A long layover in St. Croix Island is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Henry E Rohlsen Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 60 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of STX:
- Can you legally enter Virgin Islands? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Transport from Henry E Rohlsen Airport to Downtown
You have two main options for getting from Henry E Rohlsen Airport into town:
- Taxi: About 60 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 80 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Money & Budget Tips
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for St. Croix Island:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
What to Do With Your Bags
Traveling light makes a layover outing much easier. At STX, you’ll find bag storage at Not available.
Tip: store your bags as soon as you clear arrivals to maximize your free time. If the airport options don’t work for you, check online luggage storage platforms for alternatives near the city center.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
Two recommendations for your time in St. Croix Island:
Start with Christiansted National Historic Site. History buffs will appreciate this, and it doesn’t take long to explore the grounds. Then, if time allows, make your way to Cruzan Rum Distillery Tour. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in St. Croix Island.
If you’d rather stay inside STX — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Duty-Free & Souvenir Shop
- Tropical Terminal Views
Eating Well on a St. Croix Island Layover
- In the city: Savant Bar & Restaurant and Rhythms at Rainbow Beach are both worth a visit if you’re exploring St. Croix Island.
- At the airport: Aviator’s Grill and The Last Stop Bar & Grill will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Sleep & Lounge Options at STX
Long overnight layover? Your options at STX include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Virgin Islands also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
WiFi at STX should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Virgin Islands and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in St. Croix Island exploring the streets or relaxing at STX, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.