The 3 Closest Airports to virgin islands

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The 3 Closest Airports to the Virgin Islands

Planning a trip to the beautiful Virgin Islands? Choosing the right airport can significantly impact your travel time and convenience. Whether you’re heading to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) or the British Virgin Islands (BVI), understanding your airport options is key. Here’s a look at the three airports most frequently used to access this stunning Caribbean region.

**1. Cyril E. King Airport (STT)**

Located directly on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Cyril E. King Airport is geographically one of the two closest airports to the Virgin Islands group. It’s the primary gateway for travelers heading to St. Thomas and nearby St. John (accessible via a short ferry ride). While convenient for the USVI, it isn’t typically classified as a large major international hub compared to San Juan.

  • Distance to Virgin Islands: Located directly on St. Thomas, USVI. Very close proximity to St. John; requires flight or longer ferry for St. Croix or the BVI.

  • Address: Airport Rd, Charlotte Amalie West, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands

  • Pros: Direct access to USVI (St. Thomas/St. John), convenient U.S. territory entry/exit, ferry connections to BVI available. | Cons: Fewer international flights than SJU, can get congested, requires ferry/flight for other islands like St. Croix or Tortola. | Airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, Cape Air, Silver Airways, and others (subject to change). | Car Rental: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, local agencies available.

  • Official Website: https://www.viport.com/stt

  • Phone: +1 340-774-5100

  • Rating: Approximately 3.8 Stars (Note: Ratings can change)

**2. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)**

Situated in San Juan, Puerto Rico, SJU is not located within the Virgin Islands but serves as the closest major international airport and the most significant hub for the region. Many travelers fly into SJU due to its wider range of direct flights (especially international) and often more competitive fares, then take a short connecting flight or ferry to their final Virgin Islands destination.

  • Distance to Virgin Islands: Approximately 70 miles west of St. Thomas (air distance). Requires a connecting flight (approx. 30-40 min) or ferry to reach the USVI or BVI.

  • Address: Av. Aeropuerto, Carolina, 00979, Puerto Rico

  • Pros: Major international hub, numerous flight options, often cheaper fares, many direct flights from North America & Europe, extensive amenities. | Cons: Requires a connection (flight or ferry) adding time and potential cost, involves clearing customs/immigration in Puerto Rico. | Airlines: Hub for many carriers including American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest, Frontier, Iberia, Avianca, Copa, plus regional carriers like Cape Air, Silver Airways, Seaborne Airlines for VI connections. | Car Rental: All major international agencies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, etc.) and local options.

  • Official Website: https://www.aeropuertosju.com/en/

  • Phone: +1 787-253-2329

  • Rating: Approximately 4.1 Stars (Note: Ratings can change)

**3. Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS)**

Located on Beef Island, which is connected by a bridge to Tortola, this is the main airport serving the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Similar to STT for the USVI, EIS is geographically one of the two closest airports, situated directly within the Virgin Islands archipelago, specifically serving the BVI. It primarily handles regional flights and private aircraft.

  • Distance to Virgin Islands: Located directly on Beef Island, serving Tortola and the BVI. Close ferry access to other BVI islands like Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke.

  • Address: Beef Island, British Virgin Islands VG1110

  • Pros: Direct access to the BVI, avoids transfers through USVI/Puerto Rico if BVI is the final destination, typically less crowded than STT/SJU. | Cons: Smaller airport, significantly fewer flight options (mostly regional connections via SJU, STT, ANU, SXM), flights can sometimes be more expensive, no direct long-haul international flights. | Airlines: Cape Air, Silver Airways, InterCaribbean Airways, VI Airlink, plus charter services (connections often required). | Car Rental: Avis, Hertz, National, local agencies available, often located just outside the terminal.

  • Official Website: https://www.bviaa.com/

  • Phone: +1 284-852-9000

  • Rating: Approximately 4.0 Stars (Note: Ratings can change)

Conclusion

The closest airports geographically located within the Virgin Islands are Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, USVI, and Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island/Tortola, BVI. Your choice between these often depends on whether your destination is primarily within the USVI or BVI.

However, the closest major international airport serving the region is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It offers the most extensive flight connections and is a vital gateway for many travelers heading to either the USVI or BVI via a short connecting flight or ferry.

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