Two Islands, Two Ways to Get There
St. Thomas is about 40 miles north of St. Croix — close enough to visit for the day, far enough that you need to plan your transport. You have two options: fly (20 minutes) or take the ferry (1 hour from Christiansted Harbor). Both are viable; the right choice depends on your priorities.
Flying STX to STT
Cape Air and Silver Airways both operate multiple daily flights between STX and STT. The flight takes about 20 minutes and costs roughly $60–120 each way. You'll land at Cyril E. King Airport and be in Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook within 20 minutes by taxi.
Flying is the better choice if: you have a tight schedule, you have luggage that exceeds ferry standards, or you want to connect to a mainland flight at STT.
Taking the Ferry STX to STT
The ferry departs from Christiansted Harbor (a $12 taxi ride from STX airport) and arrives in Charlotte Amalie approximately 1 hour later. Fares run $45–55 per person each way. The crossing is on open Caribbean water and can get rough in the afternoon — if you're prone to motion sickness, take medication in advance.
The ferry is the better choice if: you want a scenic experience, you're traveling with heavy luggage (no weight limits), or you want to arrive directly at the Charlotte Amalie waterfront.
The Verdict
For most travelers, flying wins on pure efficiency. The 20-minute flight is faster door-to-door than the 2+ hours of taxi + ferry. But the ferry is genuinely special — open water, Caribbean views, and a more memorable arrival. If time allows, take the ferry one way and fly the other.
From St. Thomas, Where to Go Next?
St. Thomas offers easy ferry connections to St. John (20 minutes from Red Hook) and the British Virgin Islands. It's also home to STT airport with nonstop mainland service to Miami, New York, Atlanta, and more.