Getting to the BVI: Flights, Ferries & Private Water Taxis
Getting to the British Virgin Islands is easier than many first-time visitors expect — but choosing the best route can make a significant difference in your travel time, airfare and overall experience.
For most Virgin Charter Yachts guests traveling from the United States, there are two primary ways to reach Tortola:
1. Fly directly to Tortola (EIS) via either Miami (MIA) or San Juan, PR
2. Fly into St. Thomas (STT) and continue to Tortola by public ferry or private water taxi
There isn’t one option that is best for everyone.
Flying directly into Tortola is generally the simplest. Flying through St. Thomas often gives you more nonstop flight choices from cities throughout the United States, better flight times and potentially lower airfare. For larger groups, flying to St. Thomas and arranging a private water taxi can also be an extremely convenient option.
Virgin Charter Yachts is based at Nanny Cay Marina on Tortola. Here is how we recommend comparing your options.
Option 1: Fly Directly From Miami to Tortola
American Airlines offers nonstop service between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island, Tortola.
American is currently the only airline offering nonstop scheduled service from the continental United States directly into the British Virgin Islands. Depending on the season, American typically operates approximately 2–5 flights per day between Miami and Tortola.
Why Fly Directly Into Tortola?
The biggest advantage is simplicity.
You arrive directly in the British Virgin Islands, clear immigration and customs at the airport, collect your luggage and take a taxi directly to Nanny Cay Marina.
The taxi ride from the Tortola airport to Nanny Cay takes approximately 40 minutes.
Virgin Charter Yachts is happy to help arrange your airport taxi in advance so transportation is waiting for your group when you arrive.
There is no ferry schedule to coordinate, no transfer between an airport and ferry terminal, and no additional international border crossing by boat.
For guests who can easily get to Miami and find a convenient connection to Tortola, this is generally the easiest way to reach us.
The Trade-Off: Airfare
The Miami-to-Tortola flights are often more expensive than flying into St. Thomas.
This can become particularly significant when purchasing airfare for a family or a group of 8–12 charter guests.
Before automatically booking the most direct route, we recommend comparing both Tortola (EIS) and St. Thomas (STT) for your travel dates.
Option 2: Fly Through San Juan, Puerto Rico
Another excellent way to reach the British Virgin Islands is to fly into San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) and then take a short regional flight directly to Tortola (EIS).
San Juan has extensive air service from cities throughout the United States, so this option can work particularly well if you can find a convenient nonstop flight to Puerto Rico but do not want to travel through St. Thomas and take a ferry.
From San Juan, three regional airlines offer nonstop service to Tortola:
The flight from San Juan to Tortola is short — generally about 40–60 minutes — and you arrive directly at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island.
From the Tortola airport, it is approximately a 40-minute taxi ride to Virgin Charter Yachts at Nanny Cay Marina, and we are happy to help arrange your taxi in advance.
Why Consider Flying Through San Juan?
For some travelers, San Juan offers a very good middle ground between flying directly from Miami and traveling through St. Thomas.
Advantages can include:
- More U.S. flight options into San Juan
- Potentially better airfare or schedules than flying through Miami
- A short connecting flight directly into the BVI
- No ferry or water taxi required
- Arrival directly into the BVI airport
This can be especially appealing if your home airport has convenient nonstop service to San Juan.
What to Consider
The San Juan-to-Tortola flights are operated on smaller regional aircraft, and that experience can be quite different from flying on a major commercial jet.
Cape Air and Tradewinds Aviation often operate very small propeller aircraft on Caribbean routes, some with approximately nine passenger seats. For many travelers, the short flight and views of the islands are part of the experience. However, if you are uncomfortable flying on small aircraft or propeller planes, this may not be the best route for you.
The smaller aircraft can also have different baggage allowances and restrictions than major U.S. airlines. If you are traveling with larger checked bags, multiple bags per person or specialty luggage, review your regional carrier’s current baggage policy before booking.
