Getting to the Virgin Islands
There are only two ways to get to the Virgin Islands, by air or by sea. Use the links below to skip to the section of interest or scroll down and read it all. For Passport Guidelines visit Visitor Information.
Visiting by Air from the United States
There are two major airports in the Virgin Islands; the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix.
Non-stop and connecting service from the US mainland to St. Thomas and St. Croix are available. Most flights make connections in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Flights on inter-island carriers can be made from San Juan to St. Thomas and St. Croix and between islands. Below is a table with approximate flying times and a list of airlines with service between the US Mainland and the USVI.
| STARTING POINT | ST. THOMAS | ST. CROIX |
|---|---|---|
| San Juan, Puerto Rico | 30 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Miami, Florida | 2.5 hours | 3 hours |
| New York | 3.5 hours | 4 hours |
| Houston, Texas | 8 hours | 8.5 hours |
| San Francisco, California | 10 hours | 10.5 hours |
| *These are approximate times and are for reference only. |
- American Airlines: offers non-stop and connecting service to St. Thomas and St. Croix.
- Continental Airlines: offers connecting service to St. Thomas.
- Delta Airlines: offers connecting service to St. Thomas.
- United Airlines: offers connecting service to St. Thomas.
- US Airways: offers nonstop and connecting service to St. Thomas.
Inter-Island Carriers: Traveling within the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and neighboring Caribbean islands is easy with the use of inter island carriers. Fly to Puerto Rico from the US mainland and make a connection from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas or to St. Croix. Visit St. Croix from St. Thomas in minutes or visit other neighboring islands.
Getting to St. John & Water Island
Neither St. John nor Water Island have airports. The nearest airport is on St. Thomas. To visit these islands from the US mainland one must fly to St. Thomas then take a taxi to the ferry terminal/dock and take an inter-island ferry to the final destination. Regular, reliable, inexpensive ferry service is available to both islands from St. Thomas.
- Click Here to Learn More on Ferrying to St. John
- Click Here to Learn More on Ferrying to Water Island
Cruise Ship
St. Thomas is a popular cruise ship destination. St. Croix also accommodates cruise ships and St. John receives a few cruise ship calls. A cruise visit to the Virgin Islands is an excellent way to get a taste of what the islands offer! Many cruises require that you fly to Puerto Rico to board the ship. A few itineraries begin on the mainland; primarily Miami, Florida. The cruise lines listed below frequently stop in the Virgin Islands. Visit this Month’s Cruise Ship Schedule.
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruise Line Disney
- Cruise Line
- Holland America Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Premiere Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Royal Caribbean Int.
- Seabourn Cruise Line
- Sun Cruises
- Topaz International Shipping
Yacht Charters/Marinas
If you own your own yacht you can sail to the Virgin Islands. The islands have inviting facilities set up to accommodate various size vessels for short and long term visits. Visit Marinas and Anchorages in the Virgin Islands for more information. If you do not own your own yacht you can charter one for a yacht vacation. Learn more about Term Charters.