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.