You should also leave a comfortable connection window in San Juan, particularly if your flight into San Juan and your regional flight to Tortola are booked on separate tickets.
For travelers who are comfortable on smaller aircraft, flying through San Juan can be a very convenient way to reach Tortola without coordinating ferry schedules or ground-and-water transfers through St. Thomas.
Option 3: Fly Into St. Thomas and Take the Public Ferry
Many of our guests choose to fly into Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas (STT).
St. Thomas has considerably more nonstop flight options from cities throughout the United States. Depending on where you live, that can mean:
A nonstop flight instead of connecting through Miami
More choices of departure and arrival times
More airline options
Potentially lower airfare
Once you arrive in St. Thomas, you can continue to Tortola by either public ferry or private water taxi.
The important thing to know is that the public ferries and private water taxis do not leave from the same location on St. Thomas.
Taking the Public Ferry From St. Thomas to Tortola
The scheduled public ferries depart from Charlotte Amalie, which is conveniently located relatively close to the St. Thomas airport.
The taxi ride from STT airport to the Charlotte Amalie ferry terminal is approximately 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
Three ferry companies operate the scheduled service between St. Thomas and Tortola:
The companies alternate which operator runs the scheduled routes on different days, while the departure times remain generally consistent.
General St. Thomas–Tortola Ferry Schedule
The following schedule is a useful general guide when planning your flights. Ferry schedules can change, so always confirm the current schedule with the ferry operator before finalizing your travel plans.
St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie) → Road Town, Tortola
9:00 AM
2:00 PM
4:00 PM
5:30 PM
Road Town, Tortola → St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie)
7:30 AM
10:00 AM
11:30 AM
3:30 PM
The ferry companies alternate which company operates each day, but the scheduled departure times generally remain the same.
The tickets for the ferry are approximately $80/person, each way.
Our Advice: Buy One-Way Ferry Tickets
We recommend purchasing one-way ferry tickets rather than round-trip tickets.
The ferry companies alternate which company operates the scheduled routes on different days. Your travel plans can also change because of airline delays, schedule changes or other circumstances.
If you have already purchased a round-trip ticket with one ferry company, you may find that a different company is operating the departure that works best for your return trip.
Ferry tickets also have restrictive refund policies, so buying two one-way tickets gives you considerably more flexibility.
Our recommendation is simple: buy a one-way ticket to Tortola, then purchase your return ticket separately for the ferry that best fits your departure schedule.
What Happens When You Arrive in Tortola by Ferry?
The public ferry arrives at the ferry terminal in Road Town, Tortola.
Everyone aboard disembarks and clears BVI immigration and customs before collecting their luggage.
Once you have cleared customs, the taxi ride from Road Town to Virgin Charter Yachts at Nanny Cay Marina is approximately 10 minutes.
For couples and smaller groups, this is generally the most economical way to travel from St. Thomas to Tortola.
The primary consideration is timing. Your flight needs to arrive early enough for you to collect your luggage, take the approximately 10-minute taxi to the Charlotte Amalie ferry terminal and check in for your scheduled ferry.
Option 4: Fly Into St. Thomas and Take a Private Water Taxi
This is an option we think more yacht charter guests should consider — particularly larger groups.
A private water taxi costs more than a public ferry, but it provides a very different travel experience. Water taxis are approximately $1,200-$1,500 each way for up to a group of 12 guests.
Instead of traveling on a scheduled ferry with many other passengers, the boat is reserved for your group.
There is one important logistical difference to understand:
Private water taxis generally depart from Red Hook, not Charlotte Amalie.
Red Hook is on the eastern end of St. Thomas, and the taxi ride from STT airport to Red Hook takes approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
So, compared with taking the public ferry, you will spend more time traveling by taxi across St. Thomas before boarding your boat.
Once you are aboard, however, the private-water-taxi experience becomes much more convenient.
Why Consider a Private Water Taxi?
