02/08/2016
Embarking on a tropical getaway to St. Thomas promises stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences. However, for first-time visitors or those accustomed to ride-sharing apps, navigating the island's transportation system can present a unique set of considerations. Unlike many popular global destinations, St. Thomas operates on a distinct per-person taxi rate system, and critically, familiar services like Uber are not available. This guide aims to demystify taxi travel on the island, providing comprehensive details on who provides these services, how much they cost, and what to expect, ensuring your journey across this beautiful Caribbean gem is as smooth and predictable as possible.
Understanding the local taxi landscape is paramount for a hassle-free holiday. While the absence of ride-sharing might initially seem daunting, St. Thomas boasts a robust and regulated taxi service designed to cater to both individual travellers and groups. Knowing the official rates and rules in advance will empower you to plan your movements efficiently, allowing you to focus on enjoying the island's many attractions rather than worrying about unexpected fares.
Who is Saint Thomas Taxi? Providing Reliable Island Transport
When planning your travels within St. Thomas, knowing your transport options is crucial. Saint Thomas Taxi stands out as a dedicated service provider committed to offering reliable and affordable transportation across the island. Their core philosophy revolves around transparency, ensuring that passengers are fully aware of their costs upfront, eliminating any surprises upon arrival at their destination. This commitment to clear pricing is a significant advantage in an environment where taxi fares might operate differently from what many international visitors are used to.
Saint Thomas Taxi provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet various travel needs. Their standard rates apply to all general taxi services, whether you require a short trip across town or a more extensive journey to explore the island's myriad sights. The straightforward pricing structure is designed to be competitive, providing value while maintaining high service standards. This approach ensures that whether you're heading to a secluded beach, a bustling market, or a historical landmark, your transportation costs are predictable and fair.
Seamless Airport and Port Transfers
One of the most stressful aspects of travel can often be the journey to and from your arrival or departure points. Saint Thomas Taxi alleviates this concern with its dedicated airport and port transfer services. Recognising the importance of punctuality and comfort, their professional drivers are committed to ensuring you reach your destination on time, every time. This service is particularly invaluable for those arriving at Cyril E. King Airport (STT) or disembarking from cruise ships at major ports, providing a seamless transition from your point of entry to your accommodation or chosen activity.
The convenience of a pre-arranged or readily available transfer service cannot be overstated. After a long flight or a relaxing cruise, the last thing you want is to grapple with uncertain transportation. Saint Thomas Taxi's reliable service means you can relax, knowing that your ride is handled by experienced professionals who are familiar with the island's routes and traffic patterns. This focus on hassle-free travel allows you to begin or end your St. Thomas experience on a positive note, with dependable transport at your fingertips.
For many modern travellers, ride-sharing applications like Uber have become an indispensable part of planning their journeys. The convenience of requesting a ride with a few taps on a smartphone, often with transparent pricing and cashless transactions, has revolutionised urban transport. However, when it comes to St. Thomas, it's essential to adjust your expectations: Uber is not available on the island. This is a crucial piece of information for anyone planning a visit, as it means relying on traditional taxi services and understanding their operational nuances.
The absence of Uber in St. Thomas is largely due to local regulations and the established taxi industry's structure. Many smaller islands and tourist destinations prioritise supporting local businesses and maintaining control over transportation standards and pricing. This often leads to a system where traditional licensed taxis are the primary, if not exclusive, mode of public transport. While this might differ from what you're used to, it ensures that local drivers benefit from the tourist economy and that services adhere to specific island-mandated rules and tariffs.
Understanding the Per-Person Fare System
Another significant difference from many mainland transportation systems is St. Thomas's unique per-person taxi rate system. Unlike metered fares or flat rates per vehicle, taxi charges on the island are primarily determined by the number of passengers. This can be surprising for those accustomed to a single fare for a group sharing a taxi, irrespective of the individual count.
The per-person system means that while a solo traveller might pay a certain rate, a group of two or more people travelling together will each pay a slightly reduced individual rate, but the total cost for the group will be higher than for a single passenger. This structure encourages sharing taxis among passengers heading in similar directions, which is a common practice on the island. It's vital to clarify the total fare with your driver before commencing your journey, especially if you are part of a group, to avoid any misunderstandings. This system is designed to provide a predictable pricing model for both drivers and passengers, ensuring fairness within the local context.
