Your Guide to the Road Town Ferry Schedule
The Road Town Fast Ferry connects Road Town, Tortola to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas with daily departures starting at 7:30am, making it the primary route for travelers moving between the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands. Road Town is also the main hub for Speedy’s Ferry to Virgin Gorda and other inter-island BVI services. This guide covers the current schedule for each route, the main operators, fares, and practical tips for the Road Town ferry terminal.
Understanding Road Town’s ferry terminal layout
Road Town ferry terminal sits in the heart of Road Town, Tortola, the capital of the British Virgin Islands. The terminal handles both the international departure to St. Thomas and domestic BVI routes to Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada. Separate check-in areas serve the international and domestic routes. The terminal has ticket counters, waiting areas, restrooms, and food vendors on site.
- Arrive 45-60 minutes before departure for the international St. Thomas route due to customs and immigration processing
- Arrive 30 minutes before departure for BVI domestic routes such as Virgin Gorda
- Check the current schedule with your operator before traveling, as times are subject to seasonal change
Road Town Fast Ferry: the St. Thomas route
Road Town Fast Ferry (RTFF) is the principal operator connecting Road Town to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. RTFF, Native Son, and Smith’s Ferry Service all operate this international crossing on alternating days, providing consistent daily service across multiple departure times. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes and crosses from UK to US territory, so a valid passport is required for all passengers regardless of nationality.
| Direction | Departure times | Operators | Approx. fare (one way, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road Town to Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) | 7:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am, 3:30pm | RTFF / Native Son / Smith’s Ferry (alternating days) | ~$45-55/person |
| Charlotte Amalie to Road Town | 9:00am, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:30pm | RTFF / Native Son / Smith’s Ferry (alternating days) | ~$45-55/person |
Book the St. Thomas route in advance during peak season (December-April), as specific departures can fill. Tickets are available online through each operator’s website and at the Road Town terminal ticket counter. Confirm which operator is running on your travel date, as RTFF, Native Son, and Smith’s Ferry rotate on alternating days.
Current Road Town ferry schedule and routes
Road Town serves multiple ferry destinations. The Virgin Gorda route via Speedy’s Ferry is the most frequent domestic service, with approximately five daily sailings in each direction. The St. Thomas international route provides four daily departures through the combined schedule of RTFF, Native Son, and Smith’s Ferry Service. Speedy’s Ferry departs Road Town for Virgin Gorda at 7:45am, 9:00am, 10:40am, 1:30pm, and 4:30pm. Return sailings from Virgin Gorda depart at 7:00am, 8:00am, 10:00am, 11:30am, and 3:30pm.
Always verify times with the specific operator before travel. Schedules change seasonally and may be adjusted with little advance notice, particularly during hurricane season (June-November).
Popular ferry destinations from Road Town
Virgin Gorda is the most popular day-trip destination from Road Town, known for The Baths (a dramatic boulder beach at the island’s southwestern tip) and North Sound’s anchorage. Jost Van Dyke, a 4-square-mile island, draws visitors to Foxy’s Bar and Great Harbour. Anegada, the only flat coral island in the BVI, is known for lobster and remote beaches but has limited ferry connections. St. Thomas serves as a gateway to the wider US Virgin Islands, including St. John.
| Destination | Operator | Daily frequency | Travel time | Approx. one-way fare (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Gorda | Speedy’s Ferry | 5 sailings each way | ~45 minutes | ~$30-35 |
| Jost Van Dyke | Various operators | Limited; check schedule | ~30-45 minutes | ~$25-35 |
| Anegada | Various operators | Infrequent; advance booking essential | ~60-90 minutes | ~$40-50 |
| Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas | RTFF, Native Son, Smith’s Ferry | 4 daily departures | ~45 minutes | ~$45-55 |
Seasonal changes in ferry operations
BVI ferry schedules run on two broad seasonal patterns. Peak season from December through April brings increased frequency on popular routes and strong demand for the St. Thomas crossing. Some operators run additional sailings to absorb peak-season passenger volumes. The off-peak months from May through November see reduced schedules on some routes, particularly to Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.
Hurricane season runs June through November and can cause short-notice cancellations or schedule adjustments. Check operator websites and local news when traveling in this period. The BVI government’s official website also posts ferry advisories during weather events.
Booking your ferry tickets
Road Town Fast Ferry, Native Son, and Smith’s Ferry Service all accept online bookings for the St. Thomas international route, which is strongly advisable in peak season. Speedy’s Ferry to Virgin Gorda typically allows walk-up purchases at the terminal, though morning sailings during busy periods can sell out. Group bookings of 10 or more passengers should contact operators directly for reserved seating and possible group rates.
- Online bookings recommended for the international St. Thomas route, especially December-April
- Walk-up tickets available at Road Town terminal counters for most domestic routes
- Confirm the operating company on your specific travel date for the St. Thomas route
Essential travel tips for ferry passengers
A valid passport is required for all passengers on the Road Town to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas route. The BVI is a British Overseas Territory and St. Thomas is US territory, so both sides process customs and immigration. For BVI domestic routes, non-US travelers should also carry their passport as standard practice. Children traveling with one parent may be asked to present a signed consent letter from the absent parent or legal guardian.
