St Thomas and Tortola Ferries: Fares & Routes 2026
Ferries and Private Water Transfers between St. Thomas and Tortola
During your luxury yacht charter vacation in the British Virgin Islands, you will fly into and out of the Terrance B. Lettsome Airport (EIS) on Tortola or the Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas. Should you choose to fly into St. Thomas, you will then take a ferry or private water taxi to Tortola to embark on your 7-day BVI charter itinerary.
For 20 years, we have personally sailed these waters and taken both routes to Tortola many times. Our first-hand experience has led us to this list of tips and suggested ferry companies to ensure your travel days go as smoothly as possible.
BVI Crewed Motor Boats BVI Crewed Catamarans
Road Town Fast Ferry - Tortola & St Thomas
Fares (2026)
| One Way |
Adult (12+) - $60.00 +tax Kids (3-11) - $50.00 +tax Infants (0-3) - $20.00 +tax Senior (65+) - $55.00 +tax |
| Round Trip |
Adult (12+) - $100.00 +tax Kids (3-11) - $85.00 +tax Infants (0-3) - $40.00 +tax Senior (65+) - $85.00 +tax |
Schedule and fares subject to change without notice and can vary depending on date and time of departure/arrival - please check directly with the operator.
Native Son Inc. Ferries - Tortola & St Thomas
Fares (2026)
|
One Way |
Adult (12+) - $60.00 +tax Kids (2-11) - $50.00 +tax Infants (0-2) - $17.00 +tax Senior (65+) - $50.00 +tax |
|
Round Trip |
Adult (12+) - $100.00 +tax Kids (2-11) - $90.00 +tax Infants (0-2) - $34.00 +tax Senior (65+) - $90.00 +tax |
Schedule and fares subject to change without notice and can vary depending on date and time of departure/arrival - please check directly with the operator.
Smith Ferries - Tortola & St Thomas
Fares (2026)
|
One Way |
Adult (12+) - $60.00 +tax Kids (2-11) - $50.00 +tax Infants (0-2) - $17.00 +tax Senior (65+) - $50.00 +tax |
|
Round Trip |
Adult (12+) - $100.00 +tax Kids (2-11) - $90.00 +tax Infants (0-2) - $40.00 +tax Senior (65+) - $90.00 +tax |
Schedule and fares subject to change without notice and can vary depending on date and time of departure/arrival - please check directly with the operator.
Private Water Taxi
Another option is to take a private water taxi between Tortola and St. Thomas. While private water taxis are typically more expensive than the public ferry, they come with benefits such as a smoother customs process, flexible pick up and drop off times and locations, and a customized on board experience that ensures your 7-day BVI crewed power catamaran itinerary starts the second you step off the plane. Below is a list of our suggested companies to use when booking private water taxis.
Island Time BVI: With Island Time BVI, you can schedule a pre-arranged land taxi to pick you up from the airport and bring you to American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, where you private transfer awaits. From there, it's smooth sailing to your charter in Tortola!
Chillout Charters: Chillout Charters allows flexability of pick-up and drop-off location depending on weather and water conditions. Guests can board their private water taxi in Crown Bay Marina in Charlotte Amalie or American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook.
The Last Mile Water Taxi: The Last Mile Water Taxi provides fast, seamless service between St. Thomas and the BVI. Step off the plane and into an open cockpit area where seating for 12 offers stunning views of the water and fresh air as you sail to your next destination, whether that be Tortola, or back to St. Thomas to catch your flight home.
Timing Your Trips Between Tortola and St. Thomas
When booking your flights, ferries, and water taxis, be sure to allow enough time to get to your destination and go through customs.
Water Taxi Timing
We suggest allotting 1.5 to 2.5 hours for your incoming trip. This allows for ample time for a stop through customs and immigration. For your return trip, it is best to allow 4.5 to 5 hours from the time to step onboard your taxi to flight departure to ensure you can make two sucessful stops for customs and immigration.
Public Ferry Timing
Public ferries typically have set embarkation and arrival times that will be listed on their individual websites. We suggest scheduling 1 to 1.5 hours for each trip, taking into account customs and immigration.
Customs and Immigration
Upon entry into the British Virgin Islands, each traveler will need to complete an online Immigration and Customs Form, accessible 72 hours prior to your arrival. Once completed, the receipt can be saved to your mobile device or printed to be presented to immigration and customs. Filling out the form early will ensure an easy transition into the Virgin Islands.
Our BVI Charter Yachts
Having built great relationships with quality charter operators in the BVI, regularly familiarising ourselves with our charter yachts and catching up with Captains and crews, the Charter Specialists at Boatbookings are experts in finding clients the ideal charter yacht - whether it's a crewed motor yacht, crewed catamaran, crewed sailing yacht or bareboat.
Discover our BVI yachts or contact us and we'll recommend the best boat for you.
For a little inspiration: BVI Overview | Tortola | Jost Van Dyke: Foxy's and the Soggy Dollar Bar | Anegada | Peter Island | BVI 7 Day Sailing Itinerary | BVI Charter Slide Show
Caribbean Destinations: The Windward Islands | Antigua | British Virgin Islands | Grenada | Guadeloupe | Martinique | Spanish Virgin Islands | St Barths | Anguilla | St Martin/Maarten | St Lucia | St Vincent and the Grenadines | US Virgin Islands - St Thomas, St John, St Croix