Comprehensive St. Thomas Taxi Fares
To assist you in planning your transportation budget and movements around St. Thomas, here is a detailed breakdown of the official taxi rates. These tariffs cover various routes, including transfers to and from Cyril E. King Airport (STT) and popular inter-island destinations. Being familiar with these rates will allow you to navigate the island's transport system with confidence and ease.
Hotel Transfers to/from Cyril E. King Airport (STT)
The following table outlines the standard taxi fares for transfers between various hotels and Cyril E. King Airport. Rates are presented for a single person and for groups of two or more people travelling together (per person).
| Location | To Airport | From Airport | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | 2+/PP Same Group | 1 Person | 2+/PP Same Group | |
| Anchorage | $23.00 | $15.00 | $27.00 | $18.00 |
| Blackbeard’s Castle | $8.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | $11.00 |
| Bluebeard’s Castle | $8.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | $11.00 |
| Bolongo Bay | $15.00 | $12.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Carib Beach Resort | $11.00 | $9.00 | $6.00 | $6.00 |
| Compass Point | $18.00 | $14.00 | $21.00 | $15.00 |
| Cowpet Bay | $23.00 | $15.00 | $27.00 | $18.00 |
| Danish Chalet Inn | $11.00 | $8.00 | $12.00 | $9.00 |
| Elysian Resort | $23.00 | $15.00 | $27.00 | $18.00 |
| Emerald Beach Resort | $11.00 | $9.00 | $6.00 | $6.00 |
| Frenchman’s Reef & Cove | $12.00 | $9.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Hotel 1829 | $6.00 | $6.00 | $11.00 | $9.00 |
| Islander Beachcomber | $11.00 | $9.00 | $6.00 | $6.00 |
| Island View Inn | $14.00 | $11.00 | $12.00 | $9.00 |
| Limetree | $15.00 | $12.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Mafolie Hotel | $12.00 | $9.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Flamboyan | $15.00 | $11.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Palms Court Harborview | $11.00 | $8.00 | $12.00 | $9.00 |
| Pavilions and Pools | $21.00 | $15.00 | $23.00 | $17.00 |
| Point Pleasant | $21.00 | $15.00 | $23.00 | $17.00 |
| Margaritaville/Pineapple Beach | $21.00 | $15.00 | $23.00 | $17.00 |
| Ritz Carlton Resort & Club | $23.00 | $15.00 | $27.00 | $18.00 |
| Sapphire Beach Resort | $21.00 | $15.00 | $23.00 | $17.00 |
| Secret Harbor Resort | $23.00 | $15.00 | $27.00 | $18.00 |
| Thatch Farm | $11.00 | $9.00 | $8.00 | $6.00 |
| Windward Passage Hotel | $6.00 | $6.00 | $11.00 | $9.00 |
| Wyndham Sugar Bay | $21.00 | $15.00 | $23.00 | $17.00 |
| Yacht Haven – Havensight | $6.00 | $6.00 | $11.00 | $9.00 |
Miscellaneous Destinations to/from Cyril E. King Airport (STT)
This table covers taxi fares between various other significant locations and Cyril E. King Airport, following the same per-person rate structure.
