Cruise passengers arriving in St. Thomas need to know where to rent a car near the cruise port. Here is a guide to the rental locations and how to get there from the cruise terminals.
Cruise Port Locations
St. Thomas has two cruise ship terminals:
- West Indian Company (WICO) Dock: Located in Charlotte Amalie, the main cruise terminal
- Crown Bay Dock: Located west of Charlotte Amalie, used by some cruise lines
Rental Facility Location
Alamo, Enterprise, and National all operate from the shared rental car facility at Cyril E. King Airport (STT). This is approximately:
- 2 miles from WICO dock: 5-10 minutes by taxi
- 1.5 miles from Crown Bay dock: 5 minutes by taxi
Getting from the Cruise Port to the Rental Facility
By Taxi
Taxis are available at both cruise terminals. Tell the driver you need to go to the rental car facility at the airport. The ride is short and inexpensive.
Walking
Walking from the cruise port to the rental facility is possible but not recommended:
- About 30 minutes from WICO dock
- About 20 minutes from Crown Bay dock
- Hot and humid, with limited sidewalks
- Not practical with luggage or beach gear
Pickup Process
Once at the rental facility:
- Present your driver's license, credit card, and reservation
- Complete the rental agreement
- Inspect the vehicle
- Drive off — remember to drive on the left
Return Process
At the end of your port day:
- Return the vehicle to the same facility
- An attendant will inspect the vehicle
- Take a taxi back to your cruise terminal
- Allow at least 2 hours before your ship departs
Tips for Cruise Passengers
- Book your rental in advance to guarantee availability
- Have your cruise schedule handy when booking
- Take a taxi to and from the rental facility — it's quick and affordable
- Join a loyalty program for faster pickup
- Bring your driver's license and credit card
- Download offline maps for navigation
Alternative: Port Area Rentals
There are no rental car counters at the cruise terminals themselves. All rentals must be picked up at the airport facility or another designated location. The airport facility is the most convenient option for cruise passengers.
