How to Get Around St Thomas USVI (Local Guide)

I’ve traveled near and far to get to the US Virgin Islands. After visiting over 13 Caribbean islands, I have spent more time in St Thomas than I can count. To me, it’s the “hub” of USVI, with its airport, cruise port, downtown, and thriving tourism industry.

But with so many different types of travelers coming in and out each day, it can be overwhelming to decide how to get around in St Thomas during your trip.

No worries – I’ve rented a car, relied on taxis, and taken many tours throughout my trips to St Thomas. But which one is best for your trip?

In this post, I am going to give you the inside scoop on all of your options for getting around St Thomas.

So first, what are your options for getting around St Thomas? Let’s dive deep into all of your options.

PS: Before I get any farther – walking in St Thomas is simply not an option! The roads and hills are steep and winding, nor do they have shoulders, so it’s really not safe or pedestrian-friendly.

1. Renting a Car

Honestly, ask any local, seasoned visitor, or even first-time visitor to USVI and they’ll tell you that renting a car is by far the best option to get around St Thomas.

Pro tip: Don’t forget that they drive on the LEFT side of the island. It tends to startle me at first, but I get used to it after a day or so.

When should you rent a car?

You should absolutely rent a car if you’re visiting St Thomas for more than a day or two, want to visit all of the beaches around the island, take advantage of off-the-beaten-path hikes, and have the freedom to explore on your own time.
Another important thing to consider is how many people you are with. Taxis in St Thomas charge per person, so if you’re traveling with 2 or more people, renting a car will almost immediately save you money compared to renting taxis.

Renting a car is my personal preference not just in St Thomas, but on most Caribbean islands, as I prefer to have the flexibility to hang out, snorkel, and leave beaches and attractions whenever I want. I also love simply driving around and seeing what I find!

⭐Reserve your rental car early from Expedia for the best rates

When should you not rent a car?

You should not rent a car in St Thomas if you are traveling solo for only a few days or if you plan to rely on tours with transportation or a private guide to get around throughout your trip.
Taxis charge per person, so if you’re alone and have your daily routes figured out – and they only require 1-2 taxi trips per day, there may not be a need for you to rent a car!
Keep in mind there are some attractions and hidden gems around the island that you may not be able to get to with public transportation or taxis.

Unless I’m only there for a day or two, I will generally opt for a rental car for at least part of my trip, even if I’m traveling alone.

How much do rental cars in St Thomas cost?

Renting a car in St Thomas will cost anywhere from $90 to $150 per day, depending on the type of car and length of time.

4WD vehicles will cost more, but I’d highly recommend getting a rental that will get you up and down the steep and narrow roads around the island. 4WD is almost a necessity if you’re staying in one of the island’s luxurious mountaintop villas.

If you’re staying at a resort and don’t plan on doing but off-path exploring, a sedan will do just fine to get you around most of the island. Just be careful!

⭐Reserve a rental car from Expedia for the best rates

2. Relying on Taxis to Get Around St Thomas

Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission regulates taxis making them a safe, convenient, and overall reliable transportation option during your trip.

Most taxis in USVI are cash only, so if you plan to rely on taxis, make sure to stock up on a variety of bills to pay for your rides.

You can look up the current regulated taxi rates here.

Rides will cost anywhere from $6 to $30 for one passenger. There are additional charges for each additional passenger, any luggage, after-hours, tours, and waiting.

Although rates are regulated, I always look up the rate sheet before and agree to a rate with the driver before getting into the taxi. This is the best way to avoid any confusion or miscommunication for your ride.

When should you rely on taxis?

You should rely on taxis if you’re traveling alone for just a day or two and have an overall idea of exactly where and how long you’d like to visit certain destinations.
If you’re only planning on visiting popular beaches, like Coki Beach and Magen’s Bay, and popular attractions like Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, taking a taxi is a simple and not overly expensive way to get around.
You only want to hit a few beaches and attractions + want to be able to drink at dinner.
Lastly, if you’re concerned about driving on the left side of the road, taking taxis are a great way to avoid any stress to get around on your own. Taxi drivers are locals, after all. They can make your trip seamless and stress-free!

When should you not rely on taxis?

If you don't want to plan your day ahead of time and rely on drivers to come pick you up and drop you off, taxis may not be for you!
If you're traveling with more than 1-2 people, taxi rates will add up significantly, making it much more expensive to take taxis than to rent a car.
You are staying in a villa or non-resort area - this will make it harder to contact and hail a taxi. In busy resort areas, you'll find taxi cabs lined up to get you around.
You want to explore the island on your own time, head to off-the-beaten-path beaches and hikes, and have the ability to take yourself wherever you want to go, whenever you want to go!

How to Get a Taxi in St Thomas

When you're downtown in Charlotte Amalie or touristy areas like popular beaches and resorts, finding a taxi won't be a problem when you're ready to leave. If there aren't any outside, simply ask the front desk, and they'll happily call one for you!

Personally, I love finding a taxi driver I like and sticking with them throughout my trip. It's a great way to make a local friend and feel comfortable on all your taxi trips.

In less crowded areas, you may have a harder time finding a taxi on the streets. That's when it's important to have a charged phone with a few taxi service numbers ready to go.

Don't worry, there are plenty of taxi services in St Thomas, so you'll always find one to get around, even in areas with fewer taxis. But you may have a bit of a wait for them to show up so keep that in mind.

