Peak tourist season on St. Thomas runs from December through April, when visitors flock to the U.S. Virgin Islands to escape winter. This is also the busiest time for rental car pickup at Cyril E. King Airport (STT). Here is how to navigate it.
Book Early
During peak season, rental cars from Alamo, Enterprise, and National can sell out completely. Book your reservation weeks or even months in advance to guarantee availability. Last-minute bookings during peak season often result in higher prices or no availability at all.
Expect Longer Lines
With multiple flights arriving close together, the rental counters can get backed up. Plan for potentially long wait times at the Alamo, Enterprise, or National counter. Patience and a good attitude go a long way.
Join a Loyalty Program
Loyalty programs can help you bypass the standard counter line:
- National Emerald Club — skip the counter and go straight to the Emerald Aisle
- Enterprise Plus — faster check-in for members
- Alamo Insiders — streamlined booking and pickup
Have Documents Ready
Speed up the process by having your driver's license, credit card, and reservation confirmation ready before you reach the counter. This helps everyone behind you as well.
Allow Extra Time
During peak season, the entire pickup process — from shuttle to driving off — can take 60 to 90 minutes. Build this into your schedule, especially if you have dinner reservations or activities planned.
Vehicle Selection
During peak season, popular vehicles like SUVs and Jeep Wranglers may be in short supply. If you need a specific vehicle type, book early and confirm your reservation ahead of time.