With a private water taxi:
- The boat is reserved for your group
- You have more flexibility than with a scheduled public ferry
- You clear BVI immigration and customs at West End, Tortola
- You avoid arriving at Road Town with a large ferry full of passengers
- After clearing customs, you remain aboard your water taxi
- The water taxi continues directly to Nanny Cay Marina
- You do not need a land taxi once you arrive on Tortola
And for Virgin Charter Yachts guests, “directly to Nanny Cay” really does mean directly to us.
Your private water taxi can drop you off by water right at G Dock at Nanny Cay Marina, where Virgin Charter Yachts is based.
After a long day of flying, being dropped off at the same marina where your charter yacht is waiting can be a significant convenience.
Private Water Taxis Can Make Sense for Groups of 8–12
If there are only two people traveling, a private water taxi will normally be considerably more expensive per person than the public ferry.
But yacht charter groups are often much larger.
Once you have 8, 10 or 12 people traveling together, the cost of a private water taxi is divided among the entire group and can become much more economical on a per-person basis.
When comparing costs, don’t simply compare the price of one ferry ticket with the price of chartering an entire private water taxi.
For a fair comparison, consider the complete journey.
St. Thomas + Public Ferry
Airfare to STT → approximately 10-minute taxi to Charlotte Amalie → ferry tickets for everyone → BVI customs and immigration in Road Town → approximately 10-minute taxi to Nanny Cay
St. Thomas + Private Water Taxi
Airfare to STT → approximately 40-minute taxi to Red Hook → private water taxi → BVI customs and immigration at West End → continue aboard the same boat directly to G Dock at Nanny Cay
The public ferry may still be less expensive, particularly for smaller groups. But once the cost of a private water taxi is divided among 8–12 guests, the difference can be smaller than many people expect.
You are also paying for privacy, flexibility and the convenience of arriving directly at the marina.
Private Water Taxi Companies We Recommend
Virgin Charter Yachts regularly recommends several private water taxi operators serving St. Thomas and the British Virgin Islands.
Island Time
Private USVI/BVI water taxi service.
Chill Out Charters
Private transfers between St. Thomas and the BVI.
Johnny’s Maritime Services
Private water transportation serving the Virgin Islands.
Triple M
Private transfers between the USVI and BVI.
Ocean Dreams
Private water taxi service between St. Thomas and the British Virgin Islands.
Trident Charters
Private water taxi and charter service.
We recommend contacting the water taxi companies directly for current pricing and availability, as rates can vary depending on group size, arrival time and transportation requirements.
Which Is the Best Way to Get to the BVI?
| Travel Option | Best For | Cost | Convenience | Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami → Tortola (EIS) | Travelers prioritizing simplicity | $$$ | Excellent | ~40-minute taxi from EIS to Nanny Cay |
| San Juan → Tortola (EIS) | Travelers with good SJU flight options | $$–$$$ | Excellent | Short regional flight + ~40-minute taxi from EIS |
| STT + Public Ferry | Couples and smaller groups | $ | Good | ~10-minute taxi to Charlotte Amalie + ferry + ~10-minute taxi from Road Town |
| STT + Private Water Taxi | Groups, especially 8–12 | $$–$$$ | Excellent | ~40-minute taxi to Red Hook + private boat directly to G Dock |
Our Advice Before You Book Your Flights
Before purchasing airfare, compare routes through Tortola (EIS), San Juan (SJU) and St. Thomas (STT).
If the fare and schedule into Tortola work well, flying directly into the BVI is wonderfully easy.
But don’t assume it is automatically the best route.
St. Thomas has many more nonstop flight options from the United States, so depending on where you live, flying to STT could eliminate a connection, give you a better schedule and save money on airfare.
For larger groups, we also recommend getting a private water taxi quote before making your decision.
For example, eight or ten less-expensive airline tickets into St. Thomas combined with one private water taxi may compare favorably with purchasing eight or ten more-expensive tickets into Tortola.
