The Most Common Question for BVI Travelers
Tortola and St. Thomas are just a few miles apart across the Sir Francis Drake Channel — but getting between them involves crossing an international border (BVI to USVI). You have two options: fly EIS to STT, or take the ferry. Both have their place. Here's how to decide.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | ✈️ Fly (EIS→STT) | ⛴️ Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time (door to door) | ~2 hrs incl. airport | ~1–1.5 hrs total |
| Flight/crossing time | ~15 min | ~30–45 min |
| Cost | $80–$150+ | ~$30–$35 |
| Baggage flexibility | Weight limits (Cape Air 25 lbs) | More flexible |
| Passport required | Yes (BVI departure + U.S. arrival) | Yes (BVI departure + U.S. arrival) |
| Scenic experience | Beautiful from the air | Beautiful on the water |
| Early morning options | Limited | More frequent |
When to Fly
Flying makes sense when you have tight timing, heavy luggage to check through, or when you're booking as part of a through-ticket (Cape Air has interline agreements with American and JetBlue, so your bag can be checked all the way through from the mainland). It's also worth flying if you want to avoid sea conditions on a rougher day.
When to Take the Ferry
The ferry wins for most travelers making a simple Tortola-to-STT trip. It's significantly cheaper, more frequent, and the 30-minute crossing through the Drake Channel with the BVI islands in the backdrop is genuinely stunning. If you're continuing on a mainland flight from STT, allow enough time for ferry + taxi from the ferry dock to the airport (about 20 minutes from Red Hook).
The Ferry Route
From Tortola's West End dock, Native Son and Road Town Fast Ferry run regular service to Red Hook, St. Thomas. From Road Town, Speedy's and Smith's Ferry connect to Charlotte Amalie. See the full ferry guide for schedules and fares.
The Verdict
For most travelers: take the ferry. It's cheaper, faster door-to-door, and the experience is hard to beat. Book the plane if you need through-ticketing with mainland connections, or if you have Cape Air miles to burn.