One of the best things to do on your Virgin Islands vacation is to explore the wonder of St John and all it has to offer. St John and St Thomas are only 2 miles apart at their closest point but there isn’t a bridge that can bring you to St John via car.
Enter the Big Red Barge!
The Big Red Barge has you covered and gives you hourly departures to St John so you can bring your car and explore the island the right way.
Riding the barge to St John is breeze! Just follow these simple steps:
1. Check The Schedule
You may already have a time in mind that you want to arrive but check the St Thomas & St John Ferry Schedule to see available times.
We operate 7 days a week and our ferries leave as early as 6:00AM from St John (6:30 from St Thomas) and run until the early evening.
2. Arrive at the Red Hook, St Thomas (Or Cruz Bay, St John) car ferry dock.
If you’re traveling from St Thomas to St John, then you will be leaving from Red Hook and if you’re traveling the other direction you will leave from Cruz Bay on St John.
Addresses of both terminals are copied below. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Terminal Addresses:
Red Hook Car Ferry Terminal
Urman Victor Fredericks Marine Terminal
Rte 32, Red Hook, St Thomas 00802
Cruz Bay Car Ferry Dock
Car Ferry Dock St John VI
Cruz Bay, St John 00830
3. Wait For Boarding
When you arrive, follow the signs that instruct you where to wait. If you are unclear about where to go, ask one of the attendants and they will point you in the right direction. If you have a pre-booked reservation be sure to let the dock attendant know and he will place you in the correct line.
Once settled, it’s better to wait in your car until the BRB crew begins the loading process and directs you where to go with your car.
4. Board The Big Red Barge
The BRB crew member (hint: look for the red shirts!) will guide each driver and direct you where to go and where to park after you have driven onto the barge. You may have to reverse your car onto the ferry depending on how the staff is loading the barge.
5. Buy Ticket
After you board the barge, You can either stay in your car or step outside to enjoy the salt air. One person should stay close to your car so you can pay when the attendant comes around.
You also have the option to book online. Round trip or one way tickets are available depending on what you need.
6. Enjoy The View!
As the barge starts approaching the arrival port, head back to your car to be ready for a smooth de-boarding process.
Just as when you boarded, the BRB staff will guide on where to go and when.