St. Thomas has several roundabouts that can confuse visitors who are not used to driving on the left. Here is how to navigate them safely in your Alamo, Enterprise, or National rental car.
How Roundabouts Work on St. Thomas
Because St. Thomas drives on the left, roundabouts flow clockwise — the opposite of mainland U.S. roundabouts. You enter by turning left and merge into the circulating traffic. Traffic already in the roundabout has the right of way.
Entering a Roundabout
- Slow down as you approach
- Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
- Enter by turning left into the circulating lane
- Maintain a slow, steady speed
Exiting a Roundabout
- Signal your intention to exit
- Check for traffic to your right
- Exit by turning left out of the roundabout
- Resume normal driving speed
Key Roundabouts on St. Thomas
Major roundabouts on St. Thomas include:
- Charlotte Amalie area: Near the waterfront and downtown
- Airport area: Near Cyril E. King Airport
- Major intersections: Along Route 30 and other main roads
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering without yielding to circulating traffic
- Stopping in the roundabout
- Forgetting to signal when exiting
- Turning right instead of left when entering
- Driving too fast for conditions
Tips for Visitors
- Take it slow — there is no rush
- Watch what local drivers do and follow their lead
- If you miss your exit, go around again
- Keep right (toward the center) when circulating
- Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks near roundabouts
Multi-Lane Roundabouts
Some larger roundabouts on St. Thomas have multiple lanes. Choose your lane based on your intended exit. If you are unsure, stay in the outer lane and go around until you are confident.
