The Ultimate Guide to Getting to the British Virgin Islands

🏝️ How to Get to the British Virgin Islands: Flights, Ferries, and Insider Tips

If you've been daydreaming about white-sand beaches, island-hopping, and tranquil turquoise waters, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) should be at the top of your list. But as a remote and pristine archipelago in the northeastern Caribbean, the question is: how exactly do you get there?

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Whether you're flying in from North America, Europe, or elsewhere in the Caribbean, here’s everything you need to know to reach this idyllic slice of paradise.

✈️ Flying to the British Virgin Islands

No Direct Flights from the US or Europe

One important thing to note: there are no direct commercial international flights to the British Virgin Islands (with the exception of occasional charters or private jets). Instead, most travelers fly to nearby airports and then transfer via a short regional flight or ferry.

Closest Airport: Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Tortola

This is the BVI’s main airport, located on Beef Island (connected to Tortola by bridge).

Most Common Routes:

• Via San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU):
  • This is the most popular connection point. Several daily regional flights link San Juan with Tortola (EIS), usually 45–50 minutes.
  • Airlines: Silver Airways, Cape Air, InterCaribbean Airways, and Tradewind Aviation (luxury option).
• Via St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (STT):
  • A common and often cheaper option. Fly into STT, then take a ferry to Tortola.
• Via Antigua (ANU), St. Maarten (SXM), or Barbados (BGI):
  • For European or Caribbean-based travelers, these are common Caribbean hubs that offer flights into EIS.

Airlines That Serve BVI (via regional connections):

• Silver Airways
• Cape Air
• InterCaribbean Airways
• Seaborne Airlines
• LIAT (Limited operations)
• Tradewind Aviation (charter and premium flights)

⛴️ Arriving by Ferry from the US Virgin Islands

This is a favorite route for many island hoppers and budget-conscious travelers. It’s not only scenic but also offers the flexibility of visiting both the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in one trip.

Main Ferry Route: St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook) → Tortola (Road Town or West End)

Key Info:

• Ferry Duration: ~1 hour
• Operators: Road Town Fast Ferry, Native Son Ferry, Smith’s Ferry
• Entry Ports in BVI: Road Town (Tortola), West End, or Jost Van Dyke (for some routes)

Arrival Process:

Even though you're traveling within the Virgin Islands, you’ll go through customs and immigration—so don’t forget your passport!

Ferry Tips:

• The Red Hook terminal in St. Thomas has more frequent daily departures.
• If your flight lands at STT in the afternoon, check the ferry schedules carefully to avoid overnight layovers.

🚤 Private Charters & Water Taxis

For luxury travelers or those with tight schedules, private boat transfers or water taxis from St. Thomas to the BVI are a smooth (albeit pricier) option.

Pros:

• Custom pickup times
• Faster transfers
• Direct to resorts, marinas, or private villas

Water Taxi Providers:

• Island Time Water Taxi
• BVI Water Taxi
• Ocean Dreams

Expect to pay significantly more than a public ferry, but the convenience and privacy are unmatched.

🛥️ Sailing Into the BVI

The British Virgin Islands are a global sailing hotspot, and many travelers sail in on yachts or catamarans from neighboring islands. It's popular to charter a boat in St. Thomas, St. Maarten, or Puerto Rico and sail into the BVI.

Make sure you check into customs at designated ports: Road Town, West End, Great Harbour (Jost Van Dyke), or Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda).

🧭 Choosing the Right Route to the BVI

Flying through San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) to Tortola (EIS) is one of the most popular and efficient ways to reach the British Virgin Islands. The short 45- to 50-minute hop connects seamlessly with major U.S. airlines, making it a convenient route for travelers from North America. While these regional flights can be prone to occasional delays and are typically operated on smaller aircraft, they’re fast and frequent—great for getting you to the beach ASAP.

Another traveler favorite is the ferry route from St. Thomas (USVI) to Tortola. It’s a scenic and cost-effective option, especially for those already visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands or flying into St. Thomas International Airport (STT). The ferry experience gives you a glimpse of the Caribbean sea life as you glide over turquoise waters, though you’ll want to pay close attention to ferry schedules—especially if your flight lands in the afternoon. Customs processing can add time, but it’s generally smooth.

If you're looking to skip the crowds and maximize convenience, private charter flights from hubs like San Juan, St. Maarten, or Antigua offer a luxurious and time-saving way to reach the BVI. While they come with a higher price tag, they’re ideal for groups or travelers who value flexibility and VIP service.

For the luxury-inclined or those staying at remote villas or yacht clubs, private water taxis from St. Thomas offer door-to-dock transfers straight to your accommodation. It’s the ultimate way to skip the lines and customs queues, but the added comfort and speed will cost significantly more than the public ferry.

And for those who live for the journey itself, sailing into the BVI is a dream come true. Whether you're captaining your own yacht or joining a crewed charter, arriving by sea allows you to explore the islands at your own pace. You'll need to clear customs at an official port of entry like Road Town or Spanish Town, but this adventurous route rewards you with unbeatable Caribbean freedom.

No matter how you choose to arrive, getting to the BVI is the start of an unforgettable island experience—and each route offers its own kind of magic.

🔑 Final Tips for Getting to the BVI

• Book inter-island flights early—they fill up fast during high season (Dec–April).
• Double-check ferry schedules, especially if you're flying into St. Thomas late in the day.
• Bring your passport even if you're island-hopping from the USVI.
• Customs fees may apply—typically around $10–$20 per person upon entry.

Whether you're flying through the Caribbean skies or island-hopping by sea, the journey to the British Virgin Islands is all part of the adventure. Once you step foot on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, or Jost Van Dyke, you'll know it was all worth it.