- Arrive 45-60 minutes early for the St. Thomas route; 30 minutes for BVI domestic routes
- All passengers on the international route must have a valid passport
- Complete customs and immigration declaration forms before arriving at the terminal
- Do not carry prohibited items; customs officers check bags on both ends of the St. Thomas crossing
Understanding ferry fares and payment methods
Road Town ferry fares vary by route. The international St. Thomas crossing costs approximately $45-55 one way per adult as of 2026. Children’s fares are typically discounted 25-50%. Domestic BVI routes are generally less expensive: Speedy’s Ferry to Virgin Gorda runs approximately $30-35 one way. US dollars are the currency on both sides of the St. Thomas route. Most operators accept Visa and Mastercard, though some walk-up counters prefer cash.
- US dollars are the currency used on both BVI and USVI sides of the St. Thomas route
- Visa and Mastercard accepted by most operators; confirm payment options at booking
- Keep your ticket and receipt; these may be required during customs processing
- Additional fees (port departure taxes) may apply on the international route; confirm at booking
Customs and immigration procedures
The Road Town to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas crossing is an international route. All passengers must clear BVI immigration when departing Road Town and US Customs and Border Protection on arrival in St. Thomas. Return passengers clear US customs before departure in St. Thomas and BVI immigration on arrival back in Tortola. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes per direction at normal times; add extra time during peak season when passenger volumes are high.
- A valid passport is required for all passengers on the international route
- Complete customs and immigration forms accurately before reaching the terminal
- Be prepared to answer questions about your visit and intended length of stay
- Return or onward travel documentation strengthens your entry paperwork on both sides
What to pack for your ferry journey
The BVI-St. Thomas crossing takes approximately 45 minutes and is generally comfortable, though seas between the islands can be rough from October through March. Seas in the channel between Tortola and St. Thomas can produce significant swell, particularly in winter months. Motion sickness medication is worth packing if you are prone to seasickness. The cabin is air-conditioned, so bring a light layer even on warm days.
- Passport and customs declaration forms
- US dollars for terminal purchases and any additional fees
- Sunscreen and sunglasses for open-deck travel
- A light layer for the air-conditioned cabin
- Motion sickness medication if traveling in rougher months (October-March)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Road Town Fast Ferry schedule to St. Thomas?
Road Town Fast Ferry (RTFF) runs from Road Town, Tortola to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas with departures at approximately 7:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am, and 3:30pm. Native Son and Smith’s Ferry Service cover the same route on alternating days, providing consistent daily service across all departure times. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes. Return ferries from Charlotte Amalie depart at approximately 9:00am, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, and 5:30pm.
How much does the Road Town to St. Thomas ferry cost?
The Road Town to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas ferry costs approximately $45-55 per adult one way as of 2026. Children’s fares are typically discounted by 25-50%. Speedy’s Ferry to Virgin Gorda runs approximately $30-35 one way. All fares are paid in US dollars, the official currency of both the BVI and US Virgin Islands.
Do I need a passport for the Road Town ferry to St. Thomas?
Yes, a valid passport is required for all passengers on the Road Town to Charlotte Amalie route. The crossing is international between a British Overseas Territory (BVI) and US territory (USVI), with full customs and immigration processing on both sides. Domestic BVI routes such as Speedy’s Ferry to Virgin Gorda do not require a passport, though carrying one is advisable.
Which ferry companies run from Road Town?
Road Town Fast Ferry (RTFF), Native Son, and Smith’s Ferry Service all operate the international route to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, running on alternating days. Speedy’s Ferry operates the Road Town to Virgin Gorda route with approximately 5 daily sailings in each direction. Various operators provide less frequent service to Jost Van Dyke and Anegada on a seasonal schedule.
How early should I arrive at Road Town ferry terminal?
Arrive 45-60 minutes before departure for the international St. Thomas route to allow time for customs and immigration processing. For BVI domestic routes such as Speedy’s Ferry to Virgin Gorda, 30 minutes before departure is generally sufficient. During peak season from December through April, add an extra 15-20 minutes due to higher passenger volumes.
Can I book Road Town ferry tickets online?
Yes, Road Town Fast Ferry, Native Son, and Smith’s Ferry Service accept online bookings for the St. Thomas international route. Online booking is strongly recommended for travel between December and April. Speedy’s Ferry to Virgin Gorda generally allows walk-up purchases at the terminal ticket counter, though booking ahead is advisable during busy season periods.
How long is the Speedy’s Ferry from Road Town to Virgin Gorda?
The Speedy’s Ferry crossing from Road Town to Virgin Gorda takes approximately 45 minutes under normal sea conditions. The route connects Tortola’s main terminal to Virgin Gorda’s Spanish Town, near The Baths. Speedy’s runs approximately 5 sailings daily in each direction, with the first Road Town departure at 7:45am and the last at 4:30pm.
