Once you arrive in Cruz Bay on St. John via the car ferry from St. Thomas, you will be driving on some of the most beautiful — and challenging — roads in the Caribbean. Here is what to expect when driving on St. John with your Alamo, Enterprise, or National rental car.
Cruz Bay Arrival
The ferry arrives at the Cruz Bay dock. Traffic in Cruz Bay can be congested, especially when multiple ferries arrive close together. Take your time exiting the ferry area and orienting yourself before heading out.
Road Conditions
St. John's roads are even more challenging than St. Thomas's:
- Steep grades: Roads climb sharply from Cruz Bay into the hills
- Narrow lanes: Many roads are single-lane with two-way traffic
- Sharp curves: Switchbacks and hairpin turns are common
- Unpaved sections: Roads to some beaches within Virgin Islands National Park are unpaved
- Limited signage: Signs can be sparse — use GPS or download maps
Driving on the Left
Like St. Thomas, St. John drives on the left. If you have already been driving on St. Thomas, you are accustomed to this. Continue to exercise caution, especially on narrow roads.
Speed Limits
Speed limits on St. John are low — typically 15-25 mph on most roads. In Cruz Bay, the speed limit is even lower. Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians, donkeys, and wildlife.
Beach Access Roads
Some of St. John's best beaches require driving on unpaved roads:
- Salt Pond Bay: Rough dirt road access
- Lameshur Bay: Unpaved road, high clearance recommended
- Francis Bay: Paved access with parking
- Trunk Bay: Paved access, parking available
Parking
Parking at St. John beaches is limited. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially at popular beaches like Trunk Bay. Some beaches have small parking areas that fill up quickly.
Gas Stations
There is only one gas station on St. John, located in Cruz Bay. Fill up before heading out to explore, and keep an eye on your fuel level. It is best to fill up on St. Thomas before taking the ferry.
Return Trip
Allow extra time to return to Cruz Bay for the ferry back to St. Thomas. Lines can form during peak departure times. Make sure you catch a ferry that gets you back to St. Thomas in time to return your rental car by the agreed time.
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.
