How to Get Around the Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands are a stunning collection of islands in the Caribbean, split into two distinct groups: the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Though they are different countries, each with its own transportation systems and infrastructure, traveling between the USVI and BVI is straightforward and offers plenty of options for exploration.

Many visitors to the Virgin Islands arrive with transportation already arranged by their hotel or resort. In fact, it’s common for tourists to stay within the confines of their resort, venturing out only for boat trips or to visit popular tourist attractions. However, for those looking to explore beyond their accommodations, knowing how to get around the USVI and BVI is essential.

The great news is that there are plenty of ways to navigate these islands, from inter-island flights and ferry services to taxis and private water taxis like those provided by Chillout Charters. With such a flexible range of transport options in the BVI and USVI, you can focus on enjoying your Caribbean getaway without worrying about how to get from one place to another.

Getting Around the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)

The U.S. Virgin Islands, a territory of the United States, consists of three main islands: St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. Transportation in the USVI is quite straightforward, especially for U.S. citizens, since it’s considered domestic travel.

St. Thomas serves as the capital and is a hub of activity, offering plenty of attractions for visitors. Whether you’re into shopping, dining, or beach-hopping, St. Thomas has something for everyone. St. John is a nature lover’s paradise, home to the Virgin Islands National Park, which covers much of the island and offers incredible hiking trails, secluded beaches, and pristine natural beauty. St. Croix, the largest of the USVI islands, boasts a rich cultural heritage, with influences from its European colonial past evident in its architecture, festivals, and cuisine.

Exploring the British Virgin Islands (BVI)

The British Virgin Islands, a British Overseas Territory, is an archipelago of over 60 islands and cays. The BVI’s four main islands—Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke—each offer unique attractions and experiences.

Tortola, the largest island, is known for its vibrant shopping scene, lively bars, and top-notch restaurants. Anegada is a flat coral island, famous for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and excellent opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. Virgin Gorda is a favorite for luxury travelers, with upscale resorts, beautiful walking trails, and breathtaking beaches like The Baths. Jost Van Dyke is the go-to spot for those looking to relax and enjoy the island’s legendary beach bars and white-sand beaches.

If you’re a U.S. citizen planning to visit both the USVI and BVI, don’t forget to bring your passport. While you don’t need a passport to visit the USVI, it’s required for entry into the BVI, so having one on hand will allow you to island-hop freely between the two regions.

Arriving in the USVI and BVI

Most visitors to the Virgin Islands arrive by air or cruise ship, though some may sail in by private sailboats or yacht. In the USVI, cruise ships typically dock in St. Thomas at Crown Bay Dock, located in, Charlotte Amalie. In the BVI, cruise ships often dock in Road Town, Tortola, or at Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke.

Air travel is the most common way to reach the Virgin Islands, especially for visitors coming from the U.S. or other Caribbean destinations. The USVI is served by two major airports. Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas is the primary airport for the USVI, handling most international and domestic flights. Located just a few miles from Charlotte Amalie, it’s a convenient gateway for travelers. Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix is the second major airport in the USVI, offering flights from several U.S. cities like Miami, Atlanta, and Fort Lauderdale, as well as connections to other Caribbean islands.

The BVI is served by Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, connected to Tortola by a bridge. This is the main airport for the BVI, handling flights from nearby Caribbean islands and connecting travelers to the rest of the archipelago. Auguste George Airport on Anegada and Virgin Gorda Airport on Virgin Gorda are smaller airports that primarily handle domestic flights and private charters.

Inter-Island Air Travel in the Virgin Islands

For inter-island travel within the USVI, seaplanes are a unique and convenient option. In addition to the main airports, you’ll find seaplane bases in Charlotte Amalie Harbor on St. Thomas and Christiansted Harbor on St. Croix. Seaborne Airlines offers seaplane services between these two islands, providing a quick and scenic way to hop between them.

Ferry Services in the Virgin Islands

Ferry services have regular routes connecting the main islands of both the USVI and BVI. Common ferry routes include St. Thomas (Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie) to St. John (Cruz Bay).
Ferries from Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook connect to Road Town or West End in Tortola.

