Cyril E. King Airport

Cyril E. King Airport is more than just a transport hub; it is a true aerial gateway to the tropical paradise of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Located on the island of St. Thomas, it welcomes travelers with breathtaking views: its runway literally extends into the turquoise waters of Lindbergh Bay, creating the sensation of landing directly on the sea. This lively air terminal serves as a starting point for exploring both St. Thomas itself and the neighboring picturesque island of St. John. Compact yet functional, it immediately immerses guests in a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Cyril E. King Airport possesses several unique characteristics that are useful for every tourist to know:

Pre-departure Customs Control: One of the key features is the presence of a U.S. Customs Pre-clearance zone. Passengers flying to the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico complete border and customs formalities right here. This means that upon arrival at your destination, you exit as a domestic flight passenger, which significantly saves time.

Convenient Navigation and Services: The airport terminal consists of two floors and 11 boarding gates, making it intuitive and easy to navigate. Inside, travelers will find a Duty Free zone with a good selection of local products and souvenirs, car rental desks, ATMs, and cafes where you can have a snack before your flight.

Scenic Location: The airport is located in the immediate vicinity of Lindbergh Bay Beach. If you have time before departure or immediately upon arrival, you can walk to the sea in just a few minutes and enjoy your first (or last) swim in the Caribbean Sea.

• Official Website: www.viport.com/stt-airport
• Inquiry Service Phone: +1 (340) 774-5100
• Address: Airport Road, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
• Email: For official inquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's website.
• Social Media: News and updates can be followed on the official social media pages of the Virgin Islands Port Authority.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative at the airport directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information and assistance, please contact the main inquiry service phone number.

Cyril E. King Airport (STT) is located just a few kilometers west of the city center of Charlotte Amalie, making the journey there quick and convenient. Depending on your budget and plans on the island, you can choose from several ways to get to the terminal, including taxis, rental cars, or public transport.

Taxi — the most popular and easiest way to get to the airport. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, a system of fixed rates by zone applies, rather than meters. A trip from the city center or major hotels and cruise ports usually takes 10–15 minutes and will cost approximately 10–20 dollars per person, plus a small surcharge for luggage. Shared taxis, which operate like shuttle buses and cost slightly less, are also common. For maximum comfort, you can book a private transfer in advance.

For the most budget-conscious travelers, there is the Vitran public bus system. This is the cheapest way to travel, but it has its nuances. Buses may not run on a strict schedule, and their stop may be located at some distance from the airport entrance. Additionally, they generally have little space for large luggage, so this option is more suitable for those traveling light and not in a rush.

Car Rental — an excellent choice for those planning to explore the island of St. Thomas on their own. Offices of both major international and local rental companies operate at Cyril E. King Airport. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. A key feature to remember: traffic on the islands is on the left-hand side, although most cars are standard left-hand drive vehicles. Please be especially attentive on the roads.

If you are getting to the airport by rental or private car, parking is available on the airport grounds. There are both short-term and long-term parking zones. This option is convenient if you are seeing someone off or wish to leave your car for the duration of your trip.

Cyril E. King Airport (STT) is the main aerial gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands and the city of Charlotte Amalie. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, which is particularly convenient for tourists. The airport consists of one main passenger terminal that serves all domestic and international flights.

The terminal building has two levels. The Upper Level is entirely dedicated to the Departures Zone. Here you will find airline check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and the main security checkpoint. After passing through control, passengers enter the general waiting area with boarding gates. The Lower Level is designed for Arriving Passengers. Passengers exit here after landing, and this is also where baggage claim carousels and customs control counters for international flights are located.

Since all services are located in one building, transfers between terminals are not required. Navigating the airport is effortless thanks to clear signage in English. Despite its compact size, during peak tourist season (usually from December to April) and on weekends, the airport can be quite crowded. Lines for check-in and security can be long, so it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance — at least 2-3 hours before your flight's departure time.

For comfortable navigation, simply follow the signs: "Departures" will lead you to the upper level to the check-in counters, while "Arrivals" and "Baggage Claim" will lead you to the lower level. All boarding gates are located in one zone after passing security control, so getting lost is practically impossible. In the departure zone, there are several shops, cafes, and souvenir stalls where you can pass the time while waiting for your flight.

The history of Cyril E. King Airport is a reflection of the history of the U.S. Virgin Islands themselves in the 20th and 21st centuries. Its story began during World War II, when in the 1940s the U.S. military built an airfield known as Bourne Field. After the war, the facility was transferred to civil use and was named Harry S. Truman Airport, becoming a starting point for the development of tourism on the island of St. Thomas.

