How to Get to the U.S. Virgin Islands from the Mainland U.S. (Villa Copa Travel Guide)

Planning your escape to paradise? If you’re dreaming of soft white sands, turquoise waters, and a private hillside retreat like Villa Copa on the island of St. John, you’re in luck—getting to the U.S. Virgin Islands from the mainland U.S. is easier than you think.

Here’s everything you need to know to get from your front door to our slice of Caribbean heaven.

Where Are the U.S. Virgin Islands?

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are located in the Caribbean Sea, just east of Puerto Rico. The territory is made up of three main islands—St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix—with St. John being the most tranquil and nature-rich of them all.

Villa Copa sits perched above Rendezvous Bay on St. John, offering luxury, seclusion, and panoramic views—all within reach from the mainland U.S.

 

No Passport? No Problem.

Because the USVI are a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit. All you need is a government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or state ID), making your journey to Villa Copa seamless and stress-free.

 

Fly Into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas

To get to St. John—and ultimately to Villa Copa—you’ll first fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on the neighboring island of St. Thomas. This is the primary airport for travelers heading to both St. Thomas and St. John.

 

Major U.S. Cities with Direct Flights to STT Include:

• Miami (MIA) – American Airlines
  
  

• New York (JFK, EWR) – JetBlue, Delta, United
  
  

• Charlotte (CLT) – American Airlines
  
  

• Atlanta (ATL) – Delta Airlines
  
  

• Orlando (MCO) – Frontier Airlines
  
  

• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – Spirit Airlines
  
  

• Philadelphia (PHL) – American Airlines
  
  

Many other cities offer one-stop flights connecting through these hubs. Once you land, your Caribbean getaway is just beginning.

 

4. From St. Thomas to St. John: Hop on the Ferry

St. John does not have its own airport, which keeps it blissfully peaceful. After landing in St. Thomas, you’ll take a short taxi ride to the ferry terminal and then cruise over to St. John.

 

Taxi to Ferry

• The ride from the airport to Red Hook Ferry Terminal takes about 35–40 minutes
  
  

• Taxis are readily available at STT and operate on a shared basis
  
  

• Private transportation can also be arranged for added comfort
  
  

Ferry to St. John

• Red Hook to Cruz Bay is the most popular and frequent route
  
  

• The ferry ride takes only 15–20 minutes, and boats run every hour
  
  

• Once you arrive in Cruz Bay, St. John, you’re just a short drive from Villa Copa
  
  

For a more seamless experience, we can recommend private transport services that coordinate your airport pickup, ferry tickets, and island arrival.

 

Can You Rent a Car?

Absolutely—and we recommend it. While St. John is small and relaxed, having a rental car gives you the freedom to explore beaches, trailheads, and restaurants at your own pace.

You can rent a car:

• At the airport in St. Thomas and bring it over via car barge
  
  

• Directly on St. John in Cruz Bay
  
  

Villa Copa offers complimentary parking and is easily accessible from Cruz Bay in under 15 minutes.

 

If You’re Visiting St. Croix Instead

While Villa Copa is located on St. John, some travelers may fly into St. Croix (STX) if that island is their first destination. Direct flights to St. Croix are available from:

• Miami (MIA)
  
  

• Charlotte (CLT)
  
  

• Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
  
  

To reach St. John from St. Croix, you'll need to take a short flight to St. Thomas and then proceed with the ferry.

 

Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Book early, especially for winter and spring travel when demand is high
  
  

• Check ferry schedules in advance—holiday hours may vary
  
  

• Travel light if you're ferrying between islands, though luggage is welcome
  
  

• Coordinate arrival times to avoid long waits between airport and ferry transfers
  
  

Want help coordinating your arrival? Just reach out—we’re happy to help streamline your route to paradise.

 

Why St. John Is Worth the Extra Step

While getting to St. John involves one additional leg, it’s precisely that extra step that makes the island so special. With no airport, no cruise port, and over two-thirds of the island protected as national parkland, St. John is the calm, uncrowded, and nature-filled Caribbean retreat many travelers dream of.

When you arrive at Villa Copa, overlooking the quiet beauty of Rendezvous Bay, the journey instantly becomes worth it.

 

Final Word: Your Path to Villa Copa

From the moment you step off your flight in St. Thomas to your arrival on St. John, your journey to Villa Copa is part of the experience—breezy, scenic, and full of island charm. Whether you're flying in from New York, Miami, Atlanta, or elsewhere in the U.S., paradise is only a few hours away.

We’ll be waiting at the end of the road with ocean views, lush hillside tranquility, and everything you need for the ultimate St. John escape.