St. John Car Ferry Guide
Understand car-ferry schedules, terminals, and how to travel between St. Thomas and St. John.
St. John is a short ferry ride from St. Thomas's east end. Travelers often ask whether they can take a rental vehicle from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo Rent A Car, or National Car Rental to St. John — the answer is yes — all three brands authorize all rental vehicles for travel to St. John.
We do not operate a rental location in St. John. Vehicles are rented from our Alamo, Enterprise, and National locations at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas. Travel in these rental vehicles is unrestricted between St. Thomas and St. John. Ferry schedules, fees, and operating conditions are controlled by third parties and may change.
Passenger ferry vs. car ferry
Two services connect St. Thomas and St. John. The passenger ferry runs from Red Hook (and Charlotte Amalie) to Cruz Bay and carries foot passengers only. The car ferry / car barge transports vehicles between Red Hook and Cruz Bay.
All rental vehicles from Enterprise, Alamo, and National are permitted on the car ferry to St. John.
Can I take my rental car to St. John?
All three brands at STT — Enterprise, Alamo, and National — authorize all rental vehicles for travel to St. John. There are no vehicle-type restrictions; every rental car in the fleet is permitted on the car ferry.
Before you travel: no special confirmation is needed — all rental vehicles are authorized. Simply drive to the Red Hook car ferry terminal and board.
Ferry terminals and routes
- Red Hook (east end of St. Thomas): the primary, most frequent route to Cruz Bay, St. John.
- Charlotte Amalie: fewer departures; confirm the current schedule.
- Red Hook is about a 25-minute drive from Cyril E. King Airport via Route 30.
Schedules and fares
Passenger ferry crossings take roughly 20 minutes from Red Hook. Car-ferry schedules and fares vary by season and operator. Departures are generally hourly during the day, but times change — confirm the current schedule at the dock or with your hotel before you commit to a plan. Cash is commonly preferred at the dock.
If you leave your car at Red Hook
If you prefer not to take your rental car to St. John, you can park at or near Red Hook and take the passenger ferry. Arrive 30+ minutes before departure during busy periods. Never leave valuables visible in a parked rental — especially in an open-top Jeep.
Driving on St. John
St. John also drives on the left. Its roads are narrower and steeper than St. Thomas's, with sharp switchbacks — four-wheel drive is recommended. Many roads run through Virgin Islands National Park. Drive cautiously and respect posted limits.
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.