St. John is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, with pristine beaches, crystal water, and 60% of the island protected as national park land.
The only way to reach St. John is by ferry from St. Thomas (USVI) — there is no airport on St. John.
This guide explains schedules, prices, departure ports, transportation, and what to expect on arrival.
🚢 Ferry Routes to St. John
There are two main passenger ferry departure points on St. Thomas:
| Departure Port | Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red Hook → Cruz Bay | 20–25 min | Most frequent & popular |
| Charlotte Amalie → Cruz Bay | 40–45 min | Closer to airport |
📍 All ferries arrive at Cruz Bay, St. John
⏰ Passenger Ferry Schedule (Typical Daily Times)
Red Hook → Cruz Bay
| Departures |
|---|
| Every hour from ~6:00 AM to midnight |
Cruz Bay → Red Hook
| Departures |
|---|
| Every hour from ~6:00 AM to midnight |
Charlotte Amalie → Cruz Bay
| Departures |
|---|
| Typically 3–4 departures per day |
| Schedules vary by season |
(Update daily schedules via usvi.net / official ferry operator sites)
💸 Ticket Prices (2025)
| Route | One Way |
|---|---|
| Red Hook ↔ St. John | $8–$12 + small port fees |
| Charlotte Amalie ↔ St. John | $15–$20 |
Children & seniors may have reduced rates
🎫 Tickets purchased at the dock on arrival (no need to book online)
🚗 Car & Jeep Ferry (Barge)
| Route | Frequency | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Red Hook → St. John car barge | Every 45–60 min | $35–$55 each way + fees |
💡 Useful if renting a Jeep in St. Thomas and taking to St. John
🏖 What to Do When You Arrive in St. John
Transportation is easy from the ferry dock:
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Taxi to beaches | $6–$15 per person |
| Jeep rental | $80–$130/day |
| Walk to Cruz Bay restaurants | 2–5 min |
🌴 Top Beaches Near the Ferry Dock
| Beach | Time from dock | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trunk Bay | 10 min taxi | Underwater snorkel trail |
| Cinnamon Bay | 12 min | Camping + wide beach |
| Hawksnest Beach | 8 min | Great snorkeling |
| Maho Bay | 20 min | Sea turtles for snorkeling |
🧠 Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Red Hook ferry is most frequent & flexible
- Charlotte Amalie is easier from the airport
- Bring cash for taxis & beach rentals
- Arrive early around holidays
- Bring your own snorkel gear to save money
🏁 Final Summary
The St. Thomas → St. John ferry is the fastest and easiest way to reach some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
Whether you leave from Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie, the ferry is safe, cheap, and runs frequently.
Internal Links
- USVI Travel Guide
- Puerto Rico to Culebra Ferry Guide
- Puerto Rico to Vieques Ferry Guide
- Best Beaches in St. John
- St. John vs St. Thomas comparison
- Caribbean Ferry Master Guide
Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español
El ferry desde St. Thomas hasta St. John opera todo el día, cada hora desde Red Hook. El viaje dura 20–25 minutos y cuesta entre $8 y $12 por persona. Es la forma principal de llegar a St. John y sus hermosas playas nacionales.
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