Is there Uber in St Thomas in 2024?
Wondering, is there Uber in St Thomas US Virgin Islands?
If you’re planning a trip, you’ve already got a lot on your mind. The last thing you want to worry about is transportation! Don’t worry – I’ve spent tons of time traveling around St Thomas, USVI. In fact, it’s one of my favorite islands in the Caribbean!
Unfortunately, however, Uber does not currently operate in St Thomas or USVI. The good news, though? St Thomas offers multiple methods of transportation to get you around the island!
Since Uber is not an option for your trip this year (and likely will never be), let’s look at all the best transportation options to get around St Thomas. From rental cars and private transfers to public transportation, I’ll give you everything you need to know to make the best decision for your vacation.
⭐I recommend reserving a rental car from
Expedia before you arrive
Is there Uber in St Thomas USVI?
Not, Uber does not operate in St Thomas, USVI. Uber also doesn’t operate in the other islands – St Croix, St John, British Virgin Islands, etc.
As of now, no ride-sharing services are not available in St Thomas – including Lyft, Uber, and Quick Ride, etc. And to be honest, it will likely never be an option!
So, how can you get around? No worries – St Thomas offers affordable rental cars, taxis, ferries, and even a bit of public transportation. To make things simple, in my opinion, renting a car truly is the best option. But I understand that may not be in everyone’s budget, so I’ll give you plenty of other options.
⭐Reserve a rental car before you arrive for the best rates
Pro Tip: It’s a small island with minimal rentals, so reserve your car ASAP!
Best Alternative to Uber in St Thomas: Taking Taxis
If you don’t want a rental car, there are plenty of taxis operating on the island. Licensed Taxis are available from the airport in St Thomas, downtown Charlotte Amalie, and various popular beaches.
On the main roads, you’ll also find safari taxis. If you find a local taxi, you can pay just a few dollars per person to hop on.
If you are going to travel around various places on the island for multiple days, the taxi fees will add up.
This will be more of an issue for families or large groups of people you plan to travel with – taxis on the island can sometimes be between $8-$15 per person for a trip.
PRO TIP: If you plan to use taxis to get around St Thomas, prearrange your rides so you don’t get stuck anywhere! You won’t find taxis in the more secluded spots around the island, but you can arrange a drop off and pickup! I like to find a favorite driver and stick with them for the entirety of my trip.
How to Get a Taxi in St Thomas
When you’re downtown in Charlotte Amalie or in 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.
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.
Usually, the driver will expect cash. Other times, the electronic machine in the car may not be charged or working. In these cases, you’ll want to make sure you have cash on hand to pay your cab fare.
If you do plan to pay with a card, please make sure to let the driver know before you get in the cab to start your trip! This is important!!
VITRAN Bus System
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, always referred to as the “dollar bus”, 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 only goes certain routes and only makes a few stops and pick-ups each day. The affordability will require a bit more planning!
You can check the bus schedule and routes on the VITRAN website.
Transportation from St Thomas Airport to Your Hotel
If you don’t want to rent a car, available taxis will be waiting at the airport to pick you up. You’ll find sedans and vans lined up when you prepare to depart the airport to go to your hotel.
Sometimes, larger vans will be available but if you only have 1-2 people, those larger taxis will be more costly. Pick the taxi that works best for your group, budget, and luggage.
Check out my recommended tour companies below that offer group or private transportation from the airport to your hotel.
Book your private airport transfer ►
How Much is a Taxi from St Thomas Airport to Red Hook?
The taxi ride from St Thomas Airport to Red Hook will cost about $15 for one person, or $11/person for 2 or more.
You can look up the current regulated taxi rates here.►
St Thomas Taxi Rates from Cruise Port
Taxi rates from the Cruise Port in Charlotte Amalie. Subject to change, rates vary based number of people riding in your taxi and the number of people in your group.
| Cruise Port to Yacht Haven | $4/person |
| Cruise Port to Airport terminal | $6/person |
| Cruise Port to Blackbeard’s Castle | $5/person |
| Cruise Port to Bolongo Bay | $9/person |
| Cruise Port to Red Hook | $12/person |
St Thomas Taxi Services
There’s no shortage of taxi service in St Thomas! Here are a few of the most popular
- Big Love Taxi (340) 201-7299
- Mr. Nice Guy / Mr. Nice Guy Limo (833) 664-5466
- V.I. Taxi Dispatch (340) 774-7457
How do you call a taxi in St Thomas?
There are a few designated taxi pickup spots around the island. However, the best way is to simply call to schedule a pickup and dropoff. Ask your hotel concierge for taxi phone numbers and information!
Is there Uber in St Thomas FAQ
St Thomas Uber and other ride-sharing companies are not available on this eastern Caribbean island. You can still choose from multiple options to get around no matter how busy your to-do list is!
FAQs to help you choose the best option for your trip to St Thomas:
What’s the best way to get around St Thomas?
I’d recommend renting a car in St Thomas. Personally, I have found that it’s the best and most convenient way to get around. When you get there, you’ll have all the freedom to create your perfect St Thomas vacation.
If you’re planning to use taxis or buses (the VITRAN system) planning around transportation schedules can take a toll on your island experience.