Look at the entire journey — airfare, transfers, convenience and travel time — rather than simply one segment.
What Time Should My Flight Arrive in St. Thomas?
If you plan to take the public ferry, your arrival time matters.
You need enough time to:
- Land at STT
- Collect your checked luggage
- Take a taxi from the airport to Charlotte Amalie
- Check in for your ferry
- Travel to Tortola
- Clear BVI immigration and customs in Road Town
- Take a taxi to Nanny Cay
The current general schedule has St. Thomas departures at 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM, but these times should always be reconfirmed before travel.
Do not book a later-afternoon arrival into St. Thomas without first confirming that you can comfortably make the final ferry to Tortola.
If your flight arrives too late for the public ferry — or if you simply prefer private transportation — check with one of the private water taxi companies to see what options are available for your arrival.
Planning Your Return Flight From St. Thomas
If you are flying home from St. Thomas, make sure you work backwards from your flight departure time when choosing your ferry from Tortola.
The current general Road Town-to-St. Thomas ferry departures are 7:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM, but always confirm the current ferry schedule before your travel day.
Cyril E. King Airport (STT) can get extremely busy, and travelers are generally advised to arrive at the airport approximately three hours before departure. This is especially important on weekends, when airport and passenger traffic is typically heaviest.
Remember that your return journey involves more than just the ferry ride. You need to allow time to:
- Check in for your ferry in Road Town
- Travel by ferry from Tortola to St. Thomas
- Complete U.S. immigration and customs requirements upon arrival
- Collect your luggage and get from the ferry terminal to STT airport
- Arrive at the airport approximately three hours before your scheduled flight
This is particularly important if you have an early-afternoon flight from St. Thomas. A ferry that initially appears early enough may not leave you a comfortable margin once you factor in the ferry journey, customs, ground transportation and the recommended airport arrival time.
For an early flight, you may need to take the first ferry of the morning — or, depending on your flight time, consider traveling to St. Thomas the previous day.
We strongly recommend working backwards from your STT flight time before purchasing your return ferry ticket rather than assuming that any morning ferry will work.
This is also another reason we recommend purchasing one-way ferry tickets rather than round-trip tickets. It gives you more flexibility to select the ferry operator and departure time that works best for your actual return flight.
Should You Arrive a Day Before Your Charter?
For some guests, yes.
If your flight itinerary involves tight connections, a late arrival or you are traveling during a particularly busy period, arriving the day before your charter can remove unnecessary stress.
It can also turn travel day into part of your vacation rather than having your entire group worried about whether a delayed flight will affect the beginning of your charter.
If you have a comfortable same-day itinerary, however, there is no requirement to arrive a day early.
Our team is happy to help you look at your travel plans and determine what makes the most sense.
Quick Guide: How Long Are the Transfers?
For planning purposes, these are the approximate land-transfer times our guests should expect:
Tortola Airport (EIS) → Nanny Cay Marina: approximately 40 minutes by taxi
St. Thomas Airport (STT) → Charlotte Amalie ferry terminal: approximately 10 minutes by taxi
St. Thomas Airport (STT) → Red Hook for a private water taxi: approximately 40 minutes by taxi
Road Town ferry terminal → Nanny Cay Marina: approximately 10 minutes by taxi
Private water taxi → Nanny Cay: direct by water to G Dock after clearing BVI immigration and customs at West End
Travel times can vary with traffic and conditions, so allow some flexibility in your schedule.
BVI Entry Documents: Complete the Online Immigration & Customs Form
All travelers entering the British Virgin Islands need to complete the BVI Online Immigration and Customs Form, often referred to as the BVI e-entry or ED Card.
The form is completed online shortly before arrival and applies whether you enter the BVI by air or sea.
You will need information including your passport and travel details. Once the form is completed, save the Immigration and Customs receipts to your phone or print a copy so you can present them when you arrive.
There is no charge to complete the official BVI Online ED Card.
