Travel logistics explained clearly
Getting to St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands is straightforward, but different from most Caribbean destinations. This guide explains the only practical ways to reach St. Croix, including direct flights, connections through Puerto Rico, ferry options, and what travelers should expect on arrival.
This page focuses strictly on transportation logistics. Lodging, beaches, safety, and local tips are covered in separate guides linked below.
Flying to St. Croix (STX Airport)
Most visitors travel to St. Croix by air. The island is served by Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, airport code STX, located on the south shore of the island. STX handles all commercial passenger flights arriving directly from the mainland United States and via Puerto Rico.
Flights to St. Croix are typically more limited than to larger Caribbean hubs, so travelers should plan connections carefully and expect fewer daily flight options compared to destinations like St. Thomas or San Juan.
Direct Flights to St. Croix
St. Croix has direct nonstop flights from a small number of U.S. cities, primarily during peak travel seasons. These routes may change by time of year and airline schedules, so availability varies.
Because direct flights are limited, many travelers find that nonstop options sell out earlier than connecting flights. Booking in advance is often helpful, especially during winter and holiday periods.
Spirit, Delta and American are the main airlines flying to St Croix’s Henry Rohlsen Airport (STX). Spirit flies direct daily from Fort Lauderdale (FLL), American Airlines flies twice daily via Miami (MIA) and Delta via Atlanta (ATL).
Most flights to St Croix land at and depart from the small international Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, (tel: 340-778-1012; airport code STX).
Connecting Flights via San Juan
One of the most common ways to reach St. Croix is by connecting through San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU). From San Juan, travelers take a short regional flight to STX.
This route is frequently used because San Juan has many daily mainland connections. Travelers should allow adequate connection time, as regional flights may operate from a different terminal or require re-checking bags depending on the airline.
Ferry Options to St. Croix
A passenger ferry (QE IV Ferry) connects Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) and Gallows Bay (Christiansted, St. Croix). The typical schedule is morning departure from St. Croix and afternoon return from St. Thomas on several days of the week. The duration is about 2–2 ½ hours each way and tickets cost around $70 one-way or $120 round-trip.
Pros: Scenic sea journey; good for travelers who prefer water transport.
Cons: Limited schedule and longer travel time; rough seas possible in windy conditions.
Arrival, Customs, and Entry Requirements
St. Croix is a U.S. territory, so U.S. citizens do not need a passport to enter when traveling from the mainland United States. A government-issued photo ID is sufficient.
While travelers do not clear customs on arrival, U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection is required when departing St. Croix. This is standard procedure for flights returning to the mainland.
Getting Around After You Arrive
After arriving in St. Croix, visitors typically choose between rental cars and licensed taxis for transportation. There is no Uber or Lyft service on the island.
Taxi fares are fixed by destination and passenger count rather than by meter, and availability can vary depending on location and time of day. Many visitors find having a car helpful for exploring the island beyond main towns and resorts.
Flying Between St Thomas and St Croix by Seaplane
Another way how to get to St Croix is by seaplane with Seaborne Airlines. 5 flights daily between St. Croix (seaport terminal code SSB) and St. Thomas (seaport terminal code SPB) land right at the seaport on the Christiansted waterfront. This is a convenient way of going to St. Croix, particularly if you’re staying in Christiansted. An additional bonus is these seaplane flights offer a great tour just by themselves.
Airlines serving St Croix airport
American Airlines: tel: 800-433-7300; website: www.aa.com. American has direct flights daily from Miami, with one stop (but no change of plane) in St Thomas airport.
Spirit Airlines: website: www.spirit.com Daily flights to & from Fort Lauderdale (code FLL).
Seaborne Airlines: tel: 888-359-8687 or 340-773-6442; website: www.seaborneairlines.com. Offers several flights daily, some on seaplanes that fly “downtown to downtown” between St Thomas airport (code STT) and the Christiansted waterfront (flight time: 25 min.).
JetBlue: tel: 800-538-2583; website: www.jetblue.com. Daily afternoon connections from San Juan.
Cape Air: tel 800-227-3247; website: www.capeair.com. flies between St Croix and San Juanhttp://www.jetblue.com, Vieques Island, or St Thomas airport code STT.
Frontier Air: website: www.flyfrontier.com Starting service from Orlando to St. Croix in May 2024. Check for deals on flights from Orlando MCO to St. Croix STX.
US citizens, permanent residents and valid US visa holders do not need a passport for St. Croix since it is part of the US.
Tips for Planning a Trip to St. Croix US Virgin Islands / FAQs
Planning a trip to St. Croix? Here are some tips to make your visit smooth and happy:
Most visitors get to St. Croix by flying into Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX). Flights arrive either directly from select U.S. cities or via a connection through San Juan, Puerto Rico.
St. Croix is served by Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX), which handles all commercial flights to the island. Although it is not a large international hub, it accepts flights from the U.S. mainland and regional connections.