| Location | To Airport | From Airport | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | 2+/PP Same Group | 1 Person | 2+/PP Same Group | |
| Agnes Fancy | $9.00 | $8.00 | $12.00 | $11.00 |
| Airport Terminal | $11.00 | $9.00 | — | — |
| BlackPoint | $15.00 | $12.00 | $12.00 | $9.00 |
| Bonne Esperance | $17.00 | $14.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Bolongo | $15.00 | $12.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Bordeaux | $23.00 | $14.00 | $17.00 | $14.00 |
| Botany Bay | $25.00 | $16.00 | $19.00 | $16.00 |
| Bournefield | $11.00 | $9.00 | $8.00 | $6.00 |
| Bovoni | $15.00 | $12.00 | $17.00 | $14.00 |
| Brookman Estate | $15.00 | $12.00 | $17.00 | $14.00 |
| Canaan Estate | $14.00 | $11.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Caret Bay | $18.00 | $14.00 | $17.00 | $14.00 |
| Caret Bay Lower | $18.00 | $12.00 | $21.00 | $14.00 |
| Caret Bay Upper | $20.00 | $15.00 | $21.00 | $14.00 |
| Cassi Hill | $15.00 | $12.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Coki Point | $18.00 | $14.00 | $21.00 | $15.00 |
| Contant Development | $12.00 | $9.00 | $11.00 | $9.00 |
| Contant Soto Town | $9.00 | $8.00 | $9.00 | $8.00 |
| Crown Mountain | $15.00 | $12.00 | $14.00 | $11.00 |
| Crown Bay | $8.00 | $6.00 | $8.00 | $6.00 |
| Dorothea Estate | $18.00 | $14.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Dorothea Lower | $25.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dorothea Upper | $20.00 | $15.00 | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Drake’s Seat | $11.00 | $8.00 | $14.00 | $11.00 |
| Elizabeth Estate | $12.00 | $9.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Est. Thomas New Quarter | $9.00 | $8.00 | $11.00 | $9.00 |
| Flag Hill | $14.00 | $11.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Fort Mylner | $12.00 | $9.00 | $14.00 | $11.00 |
| Fortuna Mill | $18.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Fortuna Point | $21.00 | $14.00 | $18.00 | $12.00 |
| Frenchtown | $6.00 | $6.00 | $11.00 | $9.00 |
| Fredenhoj | $18.00 | $14.00 | $21.00 | $15.00 |
| Frenchman’s Bay | $15.00 | $12.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Havensight (crossroad) | $9.00 | $8.00 | $12.00 | $11.00 |
| Hawk Hill | $17.00 | $12.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Hull Bay | $18.00 | $12.00 | $23.00 | $15.00 |
| Louisenhoj Castle | $11.00 | $8.00 | $14.00 | $11.00 |
| Lovenlund | $15.00 | $11.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Lower John Dunkoe | $11.00 | $8.00 | $11.00 | $9.00 |
| Magens Bay | $15.00 | $12.00 | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Mahogany Run | $15.00 | $12.00 | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Mandahl Bay | $18.00 | $14.00 | $21.00 | $15.00 |
| Market Square East | $12.00 | $9.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Mountain Top | $17.00 | $12.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Nadir Hill | $17.00 | $14.00 | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Nisky | $8.00 | $6.00 | $8.00 | $6.00 |
| Paradise Point | $14.00 | $11.00 | $17.00 | $14.00 |
| Peterborg | $18.00 | $14.00 | $23.00 | $17.00 |
| Estate Pearl | $17.00 | $12.00 | $14.00 | $11.00 |
| Raphune Hill | $9.00 | $8.00 | $12.00 | $9.00 |
| Red Hook | $20.00 | $15.00 | $23.00 | $17.00 |
| Rosendahl | $14.00 | $11.00 | $18.00 | $12.00 |
| Scott Free | $14.00 | $11.00 | $12.00 | $9.00 |
| Smith Bay | $18.00 | $12.00 | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Solberg Lookout | $11.00 | $8.00 | $12.00 | $9.00 |
| Solberg Upper | $14.00 | $11.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Sorgenfri | $17.00 | $12.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| St. Peter Mountain | $15.00 | $12.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Tabor/Harmony | $17.00 | $12.00 | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Tutu | $14.00 | $11.00 | $17.00 | $12.00 |
| University of the Virgin Islands | $11.00 | $9.00 | $8.00 | $8.00 |
| West Indian Dock | $6.00 | $6.00 | $11.00 | $9.00 |
| Wintberg | $15.00 | $12.00 | $18.00 | $14.00 |
Inter-Island & Local Area Fares
Beyond airport transfers, taxis in St. Thomas also connect various points across the island. The following table provides rates for common routes between different locations.
