The cheapest way to travel around St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is by using the "Safari Buses" (also known as "Dollar Buses"). These are open-air trucks that have been converted into passenger shuttles with bench seating in the back. They follow a specific loop around the island, passing through major hubs like Charlotte Amalie, Tutu, and Red Hook. The fare is typically $1.00 for short trips within a town and $2.00 for longer trips across the island. It is important to note that these are not "official" government buses; they are private operators, and they generally do not run late into the evening or have a fixed, published schedule. You simply stand by the side of the road and wave one down. While they are incredibly affordable, they can be crowded and do not go to every specific tourist beach or hotel. For those who want more flexibility without the high cost of a private taxi, combining a Safari Bus for the "long haul" with a short walk or a local taxi for the "last mile" is the most budget-friendly strategy for navigating the island.