🗺️ Ferry Routes Overview
St. Croix is about 40 miles south of St. Thomas — a longer crossing than the STT–STJ hop, but a scenic and relaxed way to travel between islands. Ferry service departs from Christiansted Harbor.
⭐ Christiansted → Charlotte Amalie
Main Route
Crossing time~1 hr
Adult fare~$45–55 each way
DeparturesDaily — limited times
DockChristiansted Harbor
Arrives atCharlotte Amalie waterfront
From airportTaxi ~$12, ~15 min
✈️ Fly STX → STT Instead
Flight time~20 min
Fare~$60–120 each way
AirlinesCape Air · Silver Airways
FrequencyMultiple daily
From airportTaxi $12 to STX terminal
NoteOften faster door-to-door
💡 Ferry vs Flying: The ferry is a great experience and a scenic way to travel — but for pure speed and convenience, the 20-minute Cape Air or Silver Airways flight is often the better choice. See our comparison below.
🕐 Ferry Schedule
Ferry schedules between St. Croix and St. Thomas are more limited than the STT–STJ route. Confirm exact times directly with the operator before travel — schedules change seasonally.
7:00 AM
First ferry
9:00 AM
Christiansted
1:00 PM
Christiansted
5:00 PM
Last ferry
⚠️ Times are approximate and subject to change. Service is more limited than the STT–STJ route. Always confirm directly with your operator before travel. Seasonal schedules may differ.
8:00 AM
First ferry
10:00 AM
Charlotte Amalie
2:00 PM
Charlotte Amalie
6:00 PM
Last ferry
⚠️ Return times from Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas to Christiansted, St. Croix. Times are approximate — always confirm with your operator on the day of travel.
💵 Ferry Fares
Approximate fares per person each way. Prices vary by operator and season.
| Route | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Christiansted → Charlotte Amalie | ~$45–55 | ~$25–35 |
| Charlotte Amalie → Christiansted | ~$45–55 | ~$25–35 |
| Cape Air / Silver STX → STT (flight) | ~$60–120 | varies |
* Fares are approximate and subject to change. Confirm current prices with the operator at time of booking. Round-trip tickets may offer savings.
⛴️ Ferry Operators
Ferry service between St. Croix and St. Thomas has evolved over the years. Confirm current operators and schedules before booking.
Seaborne Airlines / Ferry
Historically operated seaplane and ferry service between STX and STT. Check current status for active ferry routes — service availability has varied.
STX ↔ STT
Charter / Private Boat
Private boat charters are available from Christiansted Harbor for groups. More flexible scheduling but significantly higher cost. Good for special occasions or groups of 6+.
Custom STX ↔ STT routing
Cape Air
Not a ferry — but the fastest way between the islands. Multiple daily flights STX ↔ STT in ~20 minutes. Often comparable in price to ferry when you factor in time and convenience.
STX ↔ STT (air)
Silver Airways
Daily inter-island flights STX ↔ STT and STX ↔ SJU. Larger aircraft than Cape Air. A practical alternative to the ferry for most travelers.
STX ↔ STT (air)
✈️ Getting from STX Airport to the Ferry
Just landed at STX and want to take the ferry to St. Thomas? Here's the step-by-step.
1
Collect your bags at STX
Baggage claim at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport is fast — typically 15–20 minutes. Exit through the main terminal doors.
2
Take a taxi to Christiansted Harbor
Taxis queue outside the terminal. Tell the driver you're going to Christiansted Harbor (also called the Seaplane Ramp or downtown Christiansted waterfront). The ride is about 15 minutes east.
3
Find the ferry dock in Christiansted
The ferry departs from the waterfront in Christiansted. The dock area is visible from the boardwalk. Arrive at least 15–20 minutes before departure.
4
Purchase your ticket
Buy your ticket from the operator. Have cash and a card available — policy varies. Adult fare is approximately $45–55 each way.
5
Board and enjoy the crossing
The crossing to Charlotte Amalie takes approximately 1 hour. Enjoy the open water views and the approach into Charlotte Amalie harbor.
6
Arrive at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
You'll dock at the Charlotte Amalie waterfront. From there, taxis and safari vans connect to all parts of St. Thomas including STT airport, Red Hook, and East End resorts.
💡 Total time from STX landing to St. Thomas: Allow 2–2.5 hours including baggage claim, taxi to Christiansted, and ferry crossing. The inter-island flight is only 20 minutes — factor in your priorities before choosing.
⚖️ Ferry vs Flying STX → STT
Both options connect St. Croix to St. Thomas — here's how they compare.
| ⛴️ Ferry | ✈️ Flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time | ~1 hr on water | ~20 min in air |
| Door-to-door | ~2–2.5 hrs | ~1.5–2 hrs |
| Typical fare | ~$45–55 | ~$60–120 |
| Frequency | Limited daily | Multiple daily |
| Baggage | More flexible | Weight limits |
| Experience | Scenic, relaxed | Fast, views from air |
| Best for | Leisurely trips, groups | Time-sensitive travel |
💡 Ferry Tips
Confirm the schedule the day before. The STX–STT ferry operates on a limited schedule and times can change seasonally. Always call or check online the day before your crossing to confirm departure times.
Arrive 20–30 minutes early. The Christiansted Harbor dock can be busy and the ferry won't wait. Give yourself buffer, especially if you're taking a taxi from the airport or a hotel.
Have cash and a card available. Payment policies vary by operator — some are cash only, others accept cards. Having both avoids any dock-side surprises.
The open ocean can get rough. The passage between St. Croix and St. Thomas is open water — significantly more exposed than the calm Pillsbury Sound between STT and STJ. If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication beforehand and sit amidships.
Ferry is better for heavy luggage. Cape Air and Silver Airways have strict weight limits on inter-island flights. If you're traveling with a lot of bags, the ferry may be more practical — no weight limits and you can bring more gear.
Consider flying for time-sensitive trips. If you have a connection to catch at STT, flying is more reliable. Inter-island flights run multiple times daily and the 20-minute crossing gives you more flexibility if timing is tight.
The crossing is genuinely beautiful. Open Caribbean water, views of both islands, and occasional dolphins or flying fish. It's a slower way to travel — but it's a real experience. Bring a camera and enjoy it.
❓ Ferry FAQ
Yes, ferry service connects Christiansted, St. Croix to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. However, the route has limited daily departures and schedules change seasonally — always confirm with the operator before travel. Many travelers also choose to fly, as Cape Air and Silver Airways offer the trip in just 20 minutes with multiple daily departures.
The ferry crossing takes approximately 1 hour. Add travel time from the airport to Christiansted Harbor (~15 min taxi) and you're looking at about 2–2.5 hours door-to-door. The inter-island flight takes just 20 minutes if speed is a priority.
Adult fares are approximately $45–55 per person each way. Children's fares are typically $25–35. Prices vary by operator and season. Compare this to inter-island flights which run ~$60–120 — the ferry is often the lower-cost option.
It depends on your priorities. Take the ferry if you want a scenic ocean experience, are traveling with a lot of luggage, or want to save a little money. Fly if you need speed, flexibility (multiple daily departures), or have a connection to catch. Cape Air and Silver Airways both offer the STX→STT route in ~20 minutes.
No passport is needed — both St. Croix and St. Thomas are U.S. territories. A valid government-issued ID is sufficient. However, if you continue from St. Thomas to the British Virgin Islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda), a passport is required as the BVI is a separate country.
The ferry departs from Christiansted Harbor, on the waterfront in downtown Christiansted. From STX airport, take a taxi (~$12/person, ~15 min). The harbor is easy to find — it's right on the waterfront boardwalk area in the center of Christiansted.