Transportation and Lodging > Transportation

Direct to/from the US mainland:

If traveling to the USVI direct from mainland US, there is no passport or immigration control when going to the USVI.

If traveling from the USVI to the mainland US directly, US citizens will have to prove their nationality. This may most easily be done by showing a US passport, however a passport is not required for US citizens. A raised-seal birth certificate plus a government issued ID can be used.

Non-US citizens traveling direct from USVI to the mainland US should be prepared to show their passport and immigration documents.

This “citizenship control”/passport control occurs at the airport here in the USVI before departure. For that reason, it may take longer than expected to get to the gate. Please plan your arrival at the airport accordingly.

From abroad:

The immigration requirements to the USVI are the same as to the mainland US. Most likely you will be traveling via the mainland US in order to get to the USVI from abroad, in which case you will go through immigration at your port of entry to the US.

If you are a citizen of a country participating in the visa waiver program that do not hold a US visa, please remember that you do need an electronic travel authorization before traveling to the US.

For more information, please visit https://www.cbp.gov/

The USVI are located just east of Puerto Rico. The capital of USVI is Charlotte Amalie, located on St Thomas. The main campus of the University of the Virgin Islands is also located on St Thomas, a few miles west of town, and just next to the airport. The airport terminal, however, is on the other side of the runway, so you'll have to go around the runway in order to get from the airport to the university. Expect 5-10 minutes drive, or (not recommended) 30 – 45 minutes walk (with little shade).

There is a public bus service on St Thomas, however it is highly unreliable and not recommended. If you nevertheless are interested, more information can be found here:

http://dpw.vi.gov/vitran/

Safari bus:

“Safari buses” (converted trucks with seating in the back) runs from the University in the west, through town, and wiggle their way to Red Hook on the east end of the island, then a different route back to town and on to the University. They are privately operated, do not run on a schedule but do run fairly frequent. You can flag them down to get on and get off pretty much anywhere. There is a “door-bell” that you push to signal that you want to get off. You pay the driver when getting off. $1 for shorter rides, $2 for longer. The driver will appreciate tip. A map of the route can be found here:

https://plus.google.com/113507720810321204961/posts/7W81fBGjzqr

Taxi:

Taxis are usually available outside the airport terminal.

Driving:

Several car rental agencies are available at and around the airport. Please note that we drive on the left side of the road on the USVI. Most cars are imported from the mainland US, and therefore have the steering wheel on the left. Roads are paved, but are often in a less than desirable condition with many holes.

If you have a valid US driver's license, it can be used for up to 90 days here. People with foreign driver's licenses should get an international license if they plan on driving here.

Please note:  Neither public buses nor Safari buses go to the airport.