How To Get To The British Virgin Islands – A Comprehensive Guide

1. Most Popular – Fly to St Thomas in the USVI and Take a Ferry/Water Taxi to the British Virgin Islands

Why is flying to St Thomas better than flying directly to the British Virgin Islands?

Because St Thomas Airport / Cyril E. King Airport (STT) is a relatively large international airport with many direct flights, and the fare is likely to be half of Beef Island Airport (EIS) in the British Virgin Islands.

The process is also known to be smoother in St Thomas – let’s just say that the British Virgin Islands immigration authorities at the airport “have a reputation.”

How to Get from St Thomas Airport to the BVI

1. Fly to Cyril E. King Airport in St Thomas, USVI

If you’re flying into the US Virgin Islands (USVI), aim to arrive before 2 PM for a stress-free transfer to the BVI.

2. Take a Taxi to Red Hook

From the airport, take a taxi to Red Hook on St. Thomas. The ride takes about 20-30 minutes, is typically shared with other travelers, and costs around $26 per person.

3. Take a Ferry or Water Taxi to Tortola, BVI

Ferry to Tortola: From Red Hook, you can catch a ferry to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. The round-trip fare is approximately $130, but be aware that the last ferry departs at 5:00 PM.

Water Taxi – Our Recommendation: For more flexibility and peace of mind, consider prearranging a water taxi through your broker. It’s a private transfer for your group, so you avoid the stress of ferry schedules, and the cost often isn’t too much higher if there are many of you. The convenience is well worth it, especially if your flight is delayed or you’re traveling with luggage or a group. Read more below to learn why a water taxi might be your best option.

4. Stop by West End for Custom Clearance

If you take the ferry, this is where you will get off and then go through customs. If you are by water taxi, the Captain will, in most cases, do the clearance for you while you stay onboard. When checked in, the water taxi will take you to your agreed final destination, whether hotel or charter yacht.

2. Flying Directly to the British Virgin Islands (EIS – Beef Island, Tortola)

The number of direct flights to the British Virgin Islands is increasing. Apart from San Juan Puerto Rico, there are a number of direct flights to/from Miami as well as other Caribbean locations. However, not many travelers choose this option.

The British Virgin Islands’ main airport is Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS), located on Beef Island, Tortola. If you want to fly directly to the British Virgin Islands and skip the US Virgin Islands, this is the most common way to go.

When booking air travel, request flights to Tortola or use the Lettsome Airport code EIS.

3. Flying into Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands

You can also fly to Virgin Gorda, a smaller island in the British Virgin Islands, from multiple locations; the most frequent flights are from San Juan Puerto Rico. However, this airport is less commonly used for commercial flights than the one on Beef Island (EIS).

The airport code for the Virgin Gorda Airport is VIJ.

4. Private Charter Flights to the Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are perfect for private charter flights, both for arriving and traveling between islands. A private jet is a great solution for people looking for a variety of places and who choose comfort, convenience, and privacy.

Private charter flights offer direct flights to the Virgin Islands airports, such as the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island or the Cyril E. King Airport on St Thomas. With a private jet, you can skip the hassle of commercial airports and enjoy a stress-free start to your yacht charter vacation in the British Virgin Islands.

Inquire with us for a yacht charter to unlock special rates for private charter flights.

PRICE: Midsize and super-midsize private jets cost between $4,200 to $8,100 per flight hour, and heavy jets cost $7,200 to $17,800 for occasional travel. 

There are Several Scheduled Ferry Services:

• Road Town: Road Town Fast Ferry offers a more efficient option than other ferries by providing a direct ferry service between St Thomas and Tortola, avoiding the potential 45-minute delay of detouring through St Johns. This fast ferry service runs seasonal trips on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and selected Sundays at the Road Town – Charlotte Amalie route- leaving at 8:00 AM and returning at 4:50 PM. For Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the ferry covers Road Town – Anegada route- leaving Road Town at 6:45 AM and 3:30 PM and reaching back at 9:20 AM and 6:15 PM.

• Smith’s: Smith’s Ferry provides daily ferry service between Tortola and Virgin Gorda, bi-weekly service to Anegada, and charter service to all of the outer islands – including St Kitts and St Martin. Depending on the day, season, and flight schedule, the departure time from Road Town and Charlotte Amalie changes, which can be checked through the website.

• Speedy’s: Speedy’s is the perfect ferry service for visitors who want to buy tickets on the spot and have a flexible schedule. The ferry takes the Virgin Gorda – Road Town route on Monday-Saturday, departing at 7 AM,6 AM, 10 AM, 11:30 AM, and 3:30 AM. There are trips from Virgin Gorda to Beef Island – departing from 6 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 3 PM, 5:30 PM, and 8 PM. Additional trips covering St Thomas and Charlotte Amalie can be found on the website.

Prices for a round ferry trip range from $120-$160 per person, excluding luggage fees. It is a relatively short hop from one island cluster to the other, ranging from 30 to 75 minutes of traveling time, and most ferry services offer frequent daily trips.

All vessels-even superyacht charter- and passengers must clear Customs and Immigration immediately upon arrival, and a valid passport and boat registration papers will be required. The U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands are, in essence, different countries, so transfer between them is considered international travel.

With the formalities out of the way, you’ll be in great shape to begin charting the incredible seas of the British Virgin Islands.

There is a multitude of stylish, luxury accommodation options in the British Virgin Islands. Below is just an indicative selection based on our experience and that of our guests.

• Nanny Cay Hotel in Tortola is nestled in a tropical oasis garden setting in the heart of Tortola’s favorite marina. Room rates for double rooms range from $140-$225 per night in low seasons and $170-$250 in high season.

• Sebastian’s On The Beach in Tortola is situated right on the beach. With a wonderful restaurant that features a fusion of Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisine, the deluxe suites of this hotel go around the $145-$235 mark.

• Rosewood at Little Dix Bay is a dreamy resort on a huge beach, with four diverse restaurants, spas, fitness centers, and other luxury amenities to wallow in. This luxury resort’s rooms, suites, and villas have a starting price of $895, which reaches up to $3600 during peak season (December).

• Olga’s Fancy in St Thomas is in historic Frenchtown, close to downtown and convenient for Charlotte Amalie. A favorite of crewed yacht charter people, each lovingly decorated and bright guest room–priced from $119 to $ 230- has a fabulous panoramic view of the bustling Harbor, Hassel, and Water Islands, and all the way to St. Croix on the horizon.

• The Buccaneer in St. Croix features a golf course, tennis courts, a spa, many shopping opportunities, and several fine dining options. However, these amenities come with a hefty price- room charges are $476-$2168, depending on the season.

• Secret Harbour Beach Resort is possibly the best beachfront resort in St Thomas, situated on the quiet east end. It features spacious beachfront and hillside apartment-style accommodations with personal outdoor space and a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, watersports rentals, boating excursions, scuba diving, tennis, fitness center, and more. The prices start from $327 and reach a maximum of $588 during peak season (December).