Having to stick to a schedule and plan your day around transportation is no way to start the day!
In the US Virgin Islands, they drive left side of the road!
Most of the roads can be a bit bumpy and haven’t been repaved in some time. The island is also very hilly – it’s best to get a larger SUV or something with 4-wheel drive, especially if you plan to do some off-the-beaten-path adventuring.
Ironically, the famous “99 Steps”, located in St Thomas’s downtown, were built from ballast bricks from ported ships to help locals navigate the difficult trips up and down the hills. 99 steps in just one of many free things to do in St Thomas.
Do you Need a Car in St Thomas?
A car is the best way to get around St Thomas’s hidden beaches, trails, and activities. You may not need a car if you plan to stay around Charlotte Amalie or busy resort areas. However, there is so much more to see on St Thomas outside downtown Charlotte Amalie or your resort that you should take advantage of!
⭐Reserve a rental car before you arrive for the best rates
Pro Tip: It’s a small island with minimal rentals, so reserve your car ASAP!
Is St Thomas Walkable?
Overall, St Thomas is not walkable. If you plan to stay in Charlotte Amalie or spend your time at a resort, maybe.
But other than that, there are not sidewalks on the roadside in St Thomas. Additionally, the roads are narrow and windy, which makes walking on them quite dangerous.
Is it hard to drive around St Thomas?
Driving on the left side of the road can keep the wheels turning in your head for a while, but it is totally possible. As long as you are cautious, you’ll adjust to driving on the left side quickly.
St Thomas is less developed than cities you may be used to driving around. However, as long as you’re safe, don’t be afraid to book a rental car. It will give you so much more freedom and the ability to explore additional hidden gems around the island.
⭐I recommend reserving a rental car from
Expedia before you arrive
Do you need a 4-wheel drive to get around St Thomas?
It’s not necessary, but if you plan to do some off-roading the larger car will be critical in some of the steep/less maintained areas of St Thomas.
An SUV will come in handy around St Thomas, USVI. Some of the grittier roads can make it difficult for smaller cars to get around. It is possible though. If you’re on a budget or can’t find a larger car available, no worries. Just be careful and use your best judgement for any off-path excursions.
⭐Book your rental car from Expedia
Is it worth renting a car in St Thomas?
Yes, it is worth renting a car in St Thomas. You’ll enjoy flexibility in choosing when and where you go. You can also explore other islands with a car of your own.
The ferry from St Thomas to St John is a super convenient way to add even more to your Caribbean vacation! For a small fee, you can bring your car over to St John via ferry and have the freedom to wonder around another beautiful island in St Thomas.
How much will renting a car cost in St Thomas?
Sedans will cost about $100/day
SUVs about $150-$250/day.
How do you get around St Thomas without a car?
Getting around St Thomas without a car can be done in a few different ways. You can arrange for a taxi to pick you up and drop you off to your destinations, which can be convenient and cost-effective.
Another option is to use the VITRAN bus system, which runs throughout the island. Lastly, you can also take the safari busses, which are great for getting around the main roads of the island. Hope this helps!
The VITRAN is the bus system in St Thomas. It operates on all three islands and is affordable, starting at $1 – even less for seniors and students!
There are a few bus stations around, but they run very infrequently. You’ll be on the bus schedule and have to make sure the stations are near where you’re looking to go (which can make exploring the whole island difficult.
Overall, the bus system might be useful and affordable to get to a few places, but not the best option for seeing everything St Thomas has to offer.
⭐Book your private airport transfer ►
Does St Thomas have Uber: FAQ continued
Does St Thomas have Uber?
Looking for Uber St Thomas? You’re out of luck! Uber does not yet operate in St Thomas. Maybe one day!
How do tourists get around St Thomas
The majority of tourists in St Thomas will choose between renting a car and taking taxis. Your choice will depend on how much travel you want to do during your stay.
What is the best way to get around the Virgin Islands
Renting a car or taking taxis is the best way to get around the Virgin Islands. For travel from island to island, your best option is to take the ferry.
Does Uber operate on St Thomas
Uber does not operate on St Thomas. Uber also doesn’t operate anywhere in the US Virgin Islands. It is common for Caribbean islands to not have Uber available.
Is there Uber in St John?
Uber does not operate in St John, US Virgin Islands. Renting a car or taking taxis is the best way to get around the island.
Where to stay in St Thomas USVI
- Best Beach Resort:
Secret Harbor Beach Resort Rating: ⭐ 8.6/10 - Best Hotel in Charlotte Amalie:
The Green Iguana Hotel Rating: ⭐ 8.9/10
Conclusion: Is there Uber in St Thomas in 2023?
So, is there Uber on St Thomas? Even with no Uber St Thomas USVI, getting around will be no problem! You now have everything you need to get around St Thomas with ease!
Like I said, the best way to really see the island is by car. So, avoid taxi fees and relying on someone else and plan your own adventures!
⭐Reserve a rental car before you arrive for best rates
Pro Tip: It’s a small island with minimal rentals, so reserve your car ASAP!
Plan Your Trip to St Thomas
11 Best Hotels in Charlotte Amalie, USVI in 2022
St Thomas Resorts on the Beach
St Thomas vs St John: Which Island is Better for Your Next Vacation?