Be careful when searching online, as there have been unofficial websites charging travelers for this free government form.
Don’t Forget Your Passport
The British Virgin Islands are a British Overseas Territory and are separate from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
You will need a valid passport to enter the BVI, including when traveling by ferry or private water taxi from St. Thomas.
Before traveling, always check current BVI entry requirements and make sure everyone in your group has completed the required online Immigration and Customs Form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to the BVI
Can I fly directly from the United States to Tortola?
Yes. American Airlines operates nonstop flights between Miami (MIA) and Tortola (EIS). It is currently the only scheduled nonstop route from the continental United States directly into the British Virgin Islands.
Can I fly from San Juan to Tortola?
Yes. Cape Air, Tradewinds Aviation and InterCaribbean Airways offer nonstop service between San Juan (SJU) and Tortola (EIS). The flight is generally about 40–60 minutes, making San Juan a convenient connection point for travelers coming from the United States
How long is the taxi from Tortola airport to Nanny Cay?
The taxi ride from Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) to Nanny Cay Marina takes approximately 40 minutes. Virgin Charter Yachts is happy to help arrange your airport taxi in advance.
Is it better to fly into Tortola or St. Thomas?
It depends on your departure city, airfare, schedule and group size. Tortola is generally the simplest arrival, while St. Thomas offers more nonstop flight options from U.S. cities and often more competitive airfare.
What is the general ferry schedule from St. Thomas to Tortola?
The current general daily departures from Charlotte Amalie to Road Town are 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM. Schedules can change, so always verify the current departure times before traveling.
What is the general ferry schedule from Tortola to St. Thomas?
The current general daily departures from Road Town to Charlotte Amalie are 7:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM. Always confirm the current schedule before arranging your flight connection.
How do I get from St. Thomas airport to the ferry?
The public ferries depart from Charlotte Amalie, approximately a 10-minute taxi ride from STT airport.
Should I buy a round-trip ferry ticket?
We recommend buying one-way ferry tickets. This gives you more flexibility if your flight time changes or a different ferry company is operating the departure that works best for your return trip. Ferry tickets have restrictive refund policies, so we prefer to book each direction separately.
Where do private water taxis leave from in St. Thomas?
The private water taxis we recommend generally depart from Red Hook, which is approximately a 40-minute taxi ride from STT airport.
Is a private water taxi worth it?
It can be, particularly for larger groups. Private water taxis offer privacy and flexibility, and after clearing BVI customs and immigration at West End, they can bring Virgin Charter Yachts guests directly to G Dock at Nanny Cay. For groups of approximately 8–12 guests, dividing the cost among everyone can make the per-person price considerably more attractive.
Where does the public ferry arrive in Tortola?
The public ferry arrives in Road Town. After clearing BVI immigration and customs, Nanny Cay Marina is approximately a 10-minute taxi ride away.
Can a private water taxi take us directly to Virgin Charter Yachts?
Yes. After your group clears BVI immigration and customs at West End, the private water taxi can continue directly to Nanny Cay Marina and drop you off by water at G Dock.
Do I need to complete an entry form before arriving in the BVI?
Yes. Travelers entering the BVI need to complete the online BVI Immigration and Customs Form. The official government form is free and can be completed online shortly before arrival.
Do I need a passport to travel from St. Thomas to Tortola?
Yes. St. Thomas is in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Tortola is in the British Virgin Islands, so you are crossing an international border and need a valid passport.
Need Help Planning Your Arrival?
Getting to the BVI isn’t difficult once you understand the options.
Virgin Charter Yachts has been based in the BVI since 1996, and our team helps charter guests coordinate their arrival in Tortola every week.
If you aren’t sure whether you should fly directly into Tortola, take the public ferry from St. Thomas or arrange a private water taxi, ask us!
We are happy to help you compare the options, arrange your taxi transportation on Tortola and make your arrival at Nanny Cay as easy as possible.
Once you arrive, we’ll take it from there.
