To car ferry or not—that is the question often asked in Virgin Islands travel groups. If you’re planning a trip to St. Thomas and renting a vehicle, you might be wondering whether to take the car ferry to St. John or stick with the people ferry. Before diving into the details, there’s one crucial thing to verify: Does your rental car company allow you to take the car ferry? Policies vary, so be sure to check before committing to a rental.

Once that’s squared away, let’s break down the pros and cons of each ferry option to help you decide what works best for your island-hopping adventure.

When to Choose the Car Ferry

Taking the car ferry to St. John can be a game-changer, especially if you like flexibility and convenience. Here are some reasons why you might want to opt for the car ferry:

You Want to Explore Beyond Cruz Bay:

If your goal is to see as much of St. John as possible, a car ferry is your best bet. With your own vehicle, you can reach remote spots like Waterlemon Cay, known for some of the best snorkeling between the islands. Plus, with limited cell reception on the east side of St. John, having your own wheels will save you a lot of headaches.

Your Vehicle Is Your Beach Gear Mule:

Don’t really vibe with the whole minimalist, “A towel is all I need,” approach? Well, let’s be real—hauling beach chairs, a cooler, snorkel gear, and other beach essentials can get old fast. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to bring the full setup, having a vehicle will make your life a lot easier.

Traveling with Kids in Car Seats:

If you’re bringing little ones who need car seats, having your own car is essential. While you can stay in Cruz Bay and take a safari taxi to other beaches, holding kids on a metal bench seat in an open-air vehicle with no seatbelts is far from ideal. While some private taxis may offer car seats, this requires a lot of advance coordination.

Potential Downsides of the Car Ferry

Limited Parking:

Parking on St. John can be a challenge, especially in places like Cruz Bay, Mongoose Junction, and popular beaches. During peak season, expect to spend time circling for a spot.

Cost and Time:

The car ferry is pricier than the people ferry, and it takes longer to travel between the islands. Plus, the car ferry stops running earlier, with the last one leaving St. John at 6:15 PM. If you miss it, you’ll need to pay for overnight parking and catch the people ferry. Also, don’t wait for the last ferry of the day—once it’s full, it’s full, and you could be left scrambling.

Non-Interchangeable Tickets:

Car ferry tickets aren’t interchangeable between companies. Booking a roundtrip ticket may seem cheaper, but if you’re ready to return and the next available ferry is from a different company, your prepaid ticket won’t work.

The People Ferry: Pros and Cons

Now, let’s explore the pros and cons of taking the people ferry instead:

Pros of the People Ferry

Flexible Schedule:

The people ferry runs every hour on the hour, with the last ferry from St. John back to St. Thomas at 11 PM. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy a full day on St. John, whether it’s beach hopping or grabbing dinner in Cruz Bay. Just a heads-up: If you’re showering at Trunk Bay before heading to dinner, do so before 4 PM when the water gets turned off—no exceptions, even if you’re mid-shampoo!

Interchangeable Tickets:

People ferry tickets are valid on any boat, adding flexibility to your plans. Buying your ticket online can also save you from long lines, and the convenience fee is only $1.

Fresh Air and Sunshine:

On the people ferry, you won’t be trapped inhaling diesel exhaust from the car in front of you. Instead, you can sit up top, enjoy the breeze, and soak in the sunshine.

Cons of the People Ferry

Limited Mobility:

You’ll be at the mercy of the island’s taxis. Before getting dropped off, check your cell reception. If it’s spotty, try to arrange a pick-up time with your driver.

Traveling Light Is a Must:

Hauling lots of gear around St. John without a car is a pain. Pack only what you can comfortably carry in a backpack.

Costs Add Up for Larger Groups:

If you’re traveling with a big group, the cost of individual ferry tickets and taxi rides can quickly add up. Check taxi rates in advance to decide if this option makes sense for your budget. Rates are also posted inside the taxis.