The QE IV Ferry, seaplane service, and everything you need to know about traveling to and from St. Croix by water.
The QE IV Ferry is the only scheduled passenger ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix. It's a comfortable high-speed vessel that covers the approximately 40-mile crossing in around 2 hours. The ferry operates Wednesday through Monday — there is no service on Tuesdays.
The QE IV is a comfortable passenger vessel with indoor air-conditioned seating and outdoor deck space. The crossing passes through open water between the two islands — seas can be choppy depending on conditions. If you're prone to seasickness, sit in the middle of the boat and consider taking medication before boarding.
The ferry departs from the Blyden Terminal on the Charlotte Amalie waterfront in St. Thomas — the same waterfront terminal used by BVI-bound ferries. On the St. Croix side, it docks at Gallows Bay, near Christiansted.
If the ferry doesn't fit your schedule — especially on Tuesdays — seaplane and commuter flight services are the best alternatives. Both are faster than the ferry and offer multiple daily departures.
St. Croix is approximately 40 miles south of St. Thomas — too far for a practical vehicle ferry. There is no car ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix. The QE IV is a passenger-only vessel.
If you need a vehicle on St. Croix, you'll need to rent one there. St. Croix has several car rental options available near the ferry dock in Christiansted and at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX).
Major rental companies including Budget and Avis operate on St. Croix, along with local operators. Vehicles are available at the airport and some operators will deliver to the Gallows Bay ferry dock. Book in advance during high season (December through April).
St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the most spread out. A rental car is the most practical way to explore the island.
Yes — the QE IV Ferry operates between Blyden Terminal in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and Gallows Bay, St. Croix. It runs Wednesday through Monday (no Tuesdays), departing St. Croix at 8:00 AM and St. Thomas at 3:00 PM. The crossing takes approximately 2 hours. Book at qe4ferry.com.
The QE IV Ferry costs $85 per person each way. Book in advance at qe4ferry.com — the ferry can sell out during holidays and high season.
No. Both St. Thomas and St. Croix are U.S. territories. No passport is required for U.S. citizens. A valid government-issued photo ID is sufficient.
No. There is no car ferry between St. Thomas and St. Croix. The QE IV is a passenger-only vessel. If you need a vehicle on St. Croix, rent one there — options are available at the airport and in Christiansted near the ferry dock.
The QE IV does not operate on Tuesdays. Your best alternatives are a Cape Air commuter flight from STT to STX (~20 min, multiple daily departures) or Vieques Air Link seaplane service from Charlotte Amalie waterfront to Christiansted.
The QE IV Ferry docks at Gallows Bay, near Christiansted on the north shore of St. Croix. Taxis are available at the dock. Rental car operators can arrange delivery to the dock as well.
There is no scheduled ferry directly from St. John to St. Croix. You would need to take the passenger ferry from Cruz Bay to St. Thomas first, then connect to the QE IV Ferry from Charlotte Amalie, or fly via Cape Air from STT to STX.