What is it like to drive on St John Virgin Islands roads?

Driving on St. John, Virgin Islands, is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines adventure with stunning views. The island’s steep and winding roads require careful navigation, but the reward is access to breathtaking beaches and scenic overlooks. Renting a 4×4 vehicle, like a Jeep, is essential for tackling the rugged terrain and ensuring a smooth journey. Whether you’re exploring the iconic North Shore Road or venturing to Coral Bay, having your own vehicle allows you to fully enjoy the island’s charm and beauty. Plan ahead, drive cautiously, and savor every moment of your St. John adventure.

Navigating the roads of St. John, USVI, is part of the island’s unique adventure. Known for its scenic vistas, rugged terrain, and Caribbean charm, driving on this island is a memorable experience for any traveler. You definitely need to pay attention, keep your eyes on the road, and KEEP LEFT. Whether you’re planning to explore its pristine beaches or venture into the heart of its national park, here’s everything you need to know about driving on St. John.

Table of Contents

• Terrain of St. John Roads
• Driving Tips: Staying Safe and Stress-Free
• Can you rely on GPS on St John?
• Do You Need to Rent a Car?
• How to Book a Car Rental on St. John
• Popular Scenic Drives and Stops
• Uber or Lyft – Not in the USVI
• Walking vs Driving
• Conclusion
• FAQs About Driving on St. John

Terrain of St John Roads:

St. John’s roads are as varied as its landscapes. The island’s mountainous terrain features steep inclines, sharp curves, and narrow paths. Many roads are paved, especially those leading to popular destinations like Cruz Bay and Trunk Bay, but some secondary roads remain unpaved and rugged.

Key characteristics of St. John roads include:

• Steep Gradients: Be prepared for challenging uphill and downhill stretches.
• Sharp Turns: The island’s roads often have hairpin bends that require cautious navigation as you ascend or descend mountains.
• Unpaved Sections: Certain areas, especially those leading to secluded villas or beaches, may have gravel or rugged dirt roads.
• Drive on the Left: Like the rest of the USVI, driving on the left side of the road is mandatory.

Driving Tips: Staying Safe and Stress-Free

To ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience on St. John, follow these tips:

• Keep Left: Always remember to drive on the left side of the road. This can feel counterintuitive if you’re used to driving on the right. Wear a wrist band on your left wrist to remind you.
• Drive Slowly: The speed limit on St. John is generally low, around 20mph. The island’s roads demand cautious driving so you probably won’t exceed that by much anyway.
• Use a Jeep or 4×4 Vehicle: These vehicles are better equipped to handle the steep and rugged terrain. They have a higher wheel-base for crossing over some rock or avoid bottoming-out.
• Be Mindful of Wildlife: Watch for cats, dogs, goats, sheep, donkeys, chickens, little iguanas and mongoose, even cows in Cruz Bay and a little brown pony named Tina in Coral Bay. Lots of animals roam the roads regularly. DO NOT FEED THE DONKEYS! It’s a danger to them.
• Be Mindful of Everything Else: Watch for pedestrians, water trucks, concrete trucks, stopped vehicles, debris on road, pot holes, the edge of the road on the left, drivers who like to pass on the right, people slowing down to take in the view. Didn’t we say it’s an adventure? But seriously – it’s a place to drive cautiously.
• Stay Alert: Narrow roads with limited visibility require your full attention.
• Use Your Horn: It’s customary to honk briefly when approaching blind turns or sharp bends to alert oncoming drivers. You’ll hear big trucks especially honking their horns.

Does GPS work on St John?

While GPS does work for some locations on St John there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Poor Reception: Be prepared for GPS to lose signal as you go through the mountainous terrain. You may wind up very lost.
• No Street Addresses: Most island’s roads have never had address designations. There is no island-wide mail service either. So many locations don’t have a street address. Especially villas, which typically pick up their mail a a central mail stop.
• Many Locations Remain Unmarked: Many destination simply do not have a map marker on Google, etc.
• Not Many Shortcuts: Your GPS may take you on a route you should really not follow. It may seem like the most direct way according to the GPS, but it may be one hell of a rocky road to get there.

Do I need to Rent a Car?

