Schedules, routes, and operators for ferry travel to Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, and Scrub Island from St. Thomas and St. John.
Tortola is the largest and most visited island in the British Virgin Islands and home to the BVI capital Road Town. It has two main ferry terminals — Road Town on the south coast and West End (Soper's Hole) on the western tip — each serving different routes from the USVI.
There is no regular ferry between Road Town and West End within Tortola — taxis connect the two terminals in approximately 35 minutes. If you arrive at the wrong terminal, a taxi to your accommodation or the other terminal is your best option.
Virgin Gorda is famous for The Baths — a stunning natural formation of giant granite boulders, grottoes, and tidal pools on the southern tip. Spanish Town is the main ferry hub for the south end of the island. North Sound connects to Trellis Bay, Beef Island via the North Sound Express.
The North Sound Express connects Trellis Bay, Beef Island to Virgin Gorda North Sound (Gun Creek, Leverick Bay, Bitter End area). A convenient route if flying into Tortola's EIS airport — the terminal is just steps from arrivals.
Jost Van Dyke is a small island with an outsized reputation — home to the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar, Foxy's, and White Bay. Two ferry options connect the USVI directly: Inter-Island Boat Services runs a direct trip from Red Hook on select days, and New Horizon Ferry connects daily via West End, Tortola.
Anegada is the most remote of the main BVI islands — a flat coral island famous for its lobster, pristine beaches, and clear shallow waters. Ferry service is limited to a few days a week, making it a destination that rewards those who plan ahead.
Scrub Island is a private resort island just 1.5 miles off the northeast coast of Tortola. It's home to Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina and is served exclusively by the resort's own complimentary ferry from Trellis Bay, Beef Island — just steps from Tortola's EIS airport.
Note: For the Road Town routes, operators alternate days but all departure times remain the same. Upon arrival at the terminal you will be told which operator is running that day. You can also purchase tickets online through each operator's website.
Some operators include these fees in the ticket price. Confirm at time of purchase. See our full customs & entry guide for more detail.
Yes. All travel from the USVI to the BVI — regardless of the route — is an international border crossing. A valid U.S. passport book or passport card is required for all travelers including U.S. citizens. You must also complete the BVI eDeclare form at bviedcard.gov.vg before arrival. Do it at the terminal while you still have cell signal.
All ferries to Road Town, Tortola depart from Charlotte Amalie (Blyden Terminal) on the downtown waterfront. Ferries to West End, Tortola (Soper's Hole) depart from Red Hook on the east end of St. Thomas, and from Cruz Bay, St. John. Road Town is better for destinations east of Cane Garden Bay; West End is closer to destinations on the western side of Tortola.
Charlotte Amalie to Road Town takes approximately 45 minutes. Red Hook to West End takes about 30 minutes. Crossing times can vary slightly depending on the operator and sea conditions.
There is no direct ferry from St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke. Take a ferry from Red Hook or St. John to West End, Tortola, clear BVI customs, then connect to New Horizon Ferry to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. Allow extra time for the customs connection at West End.
There is no direct ferry from St. Thomas to Anegada. You would take a ferry to Road Town, Tortola, then connect to the Smith's Ferry service to Anegada (runs Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun). The Smith's Ferry also stops at Virgin Gorda on the Monday, Wednesday, and Friday runs. Allow a full day for this journey.
Yes — for the Charlotte Amalie to Road Town route, Native Son, Road Town Fast Ferry, and Smith's Ferry alternate operating days. All published departure times remain the same regardless of which operator is running. When you arrive at the terminal, you will be told which company is operating that day. Tickets can also be purchased online through each operator's website.
The BVI eDeclare form is an online immigration and customs declaration required for all visitors entering the British Virgin Islands. Complete it at bviedcard.gov.vg up to 36 hours before arrival. Pro tip: fill it out while waiting at the ferry terminal — you'll still have cell signal before you board. See our full customs guide for step-by-step instructions.