Yes, St. Croix has limited nonstop flights from certain U.S. cities. Availability depends on the season and airline schedules, so many travelers connect through San Juan.
U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel to St. Croix when flying from the United States, as it is a U.S. territory. A valid government-issued photo ID is sufficient.
There is no customs inspection when arriving in St. Croix from the U.S. mainland. However, all passengers clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection when departing St. Croix for return flights.
Yes. Travelers can reach St. Croix from St. Thomas by a short regional flight or by a passenger ferry on limited days. Flying is faster and more reliable for most visitors.
More details on the ferry from St. Thomas to St. Croix
Ferries are also a great way to getting to St. Croix and have fun doing it! Ferry service from St Thomas to St Croix is provided by a number of operators. The ferry from St. Thomas to St Croix usually runs on a daily basis but it’s always good to check and book tickets in advance. You can find here how to book a ferry from St Croix to St. Thomas or the other way around.
The 2 ferry operators are QE4 Ferry and Native Son Ferry and below you can find the ferry from St. Thomas to St. Croix schedule.
The ferry route is between the Edward Wilmoth Blyden IV Marine Terminal in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and the Gallows Bay Marine Facility in Christiansted, St. Croix.
Included below are the ferry operators, ferry schedules, travel times, the ferry rates and the opportunity to purchase one-way and round-trip St. Croix ferry tickets.
2026 Ferry Schedule from St. Croix to St. Thomas
Here’s the current schedules for the ferry from St. Croix to St. Thomas or St. John, as well as the schedule for the return ferry from St. Thomas to St. Croix.
NATIVE SON FERRY from St. Thomas to St. Croix
Telephone: 340-998-0990 & 340-774-8685
St. Croix Ferry Landing: Gallows Bay Marine Facility
St. Thomas Ferry Landing: Edward Wilmoth Blyden IV Marine Terminal
Travel Time: 90 minutes
| GALLOWS BAY → CHARLOTTE AMALIE |
|---|
| Fridays 4:00 pm |
| Sundays 4:00 pm |
| CHARLOTTE AMALIE → GALLOWS BAY |
|---|
| Fridays 8:00 am |
| Sundays 8:00 am |
NATIVE SON FERRY RATES
-
Adult (13+) One-way
-
Adult (13+) Round Trip
-
Senior (62+) One-way
-
Senior (62+) Round Trip
-
Child (< 12) One-way
-
Child (< 12) Round Trip
QE4 FERRY
Telephone: 340-473-1322
St. Croix Ferry Landing: Gallows Bay Marine Facility
St. Thomas Ferry Landing: Edward Wilmoth Blyden IV Marine Terminal
Travel Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
| GALLOWS BAY → CHARLOTTE AMALIE |
|---|
| Wednesday 8:00 am |
| Thursdays 8:00 am |
| Fridays 8:00 am |
| Saturdays 8:00 am |
| Sundays 8:00 am |
| Mondays 8:00 am |
| CHARLOTTE AMALIE → GALLOWS BAY |
|---|
| Wednesday 3:00 pm |
| Thursdays 3:00 pm |
| Fridays 3:00 pm |
| Saturdays 3:00 pm |
| Sundays 3:00 pm |
| Mondays 3:00 pm |
QE4 FERRY RATES
-
One-way
-
Round Trip
-
Child (< 2) One-way
-
Luggage/Box
Note: Arrive 30 minutes before departure. Check in ends fifteen minutes before departure. One piece of government-issued photo identification or birth papers is required for all passengers. Proof of age is required for infants under two years. On St. Thomas, at the Edward Wilmoth Blyden IV Marine Terminal, purchase ferry tickets at the Smith’s Ferry Counter. On St. Croix, at Gallows Bay, purchase tickets at Gallows Bay Marine. Carry-On Baggage Allowance: one bag (maximum dimensions 21.5″x15.5″x9″) and one smaller personal item. Maximum weight of both free carry-on items: 50 lbs. Overweight carry-on baggage: $.50/lb. above 50 lbs., with a minimum additional charge of $10.00 (paid at the time of check-in). Additional bags, and large/overweight items, are subject to other fees.
Videos of Ferry from St Thomas to St Croix
Video of Seaborne Seaplane Ferry from St Thomas to St Croix
Video of Ferry from St Thomas to St Croix trip on Native Son Ferry
1st voyage ever of QE 4 Ferry from St. Croix to St. Thomas (2016)
Native Son Ferry St. Thomas to St. Croix promotional video
Official launch of the QE IV Ferry in St. Croix USVI
About this guide
This guide is written and maintained by long-time St. Croix residents. We live on the island year-round and regularly verify flight access, airport procedures, and inter-island travel options as conditions change.
Information on this page is checked against airline schedules, airport operations at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX), and current U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures for travelers departing St. Croix.
Updated regularly • Written by local residents • Focused on practical travel logistics
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