Here are a few taxi services you can keep in your phone during your trip:

Paradise Taxi and Tours USVI
VI Top Taxi and Tours
ICBW Transportation for accessible vehicles, if needed.

Tips for Taking Taxis in St Thomas

Plan your day ahead of time to minimize costs - you may end up paying more for taxis than you would a rent a car if you're using them too often.
You must have cash on you!
schedule in time that you may have to wait for taxis to arrive in certain areas
Always keep a few taxi company phone numbers with you in case you need to call and schedule a pickup.
Island of St. Thomas Motor Vehicles For Hire Official Minimum/Maximum Rates will be posted in an official taxi.

Look out for these identifiers of a licensed taxi

A taxi placard or dome light on the roof and often a placard on the dash + license plates indicating Taxi status.
On Duty/Off Duty sign in the window of the vehicle and a sign usually on the fender
The driver’s personal identification/taxi license on the vehicle’s dashboard.

3. Open Air "Safari Taxis"

Safari Taxis (or Safari Busses) are the BEST way to get around St Thomas on a budget. However, you are trading convenience for cost and there are a few stipulations for taking these safari buses around.

Safari Taxis run in one direction - west to east, from sunrise to sunset. They do not run after dark, and there's no set schedule! They pick up and drop off on the main roads, so you may have a bit of a walk when they drop you off.

Check with the driver before getting on and they'll be able to tell you drop off they can get you. Any hotel concierge or front desk will be able to help you out a little more with safari taxis. They'll let you know where to walk to pick one up and where they'll be able to drop you off!

Overall, safari taxis are best for one-way trips. For example, you can take a safari bus from Charlotte Amalie to Red Hook, but you'll need to catch a taxi to get back to Charlotte Amalie.

4. VITRAN Dollar Bus System

How to get around St Thomas: Bus sign at a bus stop

If you know me, you know I LOVE public transportation! Unfortunately, public transportation isn't the most accessible on islands. However, St Thomas does have a bus system that may just work out for you!

The VITRAN system is available on all three islands and is an extremely affordable way to get around.

The regular bus fair is just $1.00 - and is free for seniors and those with disabilities - so when I say affordable, I mean very affordable!

However, the bus schedule for St Thomas is minimal - only a few stops a day. You will have to plan very accordingly. You can check the bus schedule and routes on the VITRAN website.

Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel

The cost of your ride from the St Thomas Airport will depend on your final destination, number of passengers, and luggage. It's easy to look up the cost or get an estimate from any taxi vendors on the island.

Getting from the airport to Charlotte Amalie for one person will only run about $10 plus luggage whereas going from the airport to hotels on the beach like Ritz Carlton in Red Hook will run one person $23 + luggage. Red Hook is also where you'll catch the passenger ferry to get to St John.

View the regulated taxi rates here. ►

You can also book a private airport transfer if you don't want to worry about finding a shared van or taxi when you arrive at the airport

Book your private airport transfer ►

FAQ:

white passenger van driving on the road at sunset

Are there Ubers in St Thomas USVI?

No - Uber is not available in St Thomas USVI. Don't worry though - there are plenty of reliable and safe options to get around the island. Rental cars, taxis, and even some public bus systems are readily available to help you get around St. Thomas

Do your research and decide which transportation option is best for you before arriving on the island!

Can I get around St. Thomas without a car?

Yes - you can get around most of St Thomas without a car. Taxis are safe and reliable throughout the island. There are also public safari busses and a public transportation system that can get you to more popular areas on the island.

Taxi rates can add up, however, especially if you're traveling with multiple people. It's best to plan your routes ahead of time to calculate how much you'll be spending on taxis.

Is there public transportation on St. Thomas USVI?

Yes! There is public transportation on St Thomas USVI. The VITRAN bus system costs just a dollar and can get you to and from many main areas of St Thomas.The bus system has a few different routes with about 3 trips a day.

The "safari taxis" are also considered public transportation, but only go one way (west to east) with no set schedule.

Are taxis easy to get in St. Thomas?

Yes - in most public areas, like beaches and resorts, taxis are easy to get in St Thomas. If you're not in a busy area, simply call one of the many cab companies and schedule a pickup! This might involve some extra waiting time, but you'll get a taxi ride nonetheless!

Are taxis in St. Thomas cash only?

Yes, many taxis in St Thomas are cash only. I would recommend carrying cash for all of your rides. If you plan to pay with a card, let your driver know before getting in so they can tell you whether or not they accept card payments.

Are you supposed to tip taxi drivers in St. Thomas?

Some taxis will add tip to your ride, so check your receipt before tipping. You don't have to tip your taxi driver, but it's a nice gesture if you had a great ride!

Do taxis in St. Thomas take credit cards?

No - most taxis in St Thomas do not take credit cards. It's best to carry cash on you to pay for your trips if you plan to rely on taxis to get around.

Final Thoughts: How to Get Around St Thomas

In summary, St Thomas offers a variety of practical transportation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Rental cars provide the utmost convenience and flexibility for exploring the island, while taxis offer a reliable yet more pricey alternative, in most cases.

For cost-conscious travelers, the open-air "Safari Taxis" and the VITRAN Dollar Bus System offer economical solutions to get around, though they do require more planning and aren't as convenient.

Whichever option you choose, there's an efficient way for you to navigate and enjoy your St Thomas adventure!

So, how will you be getting around St Thomas for your next vacation?

⭐Reserve your rental car early from Expedia for the best rates

How to Get Around St Thomas USVI (Local Guide)