Is Renting a Car in St Thomas Worth It (2026 Guide)

Get ready for your trip to St Thomas! Are you asking yourself, “Should I rent a car in St Thomas?” If you’re concerned about how to get around St Thomas, don’t worry. I have everything you need to know about whether it’s worth renting a car in St Thomas, whether you need to rent a car, and what you’re options are during your stay.

Is it worth renting a car in St Thomas for your vacation? Is it possible to get around St Thomas without a car? Where around the island do you want to explore?

The short answer is, yes. You should absolutely rent a car in St Thomas if it fits your budget. Personally, I always rent a car when visiting the island, and I prefer 4-wheel-drive vehicles.

It is possible to get around St Thomas without a car, but I wouldn’t suggest it. There are options if you choose not to, which I’ll go over below. But, you don’t want to miss out on everything St Thomas has to offer, and renting a car is the best way to do that!

⭐ I’m lucky enough to partner with and recommend Key N Go Car Rental
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– Book your villas a vrbo.com
– Find tours at viator.com
– Search for hotels from booking.com

My Local USVI Partners
– Key N Go Car Rental (Use CaribbeanUncovered to let them know I sent you!)

Is it Worth Renting a Car in St Thomas?

Yes, renting a car in St Thomas is worth it. It will make your trip smoother and give you so much more freedom than relying on other forms of transportation.

There are incredible hidden gems around the island you don’t want to miss out on, especially if you’re a fan of off-the-beaten-path hikes and secluded beaches.

Some taxis and public transportation won’t be able to get you to those hidden spots. You will find that having a car allows you the ability to see more of the island on your own time.

Therefore, I can confidentially say renting a car in St Thomas will be worth it for your trip.

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I’m lucky enough to partner with this awesome, local rental car company in St Thomas. Visitors & locals rave about them and I know you will too!

Do You Need to Rent a Car in St Thomas?

Renting a car will certainly make your trip smoother, but no, you do not need to rent a car to get around St Thomas.

If you’re planning to hang around the resort, you may not need to worry about transportation! For visitors staying in downtown Charlotte Amalie, you’ll have plenty within walking distance and can take inexpensive taxis to ride to the beach.

If that’s the case and you don’t plan to see much of the island outside of where you’re staying, you can just pre-book transportation to and from the airport!

But as I said, this is probably not the best option, unless you’re set on not wanting to drive around.

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION:
⭐Book your private transportation from the airport to your hotel here.

Is Driving in St Thomas Safe?

Driving in St Thomas is generally safe, but they drive on the left side of the road. You should proceed with extra caution.

St Thomas is considered a safe travel destination and driving is no different. However, the rules of the road are a bit different!

In St Thomas, they drive on the left side of the road! It’s important to keep that in mind when you head out of the parking lot!

It might take a few minutes to adjust to the new feeling, but you’ll get used to it in no time.

You also might run into a lack of street signs in some off-road areas. This is where it’ll be helpful to preplan and talk to locals before driving to more remote areas.

Is it Hard to Drive in St Thomas?

No, it is not hard to drive in St Thomas. Driving on the left side of the road and being cautious about the steep hills and sharp curves are the most important things.

What are the Roads Like in St Thomas

You’ll want to be aware that the roads in St Thomas can be steep and bumpy. There are areas that aren’t well paved.

Additionally, on smaller roads, there might only be room for one car to pass at a time. Because of this, you should take some smaller roads slower and prepare to stop for other cars.

Some locals will walk on the sides of the curvy roads, so be careful driving around sharp turns.

How much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in St Thomas?

Usually, St Thomas rental cars will cost you around $100 per day.

You shouldn’t have a problem finding a car available at the Cyril E. King Airport (STT) or finding a rental car company that will deliver your car to the airport so you don’t have to worry about transportation when you arrive. STT car rentals are typically readily available, especially when planning ahead with reservations.

⭐ I recommend using Key N’ Go for your rental car needs.
Use code: CaribbeanUncovered when you request your quote!

Do I Need a Special License to Drive a Car in St Thomas?

No, you do not need a special license to drive in St Thomas. Your US driver’s license is valid for use to drive in St Thomas for 90 days.

Contact the rental agency directly if you don’t have a US Driver’s license for information on international permits.

Should You Rent a Car in St Thomas – FAQS

Do I Need a 4-Wheel Drive to Get Around St Thomas?

There are some hikes in St Thomas that may require a 4-wheel drive, but it’s possible to explore plenty of secluded spots on the island with a sedan and your feet. I also prefer renting a 4-wheel drive car, especially if I want to make a day trip over to St John.

The hills and bumps in the road might make it difficult for a really small car to get up, but generally, the rental cars available on the island are good enough to get around the difficult terrain!

If you’re a big off-roader, go for the 4-wheel drive. If you just want the freedom to explore the island, a sedan will do just fine.

Will My US License Work in St Thomas?

Yes! Your US license is valid for use for 90 days in St Thomas.

Can I Take a Car to Other US Virgin Islands?

The US Virgin Islands have ferry services that will take you to and from each island!

