STT · Getting Around
Taxi Rates & Transportation
What You Need to Know
Official 2026 taxi rates, surcharges, safari buses, private transfers and insider tips — everything you need to get around St. Thomas without getting overcharged.
There's no Uber. There's no Lyft. What St. Thomas has instead is a regulated, fixed-rate taxi system that works perfectly once you understand the rules. This guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay, how the system works, and the local tips that make all the difference.
01 · The St. Thomas Taxi System Explained
If you're arriving from the U.S. mainland expecting to pull out your phone and tap a ride, you'll need to adjust your expectations — and fast. St. Thomas operates entirely without rideshare apps. No Uber, no Lyft, no DoorDash drivers moonlighting as taxis. What the island has instead is a government-regulated, fixed-rate taxi system that has been in place for decades.
Rates are set per person, per destination — not by meter, not by time, and not by negotiation. Every licensed taxi driver in St. Thomas is required by law to charge the official published rate. That's actually good news for you: once you know the rates, there are no surprises.
Licensed USVI taxis display a dome light on the roof and "TP" on their license plates. Always look for the TP designation before getting in. Unlicensed drivers may approach you at the airport or cruise dock offering rides — they are not bound by the fixed rate system and will almost always charge significantly more.
Safari buses — the local way to ride
The most common taxi vehicle in St. Thomas isn't a sedan — it's the open-air safari bus. These are large flatbed trucks converted into covered passenger vehicles with bench seating, open sides, and a canopy overhead. They are an icon of the island and the most affordable way to get around. Most operate as shared rides, meaning the driver waits until the vehicle has enough passengers before departing, and will make multiple stops along the route.
Before you get into any taxi, tell the driver your destination and ask what the rate will be. Every driver should be able to quote you the official fare instantly. If the number they give doesn't sound right, reference this guide or call the Taxi Commission at (340) 693-4211 to verify. This one habit will save you money and frustration every single time.
02 · Official 2026 Taxi Rate Tables
All rates below are the official 2026 published fares from the St. Thomas Taxi Association. Rates are per person. Two or more passengers traveling together to the same destination pay the lower per-person group rate.
Most taxis in St. Thomas are cash only. Carry U.S. dollars — small bills are ideal. A $50 or $100 bill for a $12 fare will frustrate your driver and slow everyone down. Hit an ATM before you leave the airport or stock up at your hotel.
From Cyril E. King Airport (STT) & Charlotte Amalie
| Destination | Airport · 1 Person | Airport · 2+ | Town · 1 Person | Town · 2+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magens Bay | $18.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Red Hook | $23.00 | $17.00 | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Bolongo | $18.00 | $14.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Coki Point | $21.00 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Havensight (Crossroad) | $12.00 | $11.00 | $9.00 | $8.00 |
| Crown Bay | $8.00 | $6.00 | $8.00 | $6.00 |
| French Town | $11.00 | $9.00 | $6.00 | $6.00 |
| Frenchman Bay | $18.00 | $14.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Hull Bay | $23.00 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $12.00 |
| Mountain Top | $18.00 | $14.00 | $17.00 | $12.00 |
| Nisky | $8.00 | $6.00 | $8.00 | $6.00 |
| Paradise Point | $17.00 | $14.00 | $14.00 | $11.00 |
| Smith Bay | $20.00 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $12.00 |
| Tutu | $17.00 | $12.00 | $14.00 | $11.00 |
| UVI | $8.00 | $8.00 | $11.00 | $9.00 |
| Within Town Limits | — | — | $6.00 | $6.00 |
| Drake's Seat | $14.00 | $11.00 | $11.00 | $8.00 |
| Bordeaux | $17.00 | $14.00 | $23.00 | $14.00 |
| Botany Bay | $19.00 | $16.00 | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Mahogany Run | $20.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Peterborg | $23.00 | $17.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Mandahl Bay | $21.00 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Sapphire Beach / Frydenhoj | $21.00 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Wintberg | $18.00 | $14.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
For a complete list visit saintthomastaxi.com/rates.html or call the Taxi Commission at (340) 693-4211.
