Everything is different here compared to the mainland — read this first.
🚫
No Uber or Lyft in the USVI. Ridesharing apps do not operate in the U.S. Virgin Islands. All transportation is handled by local licensed taxi operators and safari buses regulated by the VI Taxicab Commission.
1
Rates are per person, not per vehicleUnlike the mainland, you pay by the person and by destination — not by distance or time. Two passengers in the same group pay less per person than one traveling alone. Always confirm rates before getting in.
2
Most taxis are "safari buses"The most common taxi in St. Thomas is an open-air truck with bench seating — locals call them safari taxis. They hold 10–26 passengers, are shared with strangers going to the same general area, and may make multiple stops along the route.
3
They wait until they're fullAt the cruise docks especially, safari taxis often wait to depart until the vehicle has enough passengers. If you're on a tight schedule (like getting back to the ship), tell the driver or dispatcher upfront — they will accommodate you.
4
Bring cash — USD onlyMost taxis are cash only. Carry small bills. There are ATMs at both Havensight and Crown Bay if needed. Some private operators now accept cards — confirm before the ride.
5
Want the taxi to yourself? Pay for 4For an exclusive ride (no other passengers), you pay for a minimum of 4 passengers regardless of your group size. Private taxi rates are roughly double the shared rate.
💰 Rates From the Cruise Ship Docks
All rates are per person, set by the VI Taxicab Commission. Rates as of 2026.
Destination
1 Person
2+ Per Person
Approx. Time
Charlotte Amalie (Downtown) Popular
Main Street shopping district, waterfront
$4
$4
5–10 min
Magens Bay Beach Popular
World-famous beach, north shore
$12–15
$10–12
20–25 min
Red Hook Ferry Terminal
East end, ferry to St. John
$15
$12
20–25 min
Cyril E. King Airport
STT airport, west of downtown
$7
$6
10 min
Coki Beach Popular
Best snorkeling, Coral World nearby
$12
$10
20 min
Mountain Top
Highest point, banana daiquiris, BVI views
$14
$11
25 min
Sapphire Beach
East end, clear water, snorkeling
$15
$11
25 min
Secret Harbour
Quiet beach, east end, calm water
$15
$12
25 min
Bolongo Bay
East end resort area
$12
$9
20 min
Frenchtown
Local neighborhood, restaurants, harbor
$5
$4
10 min
Destination
1 Person
2+ Per Person
Approx. Time
Charlotte Amalie (Downtown) Popular
Main Street shopping, 2 miles east
$6
$5
10–15 min
Magens Bay Beach Popular
World-famous beach, north shore
$14
$11
25–30 min
Red Hook Ferry Terminal Far
East end, ferry to St. John
$20
$15
30–35 min
Cyril E. King Airport
STT airport, close to Crown Bay
$5
$5
5–8 min
Coki Beach
Best snorkeling, Coral World nearby
$15
$12
25 min
Mountain Top
Highest point, views, banana daiquiris
$15
$12
25–30 min
Havensight / WICO Dock
Other cruise terminal
$6
$5
10 min
Water Island Ferry
Short hop, 4th USVI island
$4
$4
5 min
⚠️ Rates are approximate and reflect 2026 VI Taxicab Commission tariffs. Always confirm fare with your driver before departing. Contact the Taxi Commission at (340) 693-4211 for official rate confirmation.
➕ Surcharges & Extra Fees
These are added on top of the base per-person rate.
🧳
Luggage Fee
$3 per bag
$6 for oversized items over 30"×20". Applies per standard piece of luggage.
🌙
After Hours
+$3 per person
Midnight to 6:00 AM. Late-night surcharge on all rides.
📞
Phone/Radio Dispatch
+⅓ base fare
For calling a taxi by phone. Additional $2/person for groups.
⏱️
Wait Time
$1 per minute
First 5 minutes free. After that, $1/min while waiting at your stop.
🚖
Exclusive Ride
Min. 4 passengers
To have the vehicle to yourself, you must pay for at least 4 passengers.
🐾
Pet Kennel
$20–$30
Large kennel $30, small kennel $20. Seeing-eye dogs ride free.
🗺️ Island Tours & Hourly Rates
Want a guided tour or to hire a taxi by the hour? These are the official rates.
