FLYING TO ST. THOMAS & ST. CROIX and other U. S. Virgin Islands Transportation Tips

'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: I won’t list the major airlines that fly into St. Thomas (STT) & St. Croix (STX), but you can often get discounted flights direct from cities on the eastern seaboard & in the southern states. San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJD) is also a US Territory, so many offer connections thru SJD. I’ve always found direct flights myself, but my Mom tells me the SJD experience was pleasant, not a big hassle at all.
Intra-Caribbean flights are offered by Air St. Thomas, Air Sunshine, American Eagle, Bohlke International Airways, Cape Air, Caribbean Sun, LIAT Airlines and Seaborne Airlines (seaplanes with inter-island service, between St. Thomas, St. Croix and San Juan, Puerto Rico) from other islands in the Caribbean.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: Even though these islands are US Territories, you will still have to go through customs when you leave, because this is considered an “open port”. On arrival from a US flight, you can just claim your baggage, but when you leave remember to allow some extra time for customs clearance. You'll need your passport or an original birth certificate plus photo ID (check with your airline for valid forms of identification).

For more information see link below for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration website

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Website: http://uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm

'Mode': TO
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: Most visitors from other countries will need visas & passports to enter the USVI’s. Make sure you check well in advance to get your documentation in order for your trip. Check with your airlines for detailed information, or have a look at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration website. Once there, you may feel more at home than the visiting Americans, since this is a very international port!

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Website: http://uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm

'Mode': TO
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: St. John (STJ) does not have a major airport, so it is best to just fly in to St. Thomas (STT) & plan to catch the ferry from either Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook, either for a day trip or an extended stay. If you want a longer boat ride, catch the ferry from Charlotte Amalie. To minimize water time and take a bit of a drive on STT, head for Red Hook & catch the ferry there. You can also catch a ferry from STT to St. Croix (STX) from Charlotte Amalie. Either way, I recommend you allow a bit of time to enjoy STT, since it won’t be a fast trip getting there. Both CA & RH have some great restaurants as well as fun cheaper places to eat ( I’ll be building tips for STT, CA & RH presently too, & will link to recommended eating spots. Till then, feel free to email me!)
FAST FERRY RATES & INFORMATION
Link for general FERRY INFORMATION to STX, STJ, Puerto Rico, & the British Virgin Islands (BVI’s)

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Website: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/ferry.shtml

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Motorcycle
Getting TO/AROUND: Hah! I can't count how many half-mangled tourists-on-motor-scooters I've seen on these islands, it's an everyday occurrence. The locals drive like madmen, the Americans aren't used to driving on the left side of the road (so they forget routinely and lean right), the road conditions are appalling, there are usually no shoulders, and these islands are MOUNTAINOUS, not flat like Cozumel!

One recommendation: DON'T DO IT! Get a cab, or at least rent something with 4 solid wheels on the ground.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: While car rentals are not cheap, they are certainly available. Check as much information as possible online before you go, don’t wait till you get there. During the peak tourist season (December thru mid-April), you may need to book the car in advance to get what you want, especially if you have a family or group & you wish to rent a larger car or a van.

AMERICANS REMEMBER TO DRIVE ON THE LEFT!!! It’s extremely easy to forget this when the cars are set up for American driving with the wheel on the port side, just like at home. So think verrrrry carefully before you take a chance on drinking & driving, it’s not a wise choice.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: Cabs are a great option, all considered, even though they are spendy, especially if you expect to be drinking any alcohol, or to be tired from an exhausting day of fun in the sun. Fares are set at fixed rates, so it’s a good idea to keep a print out of the rates with you to avoid arguments over what they should be. Also, try to share cabs when possible, that will make it less expensive for all. Here are links for the set rates:
Cab Fares St. Thomas
Cab Fares St. John
St. Croix not yet available

ONE WARNING cabbies will tack on extra charges for each item of luggage you carry, so if you are just out & about on a day trip, try to keep the tote bags to a minimum - and try not to have anything with you that must be loaded into the trunk!

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: Tommy the Starfish Routes: On St. Thomas - the Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association has posted Tommy the Star Fish signs to help guide you around the island. Just follow the signs to get to the most popular areas for visitors to St. Thomas:
Orange Route: Airport, Downtown Charlotte Amalie, Havensight Cruise Terminal, Morningstar Beach, Bolongo Beach and RED HOOK FERRIES.
Red Route: Four Corners to Smith Bay, including DRAKE’S SEAT.
Yellow Route: CROWN BAY Dock and Marina to MAFOLIE Hotel & Restaurant.
Green Route: Downtown Charlotte Amalie to MAGEN’S BAY BEACH.
Blue Route: Red Rook Ferries to Downtown Charlotte Amalie past North Shore Resorts and major Shopping Malls, including TILLETT GARDENS.

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