The USVI Ferry runs from Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, and Red Hook, St Thomas to Cruz Bay, St John 7 days a week and is extremely affordable for adults and children.

You can bring your car on the ferry to explore around St John or rent a scooter or car when you get there. Spending in a day in St John is a must-do if you’re in St Thomas.

View the passenger ferry schedule here

Prices start at about $16 round trip. It’s a quick, 15-minute ride and you’ll be amazed at the beauty and beaches around St John.

Can I Rent a Car in St Thomas?

You know that it is worth renting a car in St Thomas, but are you able to? There are a few things to keep in mind about St Thomas car rentals.

1. You Must Be 25 Years Old

Like the US, St Thomas car rentals require you to be 25 years old. If you’re below 25, you may be able to rent a car with a daily surcharge.

2. You Need a US Driver’s License

Drivers with a US driver’s license can drive in St Thomas and the US Virgin Islands for 90 days without applying for another permit. If you have an international license, you may need to apply for an international permit. St Thomas car rental companies can help you in this case.

3. You Need a Valid Credit Card

Most companies require you to put down a credit card before renting a car in St Thomas! They might also put a hold on the card in case of damages or any incidents with the rental.

Can I Get Around Without Renting a Car in St Thomas?

There are plenty of options to get around St Thomas without renting a car. Unfortunately, you will have to give up some freedom and flexibility if you take this route.

How to Get Around St Thomas Without a Car

Taxis in St Thomas ✅

Taxis in St Thomas are plentiful, especially in populated areas like Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie. But, if you want to visit some of the famous hiking spots, it might be harder to get a taxi to go out there.

It will also be difficult to find a taxi when you leave. If you plan to take taxis around for your whole trip, keep a few taxi numbers available. There are multiple taxi services in St Thomas to choose from.

How much do Taxis Cost in St Thomas?

Depending on how far you are going, taxis will cost anywhere from $4-$18 per person.

Taxis are not metered in the US Virgin Islands like you may be used to. Most taxis will set a fee for a trip, and generally, that fee will be priced per person.

If you’re traveling by yourself, it may be worth it to take taxis. But, if you’re worth a family, a rental car will definitely pay off, in the long run, to avoid paying for 3 or more people for every taxi ride!

Is it Hard to Get a Taxi in St Thomas?

In populated areas, such as Charlotte Amalie, Red Hook, Havensight, and popular beaches, you won’t have any trouble finding a taxi to take you where you need to go!

Most hotels and restaurants will also have taxis available.

If you are traveling to more secluded areas, keep a few taxi service provider numbers available in case you have a hard time flagging one down.

Many taxi services provide 24/7 dispatch so you don’t have to worry about the time.

Taxi Services in St Thomas

V.I. Taxi Dispatch	(340) 774-7457
Big Love Taxi	(340) 201-7299

Taxi Services in St Croix and St John

St Croix Taxi Association	(340) 778-1088
St John Taxi	(340) 693-7530

Should I Rent a Car or Use a Taxi in St Thomas?

When visiting St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, many people wonder whether it is better to rent a car or use taxis. There are benefits to both options.

If you want the freedom to explore the island and go where you want and when you want, then renting a car is the best option. This is especially true if you are traveling with a family or group, as taxis will charge per person.

On the other hand, if you want to spend most of your time relaxing at your resort, then using taxis makes more sense. Taxis are also a good option if you are staying in a walkable area and do not plan on doing much exploring.

Ultimately, it comes down to what you want from your vacation. Do you want to relax or do you want to explore?

Take the Ferry from St Thomas to Nearby Islands ✅

Ferries in St Thomas travel frequently between St Croix, St John, St Thomas, and the British Virgin Islands.

Ferry travel times:

St Thomas to St John takes about 45 minutes
St Thomas to Tortola, British Virgin Islands time takes 1 hour
St Thomas to St Croix takes 90 minutes

They’re often very affordable and a great way to see as much of the US Virgin Islands as possible! You can also bring your rental car on to many car ferries for easy transportation access when you get to the other islands!

Can I Rent a Moped in St Thomas? ✅

There are a few scooter and cycle rentals available in St Thomas. However, locals would suggest veering away from this option, unless you plan to stick around the flat areas, like traveling from a beach to Charlotte Amalie.

The steep hills, sharp turns, and potholes around St Thomas make renting a scooter or bike much more dangerous.

Unless you are an experienced rider and prepared to take the proper precautions, I would suggest sticking with a rental car vs renting a scooter or bike.

To rent a scooter in St Thomas, you must be 18 years old with a valid driver’s license and credit card.

Where to stay in St Thomas USVI

Is it Worth Renting a Car in St Thomas?

Yes! It is worth renting a car in St Thomas.

You won’t regret the freedom it will give you. There’s so much of the island you will be able to see with the ability to go anywhere, on your own time!

⭐ I recommend using Key N’ Go for your rental car needs.
Use code: CaribbeanUncovered when you request your quote!

Between the hikes in St Thomas to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and awesome local cuisine and events, hopping in your car will give you an experience relying on public transportation just won’t be able to provide!

Trust me, there are so many things to do in St Thomas, you won’t want to waste any time waiting on a taxi!