Cyril E. King Airport at a glance
St. Thomas has one commercial airport, Cyril E. King Airport, with the codes STT and TIST. It sits about 2 miles (3 km) west of Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the US Virgin Islands. Most visitors reach the island here. Cruise passengers arrive at a different place, covered on our cruise port page.
The terminal is open daily from 06:00 to 23:00, according to the Virgin Islands Port Authority. Airline and federal services can close earlier, so do not count on a counter being staffed up to the last minute. Entry rules for non-US visitors are on our passport and entry page.
Night runway closure in 2026
The port authority has announced that the runway is closed from 22:00 to 05:00 AST between 1 December 2025 and 31 December 2026, for surveys and renewal of the runway. The authority's general text elsewhere on the same website still describes round-the-clock runway access. A terminal that is open until 23:00 does not mean a runway that is open until 23:00.
In practice, check your flight time with the airline, especially for late arrivals and early departures, and do not book a tight connection around the night window. Irma and Maria damaged the terminal heavily in 2017, and repairs followed in the years after. Also new is the Dale A. Gregory Transportation Center, described next.
After you land
Ground transport is concentrated in the Dale A. Gregory Transportation Center, open to the public since 28 April 2025. The ground level handles rental cars, taxis and tour operators. The upper levels are public parking.
Your three main options are a taxi, a rental car and the local bus. Taxis suit most arrivals, especially if you stay in one place. A rental car makes sense if you want to reach several beaches on your own schedule. The bus is cheap but limited, as explained below.
If your hotel is in the east near Red Hook, allow for a drive across the island. Secret Harbour, a resort in the East End, lists about 10 road miles (16 km) between its location and the airport. No travel time is guaranteed, because traffic changes with the day.
Transfers, tours and getting around
Island tours and excursions from St. Thomas, a good way to see the sights without renting a car.
Taxis from the airport
Taxi fares on St. Thomas are regulated, not negotiated. Stick to the rules below.
Use a licensed taxi
Licensed taxis carry a roof sign and the letters TP on the license plate. The territory's taxi regulator sets the rates.
Confirm before you get in
The port authority advises you to confirm the destination and the total cost, bags included, before you set off.
Expect bag fees
As one example, Secret Harbour publishes $3 for a small and $6 for a large bag on its airport taxi, and a fare to the resort of $27 for one passenger or $18 per person for several. Other taxis can differ, so treat this as an example, not a price list.
Rental cars and driving on the left
Traffic keeps to the left in the US Virgin Islands, although the territory is American.
Where to stay
Which area suits a rental car and which does not.
St. Thomas to St. John
Passenger ferry and car barge from Red Hook.
Cruise port and taxis
Havensight, Crown Bay and the taxi fares into town.
The airport port authority lists Avis, Budget, Hertz and Enterprise among the companies at the airport. Daily rates, insurance, deposits, minimum age and any young driver surcharge differ by company and by date, so get them in writing before you book. Ask in particular whether the rental contract allows the car on the barge to St. John.
The territory's tourism office says a valid US or foreign driver's license is accepted for 90 days. Seat belts are compulsory, and phoning while driving is prohibited.
If you have never driven on the left, take the first few miles slowly, away from busy roads, while you get used to it.
Airport parking fees
Public parking at the airport, daily from 06:00 to 23:00, as listed by the port authority.
| Time parked | Fee |
|---|---|
| First 15 minutes | Free |
| 16 minutes to 1 hour | $4 |
| 1 to 2 hours | $6 |
| 2 to 3 hours | $8 |
| 3 to 4 hours | $12 |
| 4 to 5 hours | $15 |
| 5 to 24 hours | $20 |
| Lost ticket | $20 |
These are the rates the port authority listed in October 2026. If you leave your car at the Red Hook ferry terminal for a St. John day trip, the port authority has charged a daily maximum of $20 for 24 hours since 6 April 2026.
Buses and shared taxis
The public bus system is VITRAN. The listed lines are 201 (Hospital Bus Stop to Bordeaux), 301 (Contant, Donoe, Hidden Valley), 401 (Contant to Red Hook via Smith Bay), 501 (Contant to Bovoni via Tutu Park Mall) and 601 (Contant to Old and New Tutu via Tutu Park Mall). The list of lines does not mean every beach entrance has a stop.
Fares are low, but the published figures differ between sources, so ask the driver for the current fare and carry small bills.
Safari rides and dollar rides are shared taxis on the main roads. They do not go door to door, and despite the name they can cost more than $1. They are not the same as VITRAN buses. Before you rely on any of these for a beach trip, ask at your hotel where the pickup is and when the last ride back runs.
St. Thomas airport and car rental: frequently asked questions
What is the airport code for St. Thomas?
STT is the IATA code and TIST the ICAO code of Cyril E. King Airport in the US Virgin Islands.
How far is the airport from Charlotte Amalie?
About 2 miles (3 km) to the west. To the East End and Red Hook you cross the island. Secret Harbour lists about 10 road miles (16 km) to the airport.
Is the airport closed at night?
The terminal is open from 06:00 to 23:00. The port authority has announced that the runway is closed from 22:00 to 05:00 AST between 1 December 2025 and 31 December 2026. Check your exact flight time with the airline.
Which car rental companies are at the airport?
The port authority lists Avis, Budget, Hertz and Enterprise. Rates, insurance and conditions vary, so compare the total price for your dates.
Which side of the road do they drive on in St. Thomas?
On the left. Seat belts are compulsory and phoning while driving is not allowed. A valid US or foreign license is accepted for 90 days, according to the tourism office.
Can I take a rental car to St. John?
Car barges run from Red Hook. Tickets from different companies are not interchangeable, and the port authority advises arriving 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Whether the rental contract allows the barge depends on the company, so ask before you book.