Ferry from St Thomas to St John (Crown Bay to Cruz Bay)
Just landed at St Thomas airport, or arriving by cruise? This is the closest ferry to St John. Inter-Island Boat Services departs from Crown Bay Marina, about a 5 minute taxi from St Thomas (Cyril E. King) airport and close to downtown Charlotte Amalie. That means no long, costly taxi ride across the island to Red Hook before you even reach the water. Check times and fares below, choose your sailing, and book a guaranteed seat with instant e-tickets.
Is this the right St Thomas to St John ferry for you?
There are two ways to cross from St Thomas to St John. We want you on the right one, so here is the honest comparison:
| Crown Bay (book here) | Red Hook public ferry | |
|---|---|---|
| Best if you are | arriving by air or cruise, or near downtown Charlotte Amalie | already staying on the east end of St Thomas |
| Distance from the airport | about 5 minutes | about 30 to 45 minutes, plus a higher taxi fare |
| Booking | reserve ahead, guaranteed seat, e-tickets | turn up and go, no reservation |
| Crossing time | about 10 minutes | about 20 minutes |
| Fare | approx. $21 per person per way | lowest flat public fare |
If you are staying out near Red Hook, that public ferry will suit you better. But if you are coming from the airport, a cruise ship, or Charlotte Amalie, Crown Bay saves you the cross-island trip and lets you lock in your seat before you arrive.
Check the schedule and book your seats
Simply use the search box on this page to check availability for your travel date and book your ticket.
|
From: |
To: | Departure time: | Departure days: |
Approx. Travel Time: |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. John (Cruz Bay) | St. Thomas (Crown Bay) |
11.00 AM 4.15 PM |
Daily |
30mins |
|
| 1.15 PM | Extra Weekend Service | 30mins | |||
| St. Thomas (Crown Bay) | St. John (Cruz Bay) |
3.30 PM 5.30 PM |
Daily | 30mins | |
| 2.15 PM | Extra Weekend Service | 30mins | |||
| St. Thomas (Red Hook) | Jost Van Dyke (Great Harbor) | 7.30 AM |
Sundays, Tuesdays & Fridays |
50mins | |
| Jost Van Dyke (Great Harbor) | St. Thomas (Red Hook) | 3:30 PM |
Sundays, Tuesdays & Fridays |
50mins | |
| St. John (Cruz Bay) | Jost Van Dyke (Great Harbor) | 8:00 AM |
Sundays, Tuesdays & Fridays |
35mins | |
| Jost Van Dyke (Great Harbor) | St. John (Cruz Bay) | 3:30 PM |
Sundays, Tuesdays & Fridays |
35mins | |
| St. Thomas (Red Hook) | Virgin Gorda (Spanish Town) | 7:30 AM | Thursdays | 90mins | |
| Virgin Gorda (Spanish Town) | St. Thomas (Red Hook) | 3:45 PM | Thursdays | 90mins | |
| St. John (Cruz Bay) | Virgin Gorda (Spanish Town) | 8:00 AM | Thursdays | 60mins | |
| Virgin Gorda (Spanish Town) | St. John (Cruz Bay) | 3:45 PM | Thursdays | 60mins | |
| NOTE: A minimum of 15 passengers is needed for the BVI services to go ahead, Inter Island Boat Services reserves the right to cancel last minute and offer a free date change or refund if adequate numbers aren't reached | |||||
Getting to Crown Bay Marina
Crown Bay is a marina on the south side of St Thomas, with a dedicated dock for Inter-Island ferries. Getting there is simple:
- From the airport: about a 5 minute taxi or car ride. Tell the driver Crown Bay Marina ferry dock.
- From downtown Charlotte Amalie: a short ride along the waterfront.
- By cruise: Crown Bay is a short transfer from the cruise piers.
Crown Bay Marina has waterfront restaurants, cafes and a mini market, with the Crown Bay Center shopping complex a short walk away.
Arriving in Cruz Bay, St John
You will arrive in Cruz Bay, the main town on St John and the gateway to the island. St John is known for its protected national park (nearly 60% of the island), kept clean and beautifully maintained. Cruz Bay puts you within reach of shops, restaurants, beach bars, and some of the clearest swimming and snorkelling water in the Virgin Islands. It is an ideal base for a day trip or the start of your island stay.
Frequently asked questions
Why book this ferry?
- Reliable scheduled daily services between Crown Bay and Cruz Bay
- The most direct route from the airport and downtown St Thomas
- Guaranteed seat with instant e-tickets, no waiting to find out if the next boat is full
- Modern vessel with capacity for up to 132 passengers
- Perfect for day trips and island hopping
How do I get to Crown Bay from St Thomas airport?
It is about a 5 minute taxi ride. Crown Bay is the closest ferry departure point to the airport, which is why it is the easiest option for travellers arriving by plane.
Should I use Crown Bay or Red Hook?
Choose Crown Bay if you are coming from the airport, a cruise ship, or Charlotte Amalie. Choose Red Hook if you are already on the east end of St Thomas. See the comparison above.
Do I need to book in advance?
Booking ahead guarantees your seat and gives you e-tickets to check in with on the day. Sailings can fill up, so reserving in advance is recommended, especially in high season.
How long is the crossing?
The Crown Bay to Cruz Bay crossing takes about 20-25 minutes.
How much luggage can I bring?
Each passenger may bring one personal item free of charge, such as a backpack or carry-on bag. Checked luggage is $5 per item, payable on the day at the terminal.
Can I change my booking?
Tickets are non-refundable, but date and time changes are possible at any time, subject to availability.
Terms and conditions
Tickets with Inter-Island Boat Services between St Thomas and St John are generally non-refundable, but you can reach out to us on request basis and we will see whether an exemption may apply to your situation. Date and time changes are possible at any time, subject always to availability. A $5 fee applies per checked luggage item, payable on the day of travel. Each passenger is allowed one free personal item such as a backpack or carry-on bag.
