How Do I Travel to St. Thomas Virgin Islands from Puerto Rico
March 26, 2026
St. Thomas lies roughly 40 to 50 miles east of Puerto Rico, making it one of the Caribbean’s more accessible inter-island crossings. Two practical options exist for the journey: air and private charter. A third — passenger ferry — exists in name but not in reliable practice.
By Air
Flying is the standard choice for travelers making this crossing. Non-stop service operates between San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) and Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas. Cape Air and American Airlines both cover the route.
- Flight time: 32–34 minutes
- One-way fares: Approximately 99–159 (off-season, economy)
- Round-trip fares: From around $197
Flights run frequently throughout the day, and the short duration makes this the most efficient connection between the two islands. For route and fare comparisons, Rome2rio provides a useful overview.
By Private Charter Vessel
Charter crossings are available for groups, departing from Marina Puerto del Rey in Fajardo on Puerto Rico’s eastern coast. High-speed vessels make the passage in approximately two hours, arriving at the waterfront of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas’s capital.
- Journey time: ~2 hours
- Availability: Private group charters only (typically 30+ passengers)
- Departure: 8:00 a.m. from Fajardo; passengers advised to arrive by 7:00 a.m.
This option appeals primarily to larger groups or travelers already based on the eastern side of Puerto Rico. Customs processing is handled upon arrival in Charlotte Amalie. One operator offering this service is Conquistador Travels.
By Ferry
A public passenger ferry between Fajardo and St. Thomas has operated intermittently over the years, but it is not a dependable option for travelers with fixed itineraries.
When service has run, the crossing departs Fajardo on Saturday mornings and returns from St. Thomas in the late afternoon — a day-trip format designed primarily for Puerto Rican shoppers, not through-travelers with luggage. The fare has historically been around $100 one way or $125 round trip, cash only. As of recent reports, the service has been discontinued.
- Journey time: ~2 hours
- Schedule: Saturday only, when operational
- Status: Currently not in service
Travelers should not plan around ferry availability. If regular service resumes, confirmation requires a direct call to operators, as schedules change monthly and departures can be cancelled with little notice. Current ferry status for the US Virgin Islands can be checked via Virgin Islands This Week and VINOW.
Summary
| Method | Duration | Approx. Cost | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | ~30 min | 99–159 one way | High |
| Private Charter | ~2 hours | Group rates vary | High (for eligible groups) |
| Ferry | ~2 hours | ~100–125 | Currently unavailable |
For most travelers, the flight is the clear choice. It is fast, affordable, and operates on a predictable schedule.