As the popularity of the islands as a tourist destination grew, so did the load on the airport. In 1984, a significant event occurred: the airport was renamed in honor of Cyril E. King, the second elected governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, in recognition of his services. To meet the growing passenger flow, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out in the late 1980s and early 1990s, culminating in the opening of a new modern terminal in 1992. This expansion radically changed the appearance of the airport and its capabilities.

Cyril E. King Airport has repeatedly proven its strategic importance. It played a vital role in relief and recovery operations following devastating hurricanes such as Hugo (1989), Marilyn (1995), as well as Irma and Maria (2017), serving as a main artery for the delivery of humanitarian cargo and the evacuation of people. Today, it is one of the busiest airports in the eastern Caribbean and the main aerial gateway to the city of Charlotte Amalie and the island of St. Thomas. An interesting fact: the landing at Cyril E. King Airport is considered one of the most scenic in the world thanks to the breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

At Cyril E. King Airport, passengers will find everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. You can grab a bite in one of the cafes serving snacks and drinks, or sit in a restaurant offering both local Caribbean dishes and more familiar international options. For shopping enthusiasts, there are Duty Free shops where you can purchase perfumes and various goods. There are also souvenir stalls with local crafts and shops with travel essentials in the terminal.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport features a VIP Lounge. Here you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, and access the latest press. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for departure. Special stations are provided in the waiting halls for charging electronic devices.

The terminal is equipped with ATMs where you can withdraw cash. It is worth remembering that the official currency is the US Dollar. Currency exchange points may be limited, so it is better to take care of exchange in advance. Medical personnel are on duty at the airport to provide first aid in emergency situations.

The airport is equipped for the convenience of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. If necessary, you can request an escort service and a wheelchair from the airline in advance. For travelers with small children, there are Mother and Child rooms where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment.

There are no hotels on the airport grounds themselves, but many hotels to suit every taste and budget are located in the immediate vicinity, just a few minutes' drive away. There is no specialized business center provided at Cyril E. King Airport, but for business travelers who need to work in silence, the VIP Lounge can be a good alternative.

Despite its relatively small size, Cyril E. King Airport (STT) offers several decent options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Most establishments are located in the departure zone, after passing security control (airside), allowing passengers to relax while waiting for their flight.

For those looking for a full meal in a relaxed setting, the main choice will be one of the local grill bars, such as Hibiscus Bar & Grill. Here you can order classic American dishes — burgers, sandwiches, salads, as well as try some dishes with a Caribbean accent. This is a great place to enjoy a final tropical beverage. Prices here, as in most airports, are higher than the city average, but the quality of food and atmosphere meet expectations.

If time is short, pay attention to the Taco Chelles counter — a local favorite offering fresh and tasty tacos. This is a wonderful opportunity to have a quick and filling snack, trying something with local flair. Additionally, standard travel kits can always be found in newsstands and souvenir kiosks: packaged sandwiches, chips, sweets, and drinks.

Passengers with special dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diets, or those requiring Halal options) are recommended to clarify the availability of suitable dishes directly with the staff at the establishments. Although there are no specialized cafes, salads can often be found in restaurant menus, or modifications to a dish can be arranged. Most cafes and restaurants at the airport operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last evening plane.

To ensure your journey through Cyril E. King Airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. This is the main air hub serving the city of Charlotte Amalie and acting as the gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands. We recommend arriving at the airport well in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (from December to April) — ideally 2–3 hours before departure. Check-in counters and security checkpoints can be congested, especially on weekends when many tourists are flying home.

A key feature of the airport for passengers flying to the U.S. mainland is the U.S. Customs Pre-clearance. This means you pass through U.S. customs and border protection right here on the island of St. Thomas, rather than upon arrival at your destination. After passing this control, your flight will be considered domestic. Take this into account when planning your time, as you will need to collect your checked luggage for inspection and check it in again before boarding the flight.

Standard TSA rules apply when passing security control. All liquids in carry-on luggage must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Pay special attention to the transport of agricultural products — the export of certain fruits and plants may be restricted. If you have purchased items subject to regulations, ensure they comply with carry-on allowances or are bought in duty-free shops after passing security.

Want to save money and enjoy a beautiful view? Book tickets in advance and choose a window seat — breathtaking panoramas of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands open up during takeoff and landing. To avoid excess baggage fees, weigh your luggage at home. You can also take an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing security control to avoid spending money on drinks at the airport.

If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information and possible options (meal vouchers, accommodation). The airport is small, but there are several cafes and shops where you can pass the time while waiting for departure.