How to Get to Virgin Islands National Park: Flights, Access, and Transportation
Virgin Islands National Park isn't a park you can reach by car from a gateway town. It's on St. John, and St. John doesn't have an airport. Getting there takes two steps: fly to St. Thomas, then take a ferry to Cruz Bay, the park's gateway. From Red Hook, on the east end of St. Thomas, the ferry takes about 20 minutes. Allow two hours total from getting off the plane to arriving in Cruz Bay.
Airports around the park (5)
- Airport Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport EIS · 15 miles from the park · international Directions ↗
- Airport Cyril E. King Airport STT · 16 miles from the park · major hub Directions ↗
- Airport Virgin Gorda Airport VIJ · 22 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport CPX · 37 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Henry E. Rohlsen Airport STX · 45 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Where to Land: Which Airport Serves Virgin Islands National Park?
The Main Airport: Cyril E. King (STT), St. Thomas
Cyril E. King Airport (IATA code: STT) is the only realistic option. It's on St. Thomas, a few miles west of Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands. From the airport, you'll need to reach Red Hook on the east end of the island, about 30 to 40 minutes by taxi or rental car, then board the ferry to St. John.
There is no airport on St. John, and there are no exceptions. Everyone comes through STT, whether you're staying for ten days or visiting the park for the day.
Major U.S. Hubs with Direct Service
STT has direct service to several major cities on the U.S. East Coast, including Miami, New York (JFK and Newark), Charlotte, Atlanta, and Philadelphia. These routes operate year-round, with more frequent service during the winter high season. For a quick connection from Europe, Miami and New York are the most convenient options.
Getting to the Park from France: Connecting Flights
There are no nonstop flights from mainland France to St. Thomas. The trip always includes a connection in the United States. New York (JFK or Newark) is the most convenient hub, with regular connections to STT. The total door-to-door journey from Paris CDG takes 12 to 16 hours, depending on the layover. Miami is a solid alternative and is often less expensive outside school holidays.
From Lyon or Toulouse, you'll generally connect through Paris or a European hub before crossing the Atlantic. The overall route is the same.
To plan your overall travel budget, the Virgin Islands National Park guide outlines the expenses you'll need to anticipate.
The Ferry Crossing: St. Thomas to St. John
This is what sets this park apart from all the others. You can't drive to the entrance; you have to cross the water.
From Red Hook, East St. Thomas: The Most Frequent Service
Leaving from Red Hook is the most common option. Ferries run regularly to Cruz Bay throughout the day, with departures becoming less frequent in the evening. The crossing takes about 20 minutes. There are two types of service: the passenger ferry, with luggage kept in the cabin and no vehicle, and the car ferry, which lets you bring a rental car aboard.
Our advice is to pick up a vehicle in Cruz Bay instead of bringing one over from St. Thomas. This avoids the extra cost of the car ferry and makes the logistics easier. Several rental agencies operate on St. John, and some deliver vehicles when you get off the ferry.
From Charlotte Amalie: The Downtown Option
Another service leaves from the Charlotte Amalie terminal in downtown St. Thomas. This works well if you land late and stay at a hotel in town before heading to the park the next day. The crossing takes longer, about 45 minutes, and departures are less frequent. Check the current schedule before making plans, especially during the low season.
Park Entrances at Virgin Islands National Park
Cruz Bay is the main entrance point. The Cruz Bay Visitor Center is just steps from the ferry dock, and this is where your park experience officially begins.
The park is open 365 days a year. The Visitor Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It's closed on weekends, July 4, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If you arrive on a Saturday morning, you can still access the beaches and trails without stopping at the center.
Admission to the park is currently free. For information about NPS passes and what they cover in the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit our Fees and Passes page.
Getting Around St. John: What to Know Before You Go
Before you leave Cruz Bay in a rental car, there's one essential thing to know: people drive on the left in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It's a legacy of the Danish and British colonial periods that remained after the transfer to the United States in 1917. Rental cars often have the steering wheel on the left, as American cars do, but traffic moves in the left lane. Take time to get used to it from your first hairpin turn. For secondary beaches and overlooks, plan on a Jeep or high-clearance SUV. The roads are narrow and winding. You'll find all the details about speed limits, parking, and shuttles in the guide to getting around the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Other Options: Safari Taxis, Excursions, and Inter-Island Service
If you don't want to deal with a car, safari taxis, which are open-air pickup trucks, connect Cruz Bay with the park's main beaches and trailheads. It's the quintessential local option, and it's affordable and convenient for a day focused on two or three spots.
Day trips from St. Thomas are also common, especially for cruise passengers stopping in port. They generally include the ferry and transportation on the island, but leave little time for the park.
Finally, visitors arriving by sailboat from the nearby British Virgin Islands can moor directly in Cruz Bay. The harbor has a U.S. customs clearance procedure. It's a useful option for anyone combining sailing with hiking in the tropical forest.
In Summary: Your Route to the Park from Different Starting Points
From France, everyone follows the same sequence: fly from Paris CDG with a connection in New York or Miami, then fly to STT in St. Thomas. From the airport, take a taxi or rental car to Red Hook on the east end of St. Thomas, then take the 20-minute ferry to Cruz Bay. Once you're there, use a rental car, Jeep, or safari taxi to reach the park's beaches and trails.
Allow at least two hours from the airport to the park. That includes collecting your luggage, getting to the ferry, and making the crossing.
To plan your days once you're there, the Virgin Islands itineraries by trip length offer programs designed for one, two, or three days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone visit the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Yes. Virgin Islands National Park is U.S. territory and open to all travelers. French citizens don't need a visa for a short tourist stay, but they must have a valid ESTA, just as they would for any trip to the continental United States. No special access restrictions apply to the park itself.
How do you get to Virgin Islands National Park?
Getting to the park takes two steps: fly to Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas (STT), then take a ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay on St. John. The crossing takes about 20 minutes. St. John has no airport, so there's no shortcut at this stage.
Can you visit the U.S. Virgin Islands without flying?
From France, no. There is no transatlantic passenger ferry service for individual travelers. From Puerto Rico or the nearby British Virgin Islands, however, you can reach St. Thomas by ferry or regional flight without taking another long-haul flight. For boaters, sailing from the BVI is a full-fledged alternative.
How much does a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands cost?
The park itself is free to enter. The main expenses are the international flight and rental car. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Park Fees & Passes page.