Getting Here!
We’re “Nature’s Little Secret” for more than one reason! We’ve got beautiful beaches, great diving, perfect sailing, and more. Why aren’t we overcrowded, loud, and polluted? Easy. It isn’t easy to get here! With that being said, it’s gotten a lot easier to get to/from the BVI in the last few years. Check out the information below and let us know if you have questions. All persons going back to the USA must have a valid passport for entry.
Another reason that the BVI has remained one of ‘Nature’s Little Secrets’ is that there are no direct flights from the USA, Canada, Europe or South America to our main airport – the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS) which is located on Beef Island, a cay that is linked to Tortola by the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.
All flights must connect through another Caribbean airport such as San Juan (SJU), St. Thomas (STT), Antigua, St. Kitts or St. Maarten/St. Martin (SXM). Many airlines offer direct flights from the mainland USA into San Juan, Puerto Rico as well as St. Thomas. Jet Blue has recently announced service from Boston to St. Thomas (via San Juan) with some really good fares.
Getting here from San Juan, Puerto Rico – Airport Code - SJU:
The most direct way to arrive to the BVI is via San Juan, Puerto Rico. Frequent connecting service is offered by American Eagle, Cape Air, Air Sunshine, and Liat, with occasional service by other airlines and charter flights. Check out Fly BVI for info on private charter flights! It’s about a 40 minute flight to Tortola and the view is amazing!
Getting here from St. Thomas, USVI - Airport Code – STT:
If you choose to arrive via St. Thomas, you can arrange a charter flight to Tortola or Virgin Gorda. It’s about a 15 minute flight to Tortola. Fly BVI also has options to get from St. Thomas to Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
Most travelers take one of the frequent ferries that travel between downtown Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and Tortola.
Ferry from St. Thomas to BVI:
Getting a ferry is very easy – just take a taxi at the St. Thomas Airport and let the taxi driver know that you need to take the next ferry to Tortola. The taxi drivers will know of any schedule changes and make sure you reach the proper terminal for your connection. Purchase your ticket, pop upstairs for a cold drink at the Petite Pump Room (ask for a to-go cup!) and enjoy your mini-cruise past St. John (USVI), Jost Van Dyke and Little Thatch before arriving at the immigration station at Road Town, Tortola. Speedy’s runs a direct ferry from St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. We highly recommend this route!
Remember that ferries from St. Thomas to Tortola only operate during daylight hours – so the last ferry is usually around 5pm. Make sure that your flight arrives in time for the transfer to Charlotte Amalie or make arrangements to overnight in St. Thomas and catch the ferry the following morning. Ferry service starts at approximately 7:30am. Check out BVI Welcome for up to date(ish) ferry schedules!