Ferry terminals in the BVI include Road Town on Tortola, which is the main terminal for connections to other islands in the BVI. The West End terminal on Tortola services ferries to St. Thomas and Jost Van Dyke. Trellis Bay on Beef Island is convenient for those arriving by air, as this terminal offers ferries to Virgin Gorda. Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke is the primary terminal on the island, while Setting Point serves those visiting Anegada.

Water Taxi Services in the Virgin Islands

For a quicker, more flexible, and personalized way to get around the islands, roundtrip water taxis are an excellent option. Unlike ferries, water taxis can take you to smaller islands and resorts that don’t have regular ferry service. They also take you directly to your final destination and operate on your schedule, so you’re not tied to a ferry schedule. Additonally, you won’t be stuck in the long queues from the public passenger ferries as the crew on board will handle all your port clearances.

Chillout Charters offers water taxi services across the Virgin Islands, using our fleet of powerboats that can seat up to twelve passengers. Whether you need to get from St. Thomas to Tortola or want to visit a your private inclusive resorts on Peter Island or Scrub Island, Chillout Charters can get you there quickly and comfortably. If you’re planning to travel between the USVI and BVI by water taxi, be sure to bring your passport, as it’s required for entry into the BVI. Chillout Charters will also assist with the necessary paperwork for a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Car Rental in the USVI and BVI

Renting a car is a great way to explore the larger islands at your own pace. In the USVI, car rentals are available on St. Thomas and St. John, with a variety of vehicles to choose from, including jeeps and off-road vehicles. In the BVI, you can rent cars on Tortola, and some companies also offer rentals on Virgin Gorda.

If you’re planning to rent a car, keep in mind that driving is on the left side of the road in both the USVI and BVI. While this might be a bit of an adjustment for visitors from the U.S., it’s manageable, especially since the roads are generally less crowded than on the mainland.

It’s also worth noting that some rental companies allow you to take your vehicle between islands using the car ferry services, though you’ll need to check with the rental company to confirm this.

Taxi Services in the Virgin Islands

Land taxis are a convenient way to get around the main islands, especially if you don’t want the hassle of renting a car. Taxis are widely available at tourist spots, airports, and ferry terminals. In both the USVI and BVI, taxi fares are typically charged per person, rather than per ride, and the rates are set in advance based on the destination. This means that prices can be higher than what you might be used to, so it’s a good idea to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

While haggling over taxi fares isn’t common, it’s always wise to carry cash, as it’s the preferred payment method in most cases. If you prefer a more personalized experience, private cab hire is also available, and your hotel or resort can often provide recommendations for reliable drivers.

Shared taxi services and shuttle services are another option, especially for those traveling from the airport to their resort. These services can be more cost-effective than hiring a private taxi, particularly if you don’t mind sharing the ride with other passengers.

Bus Services in the Virgin Islands

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, public bus services are provided by VITRAN (Virgin Islands Transit). Buses operate on St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, offering a budget-friendly way to get around the islands. However, the service can be infrequent, especially in less populated areas, and schedules may be limited on weekends.

In the BVI, there is no public bus system, but some private companies offer shuttle services, particularly for tourists. These shuttles can be a convenient way to get from the airport to your hotel or to explore the islands on a day trip.

Extra Tips for Getting Around the USVI and BVI

Both the USVI and BVI are relatively easy to navigate, though the USVI offers more public transportation options. In the BVI, you’re more likely to rely on taxis, water taxis, or rental cars to get around.

If you’re planning to rent a car, remember that driving is on the left side of the road. Also, English is the primary language in both territories, making communication easy for most visitors. The U.S. dollar is the official currency in both the USVI and BVI, which is convenient for American travelers and those planning to island-hop between the two regions.

No matter how you choose to get around, the Virgin Islands offer a wide range of transportation options to suit every traveler’s needs, ensuring that you can explore these beautiful islands with ease.