If you’re planning a trip between St. Croix and St. Thomas, you have two main options: ferry or flight. Each mode of travel offers different benefits depending on your schedule, budget, and personal preferences. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the operators, schedules, pricing, baggage policies, and what to expect during your journey.
Option 1: The Ferry – QE IV
The QE IV Ferry provides a reliable, scenic, and budget-friendly way to travel between the islands.
- Operator: QE IV Ferry
- Schedule: Operates Wednesday through Monday (no service on Tuesdays).
- Departing St. Croix (Gallows Bay Terminal): 8:00 AM, arriving at 10:10 AM in St. Thomas (Blyden Terminal).
- Departing St. Thomas (Blyden Terminal): 3:00 PM, arriving at 5:10 PM in St. Croix.
- Pricing:
- One-way: $70
- Round-trip: $120
- Baggage Policy:
- Each passenger can check up to three bags (max 49 lbs each) for $15 per bag.
- Excess baggage: $25 per bag.
- Overweight bags: $1 per pound over 50 lbs (minimum charge $10).
- Large items (e.g., surfboards, bicycles): Starting at $35.
- What to Expect:
- Check-in: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Customs/ID Requirements: A government-issued photo ID (or birth certificate for minors) is required.
- Travel Time: ~2 hours.
- Scenic Ride: Enjoy beautiful ocean views while traveling between the islands.
For bookings and more details, visit QE IV Ferry’s website.
Option 2: Flights Between St. Croix and St. Thomas
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the islands. Flights take just 20-25 minutes and operate multiple times daily.
Airlines & Schedule
Three airlines offer regular service:
1. Cape Air
- Aircraft: Small Cessna 402 planes (9-passenger aircraft).
- Schedule: Flights run throughout the day, with departures as early as 6:30 AM and as late as 8:03 PM.
- Pricing: $130 – $400, depending on demand and booking time.
- Baggage Policy:
- Carry-On: One small personal item.
- Checked Bags: Fees apply (varies by weight and number of bags).
For bookings and more details, visit Cape Air’s website.
2. Seaborne Airlines
- Aircraft: Seaplanes (depart from the water, no traditional airport required).
- Schedule: Daily flights from Christiansted Harbor (St. Croix) to Charlotte Amalie Harbor (St. Thomas).
- Pricing: Varies (check directly with Seaborne Airlines).
- Baggage Policy: Similar to Cape Air, with additional restrictions due to aircraft size.
- Carry-On: One small personal item.
- Checked Bags: Fees apply (varies by weight and number of bags).
For bookings and more details, visit Seaborne Airline’s website.
3. Fly The Whale
- Aircraft: Cessna Grand Caravans
- Schedule: Flights run throughout the day, with departures as early as 6:30 AM and as late as 7:10 PM.
- Pricing: $99 – $219, depending on demand, booking time, and type of ticket (e.g., Basic, Economy and Refundable).
- Baggage Policy: Similar to Cape Air, with additional restrictions due to aircraft size.
- Carry-On: One personal item (e.g., purse, electronic device) with dimensions up to 12″ x 6″ x 8″. Weight limit of up-to 30lbs.
- Checked Bags: One gate-checked bag (e.g., 22″ x 14″ x 9″ rollerboard) for free.
- Additional Bags:
- First Additional Checked Bag:
- Dimensions: Up to 30″ x 20″ x 12″.
- Weight:
- 0-50 lbs: $30.
- 51-70 lbs: $60.
- Second Additional Checked Bag:
- Dimensions: Up to 30″ x 20″ x 12″.
- Weight:
- 0-50 lbs: $40.
- 51-70 lbs: $70.
- Additional Checked Bags (Third and Fourth):
- Dimensions: Up to 30″ x 20″ x 12″.
- Weight:
- 0-50 lbs: $75.
- 51-70 lbs: $105.
- Note: Acceptance is on a space-available basis.
- Assistive Devices (e.g., strollers, mobility devices): Please contact Fly The Whale’s Reservations Team at 1-800-908-0469 before booking to ensure compliance with size, weight, and regulatory requirements.
- Pet Kennel: A $25 fee per leg of travel per pet applies.
- Boxes: Maximum dimensions of 42 linear inches and 50 lbs; acceptance is on a space-available basis.
- Large Sporting Goods (e.g., bikes, kayaks): Not accepted.
For bookings and more details, visit Fly The Whale’s website.
Why Flying is the Easiest Option
One of the best-kept secrets about flying between St. Croix and St. Thomas is how hassle-free the experience is.
- Small Planes, Private Feel: Since the flights use smaller aircraft, check-in is much quicker than at larger airports.
- No Crowds, No Security Screening: Unlike major commercial flights, you don’t have to go through TSA screening, making it a seamless experience.
- Separate Airport Area: In St. Croix, flights use the small commuter terminal at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX), away from the main terminal. In St. Thomas, flights depart from a dedicated section of Cyril E. King Airport (STT), which is much less crowded.
- No Long Lines: You simply check in, drop your bag, and board your flight—often within minutes.
- Great Views: The small aircraft fly low over the Caribbean, providing stunning aerial views of the islands.
Final Thoughts: Ferry or Flight?
| Feature | Ferry | Flight |
| Travel Time | ~2 hours | ~20 minutes |
| Cost | $70 one-way | $99+ one-way |
| Convenience | Fixed scheduled | Frequent flights |
| Scenic Views | Ocean views | Aerial island views |
| Baggage Fees | $15 per checked bag | Varies, in some cases bags included |
| Security Screening | Not required | Not required |
If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic, and budget-friendly trip, the ferry is a great choice. However, if you want to get there fast and avoid any hassle, flying is by far the easiest option.
Would you take the ferry or a quick flight? Let me know in the comments below! 🚢✈️
