Where does the car ferry depart?

The primary car ferry runs between Red Hook (east end of St. Thomas) and Cruz Bay, St. John. Red Hook is roughly a 25-minute drive from Cyril E. King Airport.

How long is the crossing and how do I pay?

The car ferry crossing from Red Hook to Cruz Bay takes about 20-30 minutes. Fares are paid at the terminal for the vehicle and each passenger; confirm current rates with the operator before you travel.

Can I book the ferry in advance?

Ferry booking and fare policies are set by the operators and may change. Confirm current procedures with the ferry operator directly.

What if I prefer not to take my car to St. John?

All rental vehicles are authorized, but if you prefer to leave your car, park near Red Hook and take the passenger ferry as a foot passenger. Never leave valuables visible in a parked rental.

Can You Take a Rental Car to St. John?

St. John is a short ferry ride from St. Thomas, but taking a rental vehicle from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo Rent A Car, or National Car Rental across is fully authorized. Here is what you need to know before you plan the crossing.

Last reviewed: August 2026 Written and reviewed by the USVI Rental Car Guide Editorial Team Locally verified against current rental company policies

All rental vehicles from the Enterprise, Alamo, and National St. Thomas locations are authorized to travel between St. Thomas and St. John via the vehicle ferry without rental-company restrictions or special permission. Pickup and return are in St. Thomas. There is no St. John rental location. Ferry schedules, fees, and operating conditions are controlled by third parties and may change.

Quick answer

Yes. All rental vehicles from Enterprise, Alamo, and National are authorized for travel to St. John. You can take any rental car on the car ferry. Ferry schedules, fees, and operating conditions are controlled by third-party operators and may change.

Passenger ferry vs. car ferry

Two services connect St. Thomas and St. John. The passenger ferry carries foot passengers only. The car ferry (car barge) transports vehicles between Red Hook on St. Thomas and Cruz Bay on St. John. All rental vehicles from Enterprise, Alamo, and National are permitted on the car ferry.

Vehicle eligibility for St. John

All three brands at STT — Enterprise, Alamo, and National — authorize all rental vehicles for travel to St. John. There are no rental-company restrictions; every rental car in the fleet is permitted on the car ferry.

No special confirmation needed

No special confirmation is needed — all rental vehicles from Enterprise, Alamo, and National are authorized for St. John travel. Simply drive to the Red Hook car ferry terminal and board.

If you prefer not to take your car

All rental vehicles are authorized, but if you prefer to leave your car behind, you can park at or near Red Hook and take the passenger ferry to Cruz Bay as a foot passenger. Arrive well ahead of departure during busy periods, and never leave valuables visible in a parked rental — especially an open-top Jeep.

Ferry operations are third-party

Ferry schedules, fares, and operating conditions are set by third-party ferry operators and can change without notice. This guide does not publish schedules or fares. Confirm current ferry details at the dock or with your hotel before committing to a plan.

What to confirm before booking

All rental vehicles from Enterprise, Alamo, and National are authorized for St. John — no special confirmation needed.
Check current ferry schedules and fares with the operator before you travel.
Check current ferry schedules and fares with the operator before you travel.
Plan timing around ferry operating hours and peak wait times.

Frequently asked questions

Explore the rental brands

Enterprise Alamo National

About This Guide

This guide is maintained by the USVI Rental Car Guide editorial team — an independently maintained informational resource for St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. USVI Rental Car Guide is not an official website of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo Rent A Car, National Car Rental, or Enterprise Mobility. All information is compiled from official rental company policies, Cyril E. King Airport procedures, and on-island operational experience.

Rental terms, fees, vehicle availability, shuttle procedures, and policies are subject to change — always confirm the details of your specific reservation directly with the rental company.

Last reviewed: August 2026 Suggest a correction or update