Bringing your rental across to St. John means you keep your luggage, your cooler and your schedule in one vehicle. It is one of the better decisions a visitor can make. It also has a few conditions worth understanding first.
Confirm eligibility first
Qualifying four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive rentals may be taken to St. John. Eligibility depends on the rental class, so confirm your specific vehicle with us when you book rather than assuming. This is the single most important item on the list.
The car ferry itself
Car barges run between St. Thomas and St. John on their own schedule, operated separately from us. Check current times and fares directly with the ferry operator close to your travel date, and allow more time than the crossing itself suggests — queueing, loading and unloading all take a while, particularly on a weekend morning.
What to have with you
- Your rental agreement
- Your driver's licence
- Cash or a card for the ferry, per the operator's current terms
- Patience for the loading process — follow the crew's directions on the ramp
Driving on St. John
The roads are steeper and narrower than St. Thomas in places, with some sharp switchbacks on the north shore. Take it slowly. Parking at the most popular beaches fills early in the day.
Please stay on established roads. Virgin Islands National Park covers a large part of St. John, and driving on trails or off established roadways is not permitted.
Is it worth it?
If you are staying more than a couple of days and want to see the north shore beaches on your own schedule, yes. If you are making a single short day trip and are happy to use taxis on the other side, the passenger ferry may suit you better. Either way, ask us — we will tell you honestly which makes more sense for your plans.
Need a vehicle for this?
Tell us your dates and group size and we will match you with a class that fits. Call (340) 776-4858 or start a reservation request.