Cruise passengers visiting St. Thomas face a unique challenge: driving on the left side of the road. If you rent a car from Alamo, Enterprise, or National during your port day, here is what you need to know about left-side driving.
St. Thomas Drives on the Left
St. Thomas is one of the few places where you drive on the left but the steering wheel is on the left side of the car. This can be disorienting for mainland U.S. drivers, especially when you only have a few hours to adjust.
Is It Safe for Cruise Passengers?
Driving on the left is manageable if you:
- Take it slow and stay alert
- Have a passenger remind you to stay left
- Stick to main roads that you are comfortable with
- Avoid driving at night
- Practice in the rental facility lot before heading out
Tips for Cruise Passengers
Before You Drive
- Take 5 minutes to practice in the rental facility parking lot
- Have your passenger sit in the front seat as a co-pilot
- Review your route on GPS before starting the car
- Adjust mirrors and get comfortable
On the Road
- Keep to the left at all times
- Take intersections slowly — the instinct is to veer right
- In roundabouts, enter by turning left and go clockwise
- Follow local traffic and let them lead
- Don't rush — speed causes mistakes
If You Are Not Comfortable Driving on the Left
If you are not confident about left-side driving, consider these alternatives:
- Taxi tours: Available from the cruise port, with drivers who know the island
- Organized shore excursions: Booked through your cruise line
- Passenger ferry to St. John: Take the ferry and use taxis on St. John
- Walking: Explore Charlotte Amalie on foot
Common Mistakes
- Drifting to the right: Muscle memory pulls you to the right side
- Wrong way at intersections: Turning into the right lane instead of the left
- Wipers instead of turn signals: In some rental cars, controls are reversed
- Panic on narrow roads: Stay calm and pull over if needed
The Bottom Line
If you are a confident driver and take it slow, driving on the left in St. Thomas is manageable for a cruise port day. If you are nervous or inexperienced, taxis and organized tours are stress-free alternatives that still let you enjoy the island.