Point-to-Point Fares Between Key Destinations
| From | To | 1 Person | 2+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magens Bay | Mountain Top | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Magens Bay | Bolongo | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Magens Bay | Coki Point | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Magens Bay | Havensight (WICO) | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Magens Bay | Ritz Carlton | $23.00 | $15.00 |
| Magens Bay | Sapphire Beach | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Magens Bay | Crown Bay | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Red Hook | Bolongo | $12.00 | $11.00 |
| Red Hook | Magens Bay | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Red Hook | Frenchman's Reef | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Red Hook | Limetree | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Frenchman's Reef | Magens Bay | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Frenchman's Reef | Mountain Top | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Frenchman's Reef | Limetree | $11.00 | $8.00 |
| Mahogany Run | Mountain Top | $15.00 | $12.00 |
Additional Surcharges
Charged per piece of checked or large luggage.
Surfboards, large strollers, bulky equipment.
Applies to rides between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
Larger safari vans run $83–$120/hour.
For families of 4 or more, taxi fares add up fast once you factor in luggage surcharges. A family of four going from the airport to Red Hook would pay $23 per person plus $3 per bag — that's $92+ one way before tip. For larger groups, a private transfer or rental car often makes more financial sense.
03 · All the Ways to Get Around St. Thomas
Taxis are the most common option but not the only one. Here's the full picture of how to get around St. Thomas depending on your budget, group size, and how much freedom you want.
The island's most iconic ride. Open-air flatbed trucks converted into covered passenger vehicles with bench seating. Shared with other passengers and multiple stops along the route. Cheap, fun, and very island — just budget extra time.
Same fixed rates as a shared taxi, but the vehicle goes directly to your destination without stops. Ask specifically for a private ride when you get in — otherwise you may find yourself sharing.
Best value for families or anyone staying multiple days who wants flexibility. Remember: drive on the left, steering wheel also on the left. Book well in advance — inventory runs out fast in high season.
Door-to-door service booked in advance. Meets you at baggage claim. Ideal for late nights, early mornings, or when you just don't want to deal with finding a taxi after a long flight.
The island's public bus system. Very budget friendly but schedules are irregular and routes are limited. Works well if you know the island and aren't in a rush.
Water taxi services operate between St. Thomas, St. John, and beyond. Faster and more flexible than the car ferry for foot passengers. Great option if you're island hopping for the day.
04 · What the Locals Know
- Cash is king — full stop. Most taxis are cash only. Carry small U.S. bills. Handing a driver a $100 bill for a $15 fare creates an awkward situation for everyone.
- Always confirm your rate before you get in. Tell the driver your destination and confirm the fare before you settle into your seat. A reputable driver will quote the correct rate without hesitation.
- Shared vs. private — know the difference. Many visitors climb into what they think is a private taxi and are surprised when the driver picks up three more people along the way. If you want a direct ride, explicitly ask for a private taxi.
- No child safety seats. Taxi drivers in St. Thomas are not required to carry and generally do not have child safety seats. If you're traveling with toddlers, bring a portable travel car seat or arrange a private transfer that can accommodate the request.
- Tipping. The standard is 15 to 20 percent of the fare, or simply rounding up generously on smaller rides. Drivers who help with luggage or provide local recommendations deserve a little extra.
05 · St. Thomas Transportation Cheat Sheet
Save this before you go. Everything you need in one place.
Always look for "TAXI" on the license plate — that's a licensed, regulated taxi driver.
Carry small U.S. bills. Most drivers do not accept cards, Venmo, or Apple Pay.
Always ask the rate before getting in. A licensed driver will quote the correct fare without hesitation.
(340) 693-4211 — for rate verification or complaints about any licensed taxi driver.
Sources
- St. Thomas Taxi Association — saintthomastaxi.com
- USVI Taxi Commission — (340) 693-4211
- USVI Online — usvi-on-line.com
- VInow.com — vinow.com