| Origin | Destination | 1 Person | 2+/PP Same Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within Town Limits | $6.00 | $6.00 | |
| Bolongo | Coki | $14.00 | $11.00 |
| Bolongo | Market Square East | $14.00 | $11.00 |
| Frenchman’s Reef | Mahogany Run | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Frenchman’s Reef | Mountain Top | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Frenchman’s Reef | Limetree | $11.00 | $8.00 |
| Frenchman’s Reef | Market Square East | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Frenchman’s Reef | Magens Bay | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Magens Bay | Coki | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Magens Bay | Bolongo | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Magens Bay | Crown Bay | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Magens Bay | Havensight (WICO) | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Magens Bay | Mountain Top | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Magens Bay | Limetree | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Magens Bay | Sapphire Beach | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Magens Bay | Ritz Carlton | $23.00 | $15.00 |
| Mahogany Run | Bolongo | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Mahogany Run | Cowpet | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Mahogany Run | Limetree | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Mahogany Run | Mountain Top | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Red Hook | Bovoni | $11.00 | $9.00 |
| Red Hook | Bolongo | $12.00 | $11.00 |
| Red Hook | Bordeaux | $30.00 | $21.00 |
| Red Hook | Caret Bay | $24.00 | $18.00 |
| Red Hook | Crown Mountain | $23.00 | $17.00 |
| Red Hook | Market Square East | $14.00 | $11.00 |
| Red Hook | Dorothea | $23.00 | $16.00 |
| Red Hook | Frenchman’s Reef | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Red Hook | Hull Bay | $23.00 | $15.00 |
| Red Hook | Limetree | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Red Hook | Mafolie | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Red Hook | Mandahl | $17.00 | $12.00 |
| Red Hook | Mountain Top | $23.00 | $15.00 |
| Red Hook | Paradise Point | $23.00 | $17.00 |
| Red Hook | Tutu | $12.00 | $9.00 |
| Red Hook | Wintberg | $17.00 | $12.00 |
| Red Hook | Magens Bay | $18.00 | $14.00 |
| Red Hook | Peterborg | $23.00 | $17.00 |
| Tutu | Bolongo | $12.00 | $9.00 |
| Tutu | Bovoni | $12.00 | $9.00 |
| Tutu | Bordeaux | $27.00 | $18.00 |
| Tutu | Caret Bay | $23.00 | $15.00 |
| Tutu | Cowpet | $14.00 | $11.00 |
| Tutu | Crown Mountain | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Tutu | Frenchman’s Bay | $14.00 | $11.00 |
| Tutu | Coki | $11.00 | $9.00 |
| Tutu | Limetree | $14.00 | $11.00 |
| Tutu | Mafolie | $14.00 | $11.00 |
| Tutu | Magens Bay | $15.00 | $11.00 |
| Tutu | Mountain Top | $18.00 | $14.00 |
Additional Charges and Important Considerations
Beyond the standard per-person fares, there are several additional charges and rules that can apply to taxi services in St. Thomas. Being aware of these will help you avoid any unexpected costs and ensure a smooth transaction.
- Unlisted Destinations: For areas not explicitly listed in the rate schedules, the taxi charge will be determined by referencing the nearest listed destination and adjusting the fare based on the proximity and perceived distance. It's always a good idea to confirm the expected fare with your driver before setting off.
- Kennel Charges: If you're travelling with pets requiring a kennel, specific charges apply. A large kennel incurs a $45 fee, while a small kennel is $30. Remember, pets (excluding seeing-eye dogs) must be properly secured.
- Round Trip Fares: For round trips, the fare is simply double the one-way fare. However, this is in addition to any waiting charges that may apply.
- Waiting Charges: Taxi drivers are entitled to a waiting charge of $2.00 per minute after the first five minutes, which are typically free. This is especially relevant if you ask your driver to wait for you while you run a quick errand or explore a spot briefly.
- Radio/Phone Call: If you request a taxi via a radio or phone call, an additional charge applies. For one person, it's the basic fare plus one-third of the basic fare. For more than one person, an additional $2.00 per passenger is added.
- After Hours/Odd Hours: Travelling between midnight and 6:00 am incurs an additional charge of $3.00 per person. This surcharge reflects the less convenient operating hours for drivers.
- Luggage: A flat rate of $3 per bag applies. For items larger than 30″x20″, the charge should not exceed $6 per item. This helps cover the space and effort required for handling larger baggage.
- Hourly Rates (1-4 passengers): If you wish to hire a taxi for an extended period, hourly rates are available. A Sedan/Mini Van costs $60 per hour, a Van/Safari (with 14 passenger capacity) is $83 per hour, and a larger Safari vehicle is $120 per hour. Rates for additional passengers beyond four are negotiable with the driver.
- Sightseeing Tours: Taxis also offer sightseeing tours, providing a convenient way to explore the island. A 2-hour tour costs $75 for one passenger, or $38 per person for two or more passengers. A 3-hour tour is $90 for one passenger, or $45 per person for two or more passengers. This is an excellent option for those looking for a guided, private tour experience.
