child (3-11) | $20 | $30 |
Baggage Fees
Additional Fees
- BVI Environmental Levy: $10 per person (Charged on arrival to BVI.)
Traveler's Guide
What to know before you sail
Customs & Immigration
This route crosses from the US Virgin Islands to the British Virgin Islands. A valid passport is required for all passengers — the BVI recommends your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
Before departure, you must complete the BVI Online ED Card at bviedcard.gov.vg. This can be submitted up to 72 hours before arrival. Fill it out before reaching the terminal — Wi-Fi at the dock is unreliable.
At the Charlotte Amalie terminal, expect to pay a $10 USVI port/development fee before boarding (not included in your ferry ticket). Upon arrival in Road Town, all passengers clear BVI Immigration and Customs. There are two lines — visitors on the left, residents on the right. Processing typically takes 10–30 minutes but can stretch to 45 minutes during high season or when multiple ferries arrive simultaneously.
When departing the BVI to return, a $20 departure tax per person applies (paid at the terminal before clearing the security gate).
Terminals, Crossing & Arrival
The ferry departs from the Edward Wilmoth Blyden IV Marine Terminal on Veterans Drive in Charlotte Amalie, about 10 minutes by taxi from Cyril E. King Airport. Road Town Fast Ferry operates from Counter #4. Metered parking at the terminal is limited to two hours with a $125 boot fee for expired meters, so if you're heading to Tortola for more than a quick day trip, take a taxi to the terminal.
The crossing to Road Town takes approximately 45–50 minutes across open water. Ferries have air-conditioned indoor cabins with sun decks available if you prefer the breeze. The passage through The Narrows between St. Thomas and Tortola can be choppy, particularly 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 and stay on the lower deck.
Your US cell phone will likely pick up BVI towers during the crossing. Put your phone in airplane mode to avoid international roaming charges — the BVI uses separate telecom providers (Flow and Digicel) from US networks.
Road Town Fast Ferry departs Charlotte Amalie and arrives at the Road Town ferry terminal downtown. From the dock, it's about a 10-minute walk to the main shopping and restaurant area. Taxis are available outside the terminal. Pusser's Road Town Pub is a two-minute walk for a Painkiller, and Bobby's Supermarket is nearby for provisions.
Quick facts
- Crossing time
- ~45 minutes
- Departure terminal
- Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
- Arrival terminal
- Road Town, Tortola
- Passport
- Required — cross-border route
- Extra fees
-
$10 bvi environmental levy
- Schedule verified
- April 2026