St. Thomas Islandu.s. virgin island

With just one runway and 11 gates, Cyril E. King International Airport appeals to those who want to get in and out in a hurry, leaving more time to lounge on the beaches. Arriving into the airport, there are plenty of taxis at your disposal whose drivers are trained to deal with passengers’ many suitcases (read: minivans and SUVs with lots of space). Just head outside of baggage claim and notify one of the waiting drivers. Most travelers will be heading three miles west to Charlotte Amalie, where several hotel chains have outposts (including Marriott St. Thomas Frenchman’s Cove Resort), as do boutique properties such as Ma Folie. During your stay, taxi companies are available to you via a quick phone call or hailing one in Charlotte Amalie: they include Islander Taxi Service and Gumbs Taxi & Tours. One thing to note is that the rates are not metered. Instead, the rate is configured based on the route to your destination as well as the number of passengers. Also, between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., an additional $2 per person charge is tacked onto the taxi fare, and an extra $2 for each piece of luggage day and night. (Unless it’s larger than 30” by 20”, which carries a maximum charge of $4.) Fares to Charlotte Amalie run around $7 per person each way. For resorts in outlying areas, such as the Ritz Carlton Resort & Club along Great Bay, the fare is $18 per person from the airport to the resort. Based on the rate sheets, the highest fare is $20 per person, and that’s from Red Hook to Bordeaux. If you prefer to rely upon public transportation, understand that the bus system is not always reliable and you could be wasting your vacation day sitting at a bus stop or stranded at a transfer point. However, should you choose this option, the fare is $1 and the schedule runs between Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook every hour beginning at 5:15 a.m.; the last bus leaving Red Hook is at 8 p.m. A city schedule takes bus passengers between Schneider Medical Center and Charlotte Amalie from 6:15 a.m. until 8 p.m., with a $.75 fare. Car rentals are an excellent option for travelers who wish to explore St. Thomas at their own pace. A valid U.S. driver’s license allows you to drive on St. Thomas for up to 90 days. Simply walk up to the counters for companies like Budget Rent A Car inside the airport. Remember to drive like a local, on the left-hand side of the road.