YES, PREFERABLY A JEEP. Book a rental car early. Do not leave this toward the end of your vacation planning, as demand is high and travelers have wound up without island transportation. St. John is an island, not a city, and is very car dependent. Guest(s) are responsible for providing their own transportation.

• Access to Beaches: Most of St. John’s famous beaches, including Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay, are not within walking distance of major accommodations.
• Convenience: With limited public transportation options, having your own vehicle allows you to explore the island at your own pace.
• Cost-Effectiveness: While taxis are available, their costs can quickly add up, especially for multiple trips.

If you happen to be renting a jeep in St Thomas first, here is are some tips to keep in mind when considering to rent a rental car on St. Thomas and how to take the car ferry to St. John VI. If you’re considering whether to rent a car on St. John or St. Thomas, keep in mind that renting on St. John eliminates the need to rely on the car ferry, which can be time-consuming and subject to delays.

How to Book a Rental Car on St John

Booking a rental car on St. John is straightforward, but demand can be high, so early reservations are crucial. Don’t wait until you get on island to find a car. Here’s what you need to know:

• Rental Companies: Car rental agencies are located near the Cruz Bay ferry terminal.
• Minimum Rental Period: Most companies require a minimum rental period of three days.
• Vehicle Options: Jeeps, SUVs, and 4x4s are the most popular and practical choices.
• Pickup and Dropoff: Some agencies offer to meet you at the ferry dock for added convenience, or are willing to pick their customers up at the St John ferry and transport them to their office to complete paperwork and be on their way.
• More detailed info on renting a car on St John.

Popular Scenic Drives and Stops

Driving on St. John offers unparalleled opportunities to soak in the island’s natural beauty. Here are some must-visit spots:

• North Shore Road: This iconic route takes you past stunning beaches like Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Maho Bay. At the start of the road, and just outside of Cruz Bay, is a nice overlook of the town and bay, and a few more spots to pull over on your way to the beaches on this road.
• Centerline Road: Running through the island’s interior, this road offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
• Coral Bay: A quieter side of the island with charming restaurants and shops.
• Annaberg Plantation: A historic sugar mill site with breathtaking views of the British Virgin Islands.

Is there Uber or Lyft on St John USVI?

Uber and Lyft do not exist here; and, taxi St John can add up to be as expensive as renting a vehicle. Also, taxis don’t run all over the island all the time where you can quickly pick one up on demand. You have to call a taxi and may wait quite a while for the taxi service to arrive. There are no cheap taxis or scooters to hail a ride either. Also, no cabs in St John’s island in the traditional sense such as Yellow Cab company. Instead the nature of the terrain leans toward small, independent business cab operators.

Walking vs. Driving

What makes St. John so beautiful is that it is mostly a national park with breathtaking mountainous vistas. There is very little flat land – That leaves vacation rentals to be up in the mountains, in many cases not easily walkable to beaches, hikes, restaurants, etc. Almost all beaches in St. John, and the surrounding property to access them, are located within protected land of the national park, therefore the vast majority of St. John vacation villas are not close to the beach to walk – they are up in the mountains, making it more than challenging to walk vs. drive. While walking may seem like an alternative to renting a vehicle, it is the least convenient of choices.

Conclusion

Driving on St. John, Virgin Islands, is an adventure worth experiencing unlike any other. From navigating steep hills to discovering hidden beaches, having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore this tropical paradise at your leisure. Along the way you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of lush hillsides, turquoise waters, and charming vistas.However, it’s important to keep in mind that the driving conditions here are unique. By planning ahead and following the tips in this guide, you can make your driving experience safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

FAQs About Driving on St. John

1. Is driving on St. John difficult? Driving can be challenging due to steep roads and sharp turns, but with caution and a suitable vehicle, it’s manageable.

2. Do I need a 4×4 vehicle? Yes, a 4×4 or Jeep is the most highly recommended for navigating the island’s rugged terrain. You may be able to drive a car to some places or to your villa, but it may be challenging to get around island during the length of your stay. If it rains, cars getting up steep hills may be especially challenging.

3. Can I use GPS on St. John? GPS works on the island, but some roads may not be accurately mapped. Local maps are helpful.

4. Are there gas stations on St. John? Yes, there are a few gas stations, primarily in Cruz Bay. Fill up before heading to remote areas.

5. What side of the road do you drive on? You drive on the left side of the road in St. John.