Cruise ship passengers visiting St. Thomas have limited time to explore the island, and renting a car from Alamo, Enterprise, or National can maximize your port day. Here is a guide for cruise passengers considering a rental car on St. Thomas.
Is It Worth Renting?
For cruise passengers, renting a car on St. Thomas offers:
- Freedom to explore at your own pace
- Access to beaches and attractions not reachable by taxi
- Lower cost than multiple taxi rides for a family
- Flexibility to avoid crowded cruise shore excursions
Where to Rent Near the Cruise Port
The main cruise port is in Charlotte Amalie at the West Indian Company (WICO) dock, with a secondary dock at Crown Bay. The rental car facility at Cyril E. King Airport (STT) is approximately 2-3 miles from the cruise terminals.
Getting to the Rental Facility
From the cruise port, you can reach the rental facility by:
- Taxi: 5-10 minute ride from the cruise terminals
- Walking: About 30 minutes from WICO dock (not recommended with luggage)
- Hotel shuttle: If your hotel offers airport service
Timing Your Rental
Cruise passengers should time their rental carefully:
- Cruise ships typically arrive early morning (7-8 AM)
- Ships usually depart in the afternoon or evening (4-6 PM)
- Plan to pick up your rental by 9-10 AM
- Return it by 3-4 PM to ensure you make it back to the ship
- Allow extra buffer time for traffic and shuttle delays
One-Day Itinerary Ideas
Beach Day
- Drive to Magens Bay for the morning
- Head to Sapphire Beach for the afternoon
- Return the car and head back to the ship
Sightseeing Day
- Drive to Mountain Top for panoramic views
- Stop at Drake's Seat for photos
- Explore Charlotte Amalie for shopping
- Visit a beach for a quick swim
Booking Tips for Cruise Passengers
- Book in advance — rental availability is limited during cruise season
- Specify your cruise schedule when booking
- Choose a vehicle that is easy to park (compact or midsize)
- Join a loyalty program for faster pickup
- Bring your driver's license and credit card
Important: Don't Miss Your Ship
The most important rule for cruise passengers: never miss your ship's departure. Build in extra buffer time:
- Return the car at least 2 hours before departure
- Allow time for the vehicle inspection
- Factor in shuttle or taxi time back to the port
- Keep the ship's departure time in mind throughout the day
Alternative: Taxi Tours
If you are uncomfortable driving on the left, taxi tours are available from the cruise port. While less flexible than a rental car, they eliminate the stress of driving on unfamiliar roads.
