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How do you get around St Thomas without a car?

Public transportation services are available in St. Thomas through the bus system and safari bus routes. The fares are $1 per person but routes are limited.



Navigating St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands without a rental car is best done using taxis and the "Safari" bus system. The open-air Safari buses are the most affordable option; they run along the main routes between the cruise ship docks, downtown Charlotte Amalie, and popular spots like Red Hook or Tutu Park Mall, costing roughly $1 to $2 per person. For more direct travel, standard taxis are readily available and operate on government-regulated rates based on destination rather than mileage. For example, a shared taxi from the airport to the Red Hook ferry terminal typically costs about $20–$25 per person. Additionally, the VITRAN public bus system offers broader coverage of the island, though it is known for being less frequent than the Safari buses. Walking is generally only feasible within the compact downtown area of Charlotte Amalie. For those looking to "island hop," the regular ferry service from Red Hook or downtown provides the essential link to St. John and the British Virgin Islands, making a car unnecessary for many tourists.

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A full-service bus line operates throughout St. Thomas Taxi and Jeep services are readily available. Most taxi drivers are able to provide their passengers with comprehensive tours of their island. Taxi rates are based on destination rather than mileage and regulated by the US Virgin Islands Taxi Commission.

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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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Tipping is the same as the US or Europe - 15% of your restaurant check, more if service has been exceptional. An extra dollar or two for your taxi driver is fine, more if he/she handles bags or conducts a good island tour. Being thoughtful and considerate is appreciated anywhere in the world.

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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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If you could spend a week in St Thomas or the area, then go for it. There's plenty to do if you love beaches, hiking, and nature across St Thomas, Water Island, and St John. However, if you have a job and are only traveling every weekend, then 4 days may be enough.

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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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The Virgin Islands public transit system in St. Thomas is called VITRAN. The bus fare is $1, and there are discounted fares for seniors and students with ID.

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Thomas can be slightly less expensive overall than St. John. It's a bit easier to work within a budget on St. Thomas where you don't have to necessarily rent a car, you have different hotel tiers to choose from, and you have access to cheaper food options (in both restaurants and the larger grocery stores).

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