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How do tourists get around St Thomas?

For visitors who wish to take in the sights, a variety of options exist. You can enjoy an island tour via safari bus or taxi, rent a car or motor bike, or travel on the Vitran public bus system.



Tourists in St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands) primarily navigate the island using Taxis and "Safari Buses." Standard taxis are plentiful but operate on a unique system: they charge per person, per destination, rather than using a meter, and they are often shared vans that pick up multiple groups. The "Safari Buses" are open-air trucks converted with bench seating; these are the most affordable way to travel, costing only $1 to $2 for trips along major routes between Charlotte Amalie, Red Hook, and the main beaches. However, they do not have a fixed schedule and are best for adventurous travelers not on a strict timeline. For those who want more freedom, renting a car or Jeep is popular, though it is vital to remember that in St. Thomas, you drive on the left side of the road, despite the cars being left-hand drive (American-style). The island’s terrain is very hilly with steep, winding roads, so many visitors find it less stressful to rely on taxis. For travel to nearby St. John, tourists use the frequent passenger ferries departing from Red Hook or the downtown waterfront.

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Thomas does not have Uber or Lyft. However, there are numerous Taxi Associations and private drivers on St. Thomas.

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Some taxis accept credit cards, but the majority of taxis in St. Thomas are cash only.

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Call tel 340/774-7457 to order a taxi van. If you don't plan to rent a car, it's easy to find taxi drivers. Just have your hotel or restaurant call a taxi for you, no matter where you are. Even better: Get the card of a favorite taxi driver and let him or her know your itinerary—or call the drivers we recommend below.

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Carry Cash Most people worry about carrying cash with them while they're traveling. However, Saint Thomas is definitely a place you'll want to make sure you have cash on hand. Some notable restaurants and shopping venues are cash only, but it's not uncommon for places to not accept plastic.

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Public Transportation The Vitran Bus System services various areas of the island and usually runs Monday - Friday. Vitran buses run along Centerline Road. The buses travel from the Cruz Bay ferry dock, through to Coral Bay, Salt Pond Bay and back to Cruz Bay.

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As you are arriving to St. Thomas, keep in mind that local etiquette is to first greet people as you are addressing them with a “Good Morning/Afternoon/Night.” If you are unsure of the time, “Good Day” is always acceptable.

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The cost of U.S. Virgin Islands all-inclusive vacation packages can vary, but you'll find some that are as low as $860. Just note that prices can change quite a bit based on several factors, like when in 2023 you visit, the rating of the hotel you book, and flight times.

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While many places on island accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express), there are many venues which will only accept cash (taxis, ferry terminals, customs docks, and some vendors and restaurants).

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