Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie is the picturesque capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, situated on the hilly coast of St. Thomas. This lively Caribbean city is renowned for its Danish colonial architecture, deep-water harbour, and its status as one of the premier duty-free shopping zones in the region. When planning how to get to Charlotte Amalie, tourists most often choose air travel or cruise voyages to enjoy the tropical climate and azure waters.

The primary way to reach the island is by taking a flight to Cyril E. King Airport (STT). This airport is one of the busiest in the eastern Caribbean and receives numerous direct flights from the US mainland, making the journey quick and comfortable.

As an alternative route, you can consider flying to the neighbouring island of Tortola (Terrance B. Lettsome Airport), located approximately 33 km away. From there, travellers often reach their final destination by ferry or private boat, enjoying views of the archipelago along the way.

Since Charlotte Amalie is located on an island in the Caribbean Sea, railway services are completely absent. The complex terrain and the small area of St. Thomas make the use of trains impossible.

Even if you arrive on neighbouring Tortola, it is not possible to travel from there by rail. The main modes of transport in the region remain cars, safari buses, and water vessels.

Reaching Charlotte Amalie by bus from other cities or countries is impossible due to its geographical location—the city is on an island. Classic intercity bus routes do not exist here.

However, upon arrival on the island, you can use local open-air buses known as "safaris". This is a colourful and inexpensive way to move between districts, although they may not be the most convenient option for transfers with luggage.

You can only get to Charlotte Amalie by car using a ferry crossing if you are travelling from neighbouring islands. For example, the route from the island of Tortola will take about 3.9 hours and require covering approximately 46 km, including the sea portion of the journey.

Car rental is popular within the city and on the island, but it is worth remembering that traffic moves on the left, despite being a US territory. Taxis are also widely available, and trip prices are often fixed by zones rather than determined by a meter.

To ensure your holiday in this Caribbean paradise is perfect, it is worth preparing for local specifics in advance. Here are a few practical recommendations to help you feel confident in Charlotte Amalie.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate here is tropical, so pack light clothing made from natural fabrics, modest swimwear, and comfortable shoes for walking on the hills. Do not forget sunscreen and a head covering.
2. Transport: The most budget-friendly way to get around is via open-air "safari" taxis. If renting a car, remember: driving is on the left-hand side.
3. Finances: The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but cash is useful for small purchases at markets and for gratuities.
4. Health and Safety: Tap water is generally safe, but tourists are recommended to drink bottled water. The city is safe, but standard precautions (such as not leaving belongings unattended) are relevant.
5. Communication: The official language is English, although you may hear a local Creole dialect. Tourists usually face no issues with communication.
6. Local Etiquette: It is customary to greet people politely here: saying "Good morning" or "Good afternoon" when entering a shop or boarding a taxi is a sign of respect.
7. What to Avoid: Do not walk around the city in swimwear or bare-chested—this is considered disrespectful and is appropriate only on the beach.
8. Extra Tip: Charlotte Amalie is a Duty-Free zone. It is an excellent place to purchase jewellery, watches, and perfumes at favourable prices.

Following these simple rules will help you enjoy the island's atmosphere and avoid minor misunderstandings. Have a pleasant journey!