The Short Answer
Most travelers take a taxi. It is waiting outside the terminal, fares are fixed by area, and the ride to most hotels takes 10 to 40 minutes. A private airport transfer costs more but is booked ahead, so there is no line and no stops. A shared van is the cheaper middle option for solo travelers and couples.
Cyril E. King Airport (STT) sits about 4 miles from Charlotte Amalie, so nothing on the island is far.
Your Options at a Glance
| Option | Cost | Best for | Wait | Comfort |
| Airport taxi | Moderate | Most travelers, families, groups | Short | Good |
| Private transfer (booked ahead) | Higher | Late arrivals, heavy bags, groups | None | Best |
| Shared van | Lower | Solo travelers and couples | Longer | Fair |
| Public bus | Lowest | Light packers on a tight budget | Long | Basic |
| Rental car | Varies by days | Travelers exploring the island | At the desk | Good |
1. Airport Taxi
A taxi is the simplest choice and needs no planning. Cars line up outside the terminal, and a dispatcher — the staff member who assigns them — will point you to one.
How it works:
- Collect your bags.
- Walk out to the taxi area.
- Give the dispatcher your hotel name.
- Confirm the fare before you get in.
- Load up and go.
Fares to and from the airport are set by the Virgin Islands Taxi Cab Commission, so the price is fixed by zone, not by the driver. Confirm the amount before you sit down, because rates are updated from time to time.
Many airport taxis are open-sided vans that carry several passengers, and the driver may stop at a few hotels along the way. If you want a direct ride, ask for a private taxi when you get in. A hotel transfer booked in advance works the same way, minus the stops.
2. Private Transfer (Booked Ahead)
A private transfer is a car or van you book before you fly. The driver meets you at arrivals and drives you straight to your hotel.
Why people book one:
- No line and no waiting at the taxi stand
- No stops at other hotels
- The price is agreed before you travel
- Room for groups, families and heavy luggage
It costs more than a shared ride. The price depends on your hotel, your date and how many people are traveling, so ask for a fixed quote when you book. That way nothing changes on arrival.
If you land late or after a long flight, this is the calmest way to start your trip. You can book a ride online in a couple of minutes and get a confirmation before you fly.
3. Shared Van
Shared vans carry several travelers heading to different hotels. You pay less than a private car, and the van makes a few stops before yours.
A good fit if:
- You are traveling alone or as a couple
- You want to keep costs down
- You are not in a hurry
If you have heavy bags or a tight schedule, take a taxi or a private transfer instead. Traveling with a bigger party? A group transfer keeps everyone in one vehicle.
4. Public Bus
A public bus connects the airport area with Charlotte Amalie. It is the cheapest way to travel and the least convenient.
Think twice if:
- You have large suitcases
- Your hotel is far from the main road
- You land after dark
- You do not know the route
It works for light packers whose hotel sits near a bus line. For most visitors with luggage, a taxi is far easier.
5. Rental Car
A rental car makes sense if you want to explore on your own. Avis and Budget have desks at the airport.
One thing to know before you book: in St Thomas you drive on the left, even though the steering wheel is on the left as in the mainland US. It feels odd for the first hour. Go slow on day one, and take care on the narrow, hilly roads.
Rent if you plan to visit beaches and restaurants across the island. If you will mostly stay at one resort, taxis usually cost less than a rental plus fuel and parking. And if you want the sights without the driving, a private island tour covers the same stops with a local driver.
How Long the Drive Takes
The airport is about 4 miles (6 km) from Charlotte Amalie. Hotels near town and the airport are a short ride. Hotels on the north and east sides take longer, because the roads climb and curve.
Traffic builds in the morning and late afternoon, and when cruise ships are in port. Add 15 to 20 minutes to any estimate on those days.
The terminal runs from early morning until around midnight. If you land late, book a transfer in advance — fewer taxis are out at night.
Tips That Save Time and Money
- Save your hotel name and address on your phone before you land.
- Ask the fare first, every time, before you get in.
- Carry small US dollar bills for tips and for drivers who do not take cards.
- Book ahead if you land late. A booked transfer removes the guesswork.
- Split the cost if you are traveling as a group.
- Tell the driver how many bags you have, so the right car is sent.
Which Option Fits You?
| If you are… | Choose |
| A family with kids and bags | Taxi or private transfer |
| Landing late at night | Private transfer |
| Traveling alone on a budget | Shared van |
| Planning to explore the island | Rental car |
| Packing light on a tight budget | Public bus |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to get a taxi at St Thomas airport?
Yes. Taxis wait outside the terminal through the day, and a dispatcher helps passengers find one.
Are taxi fares fixed in St Thomas?
Fares between the airport, town and hotels are set by the Virgin Islands Taxi Cab Commission. Confirm the amount before you ride, since rates are updated from time to time.
Should I book a transfer before I travel?
Yes if you land late, travel with a group, or want no waiting. If your plans are flexible, a taxi on arrival is fine. Our airport transfer service takes bookings up to the day before you fly.
How far is the airport from Charlotte Amalie?
About 4 miles — roughly 10 to 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Can I rent a car at the airport?
Yes. Avis and Budget have desks at the airport.
Which side of the road do you drive on?
The left. Take your first day slowly, especially on the hills.
How do I get to St John from the airport?
You need a ride to the ferry, then a short crossing. A St John transfer covers the drive and the drop-off at the dock.
The Bottom Line
Getting to your hotel is easy once you pick your option. A taxi suits most travelers. A private transfer suits anyone who wants the trip sorted before landing. A shared van keeps costs down, and a rental car pays off if you plan to explore.
Confirm the price before you ride, and your vacation starts on the right note. Book your ride with One Transportation & Tours before you fly.