Service
1 Person
2+ Per Person
2-Hour Sightseeing Tour
Mountain Top, Drake's Seat, Magens Bay overlook
$75
$38
3-Hour Sightseeing Tour
Extended island loop, more stops
$90
$45
Hourly Rate — Sedan/Mini Van
1–4 passengers
$60/hour
Hourly Rate — Van/Safari (14 pax)
Groups up to 14
$83/hour
Hourly Rate — Large Safari
Groups up to 26
$120/hour
💡 Pro tip: For a family of 4+, a 2-hour tour at $38/person often beats taking multiple separate taxis to different destinations. You get a guide, A/C, and a guaranteed return to the ship.
🌿 Getting Around St. John & St. Croix
Each island has its own taxi system.
⛴️
You must first ferry from St. Thomas to reach St. John. Ferry from Red Hook: ~20 min, $8 each way. Water taxi from Charlotte Amalie: ~45 min, $15–20 each way. Taxis in St. John are available at the Cruz Bay ferry dock.
Destination
1 Person
2+ Per Person
Cruz Bay (town) → Trunk Bay
National Park, world-famous beach
$8
$6
Cruz Bay → Cinnamon Bay
Calmer, less crowded beach
$9
$7
Cruz Bay → Coral Bay
East end of St. John
$15
$12
Cruz Bay → Maho Bay
Sea turtle sightings from shore
$10
$8
St. John taxis are primarily open-air shared vans. Jeep rentals are available in Cruz Bay for those wanting flexibility — great for north shore beach hopping.
🚢
Cruise ships dock at Frederiksted Pier on St. Croix's west coast. Rainbow Beach is a 5-minute walk. Taxis to Christiansted (east end) take about 25 minutes.
Destination
1 Person
2+ Per Person
Frederiksted Pier → Christiansted
Historic Danish colonial town, boardwalk
$20–25
$15–20
Frederiksted → Rainbow Beach
Walk — 5 min on foot from pier
Walk
Walk
Frederiksted → Cruzan Rum Distillery
Est. 1760, tours & tastings
$12
$10
Frederiksted → Henry E. Rohlsen Airport
STX airport
$20
$16
Christiansted → Buck Island
Charter boat departs from Christiansted wharf
Charter
from $50/pp
Safari taxis are common in St. Croix too. Like St. Thomas, no Uber or Lyft operates on the island. Rates are set by the VI Taxicab Commission.
✅ 10 Tips for Taking a Taxi in the USVI
From people who've done it wrong the first time.
1
Confirm the fare before you get inAsk the driver "what's the rate to [destination]?" before you board. Rates are posted by law inside the vehicle — ask to see them if unsure.
2
Tell your driver your all-aboard timeIf you're on a ship with a 5pm departure, tell your driver when you book your return taxi. Drivers know the schedules and will get you back on time.
3
Arrange your return taxi before you leave the dockAt Magens Bay and other popular beaches, taxis are usually waiting — but on very busy ship days they fill up fast. Ask a driver at the beach to take you back at a specific time.
4
Carry small billsMost drivers don't carry much change. $5 and $10 bills are ideal. There are ATMs at both Havensight and Crown Bay docks.
5
Safari buses wait to fill upIf you're in a hurry, consider paying for a private ride (minimum 4 passengers). Otherwise, expect to wait 10–20 minutes at the dock for the safari to fill before departing.
6
Tipping is appreciated but not requiredA 10–15% tip is customary for good service. For a short shared ride, $1–2 per person is standard.
7
Don't use unlicensed "gypsy" taxisUnofficial drivers sometimes approach tourists at docks and beaches. Only use vehicles with an official taxi placard, dome light, and capacity sign on the vehicle.
8
Large groups should book a tourFor 6+ people, a 2-3 hour guided island tour often costs less than taking multiple taxis to separate destinations — and includes return transport.
9
Safari buses make multiple stopsYou may not be dropped off first. Passengers heading to further destinations ride longer. If time matters, go private or get in a taxi already pointed toward your destination.
10
Call the Taxi Commission with disputesIf you're charged more than the posted rate or have a complaint, call the VI Taxicab Commission at (340) 693-4211. Drivers found violating tariffs are cited.
⚡ Quick Facts
Uber / LyftNot available
Metered taxisNo — fixed rates
Rate typePer person
Cash requiredYes — USD only
Child car seatsNot provided
After hours fee+$3/person
Luggage fee$3/bag
Drive sideLeft side of road
Taxi Commission(340) 693-4211
🧮 Fare Estimator
From
To
Passengers in your group
$8
estimated total · shared taxi
2 people × $4 each to Charlotte Amalie
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