- Exclusive Taxis: While shared rides are common, you can also hire a taxi exclusively. Be aware that exclusive taxi fares are higher. For example, an exclusive ride from the Airport to Red Hook for 1-4 passengers costs $135, with an additional $23 for each extra person.
St. Thomas Taxi Rules of Operation
The taxi services in St. Thomas operate under a clear set of rules designed to ensure fairness, safety, and a consistent experience for all passengers. These regulations govern driver conduct, fare transparency, and passenger rights. Familiarising yourself with these rules can enhance your confidence when using taxis on the island.
- Access to Tariffs: By law, the official tariffs must be clearly posted in all taxis. This ensures that passengers can easily verify the correct fares for their journeys, promoting transparency and preventing overcharging. Always look for the posted rates.
- Passenger Behavior/Pets: Taxi operators are generally required to accept any passenger. However, they are permitted to refuse service to individuals who are intoxicated, disorderly, or who have a pet that is not properly secured. Seeing-eye dogs are an exception and must always be accommodated.
- Taxi Driver Behavior: Drivers are expected to maintain professional conduct at all times. This means being courteous and refraining from using aggressive or profane language. If you encounter unprofessional behaviour, it's advisable to note the taxi's details and report it to the relevant authorities.
- On Duty Signage: When a taxi is operating and available for hire, it must clearly display “on duty/off duty” signs. Additionally, taxis on duty should have lighted dome signs, making them easily identifiable, especially during evening hours.
- Passenger Pick Up: When a taxi is on duty, it is generally required to pick up passengers going in the same direction. This promotes efficiency and can lead to shared rides. However, this rule does not apply if a passenger has exclusively hired the taxi or if a contract/franchise is in place for a specific group (e.g., a pre-booked tour group).
- Final Destination: All passengers have the right to be taken to their precise requested locations. Drivers must not drop off passengers at an earlier point unless explicitly agreed upon. This ensures that your journey concludes exactly where you intend it to.
- Violating Tariff Rate Schedule: Adherence to the official tariff rates is strictly enforced. Taxi operators found to be exceeding or undercutting the established fares will be cited. This regulation is in place to protect both passengers from inflated prices and drivers from unfair competition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use Uber or Lyft in St. Thomas?
A: No, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are not available in St. Thomas. The island's transportation relies on a regulated system of traditional taxis.
Q: How are taxi fares calculated in St. Thomas?
A: Taxi fares in St. Thomas are calculated on a per-person basis, not by a meter. There are set rates for single passengers and slightly reduced per-person rates for groups of two or more travelling together.
Q: Are the taxi rates fixed, or can they be negotiated?
A: Official taxi rates are fixed and must be posted in all taxis. Drivers are not permitted to charge more or less than these published tariffs. However, for hourly rates beyond the standard 1-4 passengers, additional passenger rates are negotiable.
Q: What should I do if a taxi driver attempts to overcharge me?
A: All official tariffs must be displayed in the taxi. If a driver attempts to charge more than the posted rate, you should politely point out the official tariff. If the issue persists, note the taxi's number and report the incident to the local transport authority.
Q: Are there additional charges for luggage or late-night travel?
A: Yes, there are additional charges for luggage ($3 per bag, with a maximum of $6 for oversized items). For travel between midnight and 6:00 am, an additional $3.00 per person applies.
Q: Can I book a taxi for a sightseeing tour?
A: Yes, taxis in St. Thomas offer sightseeing tours. Rates vary based on the duration (e.g., 2-hour or 3-hour tours) and the number of passengers.
Q: Is it common for taxis to pick up multiple passengers going in the same direction?
A: Yes, it is common practice for taxis on duty to pick up multiple passengers heading in the same general direction, unless the taxi has been exclusively hired by a single party.
Navigating St. Thomas by taxi is a straightforward process once you understand the local system. With transparent pricing, dedicated services like Saint Thomas Taxi, and a clear set of operational rules, you can enjoy the island's beauty without any transportation worries. Always confirm your fare, be aware of potential additional charges, and enjoy the convenience of reliable local transport.
If you want to read more articles similar to St. Thomas Taxis: Your Definitive Guide, you can visit the Transport category.