St. Thomas is a small island — approximately 13 miles long and 4 miles wide — so you will not put massive mileage on your rental car. However, fuel-efficient vehicles from Alamo, Enterprise, or National can still save you money, especially since island gas prices tend to be higher than on the mainland.
Why Fuel Efficiency Matters on St. Thomas
Gasoline on St. Thomas is imported and tends to be more expensive than on the U.S. mainland. While the island is small, the mountainous terrain means your engine works harder on steep grades, which reduces fuel economy. A fuel-efficient rental helps offset these costs.
Most Fuel-Efficient Rental Categories
- Economy cars: The most fuel-efficient option, typically 30+ mpg
- Compact cars: Slightly larger but still excellent mileage, 28-35 mpg
- Intermediate sedans: Good balance of size and efficiency, 25-32 mpg
- Hybrid vehicles: When available, offer the best fuel economy
Balancing Efficiency and Capability
While economy and compact cars offer the best fuel economy, they may lack the ground clearance and power needed for St. Thomas's mountain roads. Consider an intermediate sedan as a compromise — it offers decent fuel economy while providing more power and comfort.
Gas Stations on St. Thomas
Gas stations are available in Charlotte Amalie, Red Hook, and along main roads. However, they are not as numerous as on the mainland, and hours can be limited. Plan to fill up when you see a station, rather than waiting until the tank is low.
Fuel Policy
All three brands at STT — Alamo, Enterprise, and National — typically operate on a full-to-full fuel policy. You receive the car with a full tank and must return it with a full tank. Otherwise, you will be charged a refueling fee that is significantly higher than local gas prices.
Tips for Fuel Efficiency
- Avoid aggressive acceleration on mountain roads
- Use air conditioning judiciously
- Plan routes to minimize backtracking
- Fill up at gas stations rather than prepaying fuel with the rental
