Cruz Bay is the main town and entry point on St. John. When you arrive on the car ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas, Cruz Bay is your first stop. Here is how to navigate Cruz Bay and St. John in your Alamo, Enterprise, or National rental car.
Arriving at Cruz Bay
The car ferry docks at the Cruz Bay ferry terminal. After disembarking, you will drive directly into the town area. Traffic can be congested, especially when multiple ferries arrive. Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians.
Parking in Cruz Bay
Parking in Cruz Bay is limited. Options include:
- Public parking lot: Near the ferry terminal, fills up quickly
- Street parking: Limited and time-restricted
- Privately operated lots: Paid parking available near town
Arrive early to secure a parking spot, especially on weekends and holidays.
Getting Oriented
Before leaving Cruz Bay, take a moment to get oriented:
- Pick up a St. John map at the visitor center or a local shop
- Note the location of the gas station (there is only one, in Cruz Bay)
- Check your ferry schedule for the return trip
- Download offline maps in case cell service is spotty
Main Roads on St. John
- North Shore Road (Route 20): Leads to Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Maho Bay
- Centerline Road (Route 10): Crosses the island to Coral Bay on the east end
- South Shore Road: Leads to Salt Pond Bay and Lameshur Bay
Driving Tips for Cruz Bay
- Traffic moves slowly through town
- Watch for pedestrians crossing streets
- One-way streets require attention to signs
- Be patient — Cruz Bay is small and busy
Leaving Cruz Bay
Once you are oriented, head out to explore St. John's beaches and attractions. Most destinations are within a 20-30 minute drive from Cruz Bay. Remember that St. John drives on the left, just like St. Thomas.
Returning to the Ferry
Allow extra time to return to Cruz Bay for your ferry back to St. Thomas. Lines can form at the ferry terminal, especially during peak departure times. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your intended departure.
Vehicle authorization for St. John
Vehicles rented from the Alamo, Enterprise, and National locations at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas may travel between St. Thomas and St. John via the vehicle ferry without rental-company restrictions or special permission. All rentals must be picked up and returned in St. Thomas. There is no St. John rental location.
