Everything you need to know about the Boyson Inc. car ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, St. John — schedule, cost, wait times, and the rental car rule.
Nearly all rental car companies in the USVI — including Budget, Avis, Discount Car Rental, and others — explicitly prohibit their vehicles from being transported on the car ferry to St. John. This is written into your rental agreement.
Taking a rental car on the ferry without authorization can result in fees equal to the full replacement value of the vehicle. If you need a car on St. John, rent one there. Local rental companies operate in Cruz Bay and can meet you at the ferry dock.
The car ferry runs approximately hourly from early morning through late night in both directions. All times are AST. Verify current schedule with Boyson Inc. before travel as times are subject to change.
Schedule effective 2025. Always verify with Boyson Inc. before travel. Times subject to change.
Fares are charged per vehicle plus a per-passenger fee. Bring cash — card acceptance at the terminal is limited.
Fares are approximate and subject to change. Confirm current rates with Boyson Inc. before travel.
The car ferry line at Red Hook can be one of the most frustrating parts of a St. John trip if you're not prepared. Here's what to expect:
Since rental cars from St. Thomas cannot go on the ferry, renting directly on St. John is the practical solution. Several local rental companies operate in and around Cruz Bay and can meet you at the ferry dock.
Keep in mind that St. John, like the rest of the USVI, drives on the left side of the road — the same as St. Thomas. Most rental vehicles are Jeeps, SUVs, or open-air vehicles suited for the island's hilly terrain.
No. Nearly all rental car companies in the USVI prohibit their vehicles from being transported on the car ferry to St. John. This includes Budget, Avis, Discount, and most local operators. Taking a rental car on the ferry can result in fees equal to the full replacement value of the vehicle. Rent a car directly on St. John instead.
Approximately $40–$50 per vehicle plus $6–$8 per passenger each way. Prices are subject to change — verify current rates with Boyson Inc. before travel. Bring cash as card acceptance at the terminal can be limited.
The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes total, including loading and unloading. The water portion is about 20–25 minutes. Budget extra time for the wait in the ferry line, which can range from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the day and season.
Wait times vary widely. On quiet weekday mornings you may board quickly. On holiday weekends and in high season (December through April), waits of 2–4 hours are common. The early morning ferries (6:00 AM and 7:00 AM) consistently have the shortest lines.
No. Both St. Thomas and St. John are U.S. territories. No passport is required for U.S. citizens on this route. A valid government-issued photo ID is sufficient.
Yes. Pets can travel on the car ferry in your vehicle or in a carrier. There is no specific pet fee, but your pet must remain in the vehicle or a secure carrier during the crossing. Check with Boyson Inc. for any specific requirements.
Rental cars are prohibited on the car ferry by nearly all USVI rental companies. Violations may result in fees equal to the vehicle's full replacement value.
If the car ferry wait is too long, leave your car in Red Hook and take the passenger ferry. Taxis and car rentals are available on St. John.
St. John Passenger Ferry →Rent directly on St. John — several local companies in Cruz Bay can meet you at the ferry dock.
Car Rentals Guide →