If you believe the information is incorrect then confirm it and let the site managers know. Safari buses -- exact route - St. Thomas Forum - Tripadvisor Caribbean U.S. Virgin Islands St. Thomas St. Thomas Travel Forum Safari buses -- exact route Watch this Topic Browse forums All U.S. Virgin Islands forums St. Thomas forum KavClay St Thomas Level Contributor 53 posts Safari buses -- exact route 14 years ago Save Bring water and a hat. There are a total of 196 daytime bus routes serving the island that Montreal is situated on. I trust you and that's what I meant. The safari doesn't generally go by the high school, and fare can be $2. You never know from hour to hour, day to day if VITRAN is running. Remember, the route follows a figure 8 pattern. Since the max you're going to pay is $2, it's best to not argue if they try to charge you $2 and you think you should pay $1. The route does not go to the dock. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. per person ride. Magnificent Island views from Mountain Top (2,100 ft above sea level) while . Best to plan on buying a vehicle. The air-conditioned buses travel outward from Charlotte Amalie. Luxury cars and limos are available for airport transfers, corporate transfers, tours, events and more. However, route signs allow for easy identification and give the direction in which you are traveling. After that, you're charged $2 if you get off anywhere past Raphune Hill. Due to COVID travel restrictions, water taxi service between St. Thomas and the BVI is currently limited. You won't find safaris going out to Frenchman's Bay.Sapphire would indeed be a good option as the have to pass the entrance to Sapphire to drop off for the Red Hook Ferry. See all updates on 51 (from Gare Montral-Ouest (Elmhurst / Sherbrooke)), including real-time status info, bus delays, changes of routes, changes of stops locations, and any other service changes. The sides are open air, and there are no seat belts. There is only a few main roads, so they're what everybody uses. 32nd St/40th St. 32S. Between midnight and 6:00am, there shall be an additional charge of $2.00 per person. The best tip is, if it is pulling into or near a bus stop then its likely a dollar ride. It really is hard to explain how they operate but since it seems that you're on STT already, you've probably already figured that out. A solid reference book, it was first published in 1975. Safaris only travel in one direction, East to West. We also recommend which bus to take to any attraction beyond a reasonable walking distance from the Metro. You may start off on a sidewalk and find yourself walking in a gut (a dry river bed). Look around as you leave so you will know where to get off on your way back. Taxi operators with On-duty sign on shall not refuse a passenger, unless the passenger is intoxicated and disorderly or in possession of a pet or animal (other than a seeing eye dog) that is not properly secured in a kennel case or other suitable container. Jeep rentals are also popular and if you have to contend with any gravel to get to your rental home or if you fancy going to one of the few secret beaches with unpaved roads, then youll want to rent a jeep for sure. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. There are, of course, other places not on their route, so this is just a short list of popular tourist destinations. Public buses in St. Thomas are a good option for travelers on a budget, those that support the environmental benefits of public transit, and those that like the opportunity to chat with residents while on vacation. Download the app for all info now. From Crown Point, you will go directly through town, then go by the hospital, the Tutu Park Mall, then around the Northeast corner past Coki Beach, Sapphire Beach, and Red Hook before turning back toward the Mall and back through town before heading to Crown Point. You might run into this. VITRAN RouteMatch will be available on iPhone, iPad, Android smart phone, or Android tablet for free. Licensed taxis are regulated by the VI Taxicab Commission. This bus service is not dependable. Copyright 2002 2023 VInow.com All rights reserved. I think that public transportation is relevant and it will stimulate your economy if we talk about it. The Dollar bus allows the local population access to and around the island in an affordable manner. They start running at 5.15am from town and end at 8.00pm from Red Hook. Visitors generally do not hitchhike. If youre coming from East of Tutu (Red Hook, Secret Harbor, Coki Point/Smith Bay) to Tutu, $1. Tell prospective and current residents about your business. Remember that traffic on St. Thomas is heavy, despite being an island in the Caribbean, the roads are narrow, steep, and winding, and we drive on the left here. Public bus routes on St. John travel through main commercial areas and some residential areas. A short walk from the bus stop to your destination may be required. Enter your destination and click to find the next Train, Bus or Ferry departing near your location. They're irregular, don't run after dark and severely limit where you can look for a place to live. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Bus fares can be paid by cash when boarding and you can ask for a transfer that is valid for transfering to another bus or the Metro for up to 90 minutes. Sign up to receive Virgin Islands articles, updates and offers. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Taxi regulations include fixed rates per person, by destination. The Dollar Bus man would drive back and forth across the island shouting anywhere for a dollar. But if the idea of driving on the left induces a panic attack, or if your budget cant quite stretch to cover a vehicle rental, you can absolutely still have a full and exciting vacation on St. Thomas without actually getting behind the wheel yourself. But definitely walkable. Copyright 2002 2023 VInow.com All rights reserved. It is however possible to explore parts of the south side of St. Thomas by bicycle, primarily along the harbor front and around downtown Charlotte Amalie. They go from West through town to the hospital back from the waterfront, up Raphune Hill and along Weymouth Rhymer Highway to Tutu onto the East End, through to Red Hook then to Turpentiine Run, at the end of which they either turn right to continue on the circular west/east route to Tutu and East or left back down to town and west. Spectacular views, paradise beaches, calypso music, culture and history-straight out of a magazine. We do not recommend exploring the back streets of downtown Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands Booking, reviews and advice on hotels, resorts, flights, vacation rentals, travel. Does anyone have a route map? Here is a map showing the St. Thomas Safari Bus Route ***If arriving by plane, look for the Cruzan free rum samples before baggage claim*** Where To Stay Airbnb Castle You will find many options for accommodations on St. Thomas. I know that sentence is there, but that still doesn't make up for incorrect information. The longest line from the STM is: 356. You may start off on a sidewalk and find yourself walking in a gut (a dry river bed). I wish this site would delete the references to public transportation, because it really isn't a reliable option. And the Marriott, on St. Thomas, offers a ferry between their Frenchmans Cove Resort and the islands harborside main town of Charlotte Amalie. Wait for the buses at the stops marked with VITRAN signs. Airplanes, seaplanes, and helicopters are available from St. Thomas. appointment. The VITRAN Buses are handicap accessible, enclosed, air conditioned, operate on holidays and offer discounts to select groups. Not all safari buses are "dollar rides", some are regular taxis. Click&Go Map and Route Finder. Within the US Virgin Islands, you can take a ferry between St. Thomas and St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix, and St. Thomas and Water Island. There are numerous Taxi Associations. If dock in crown bay, is taking safari bus to sapphire beach or downtown still an option? Trust me on this. Hitchhiking in St. Thomas is at your own risk. Safaris are trucks, the truck bed is retrofitted with a covering and there are bench seats for passengers. Learn More, Terms of Use|Contact Us|Privacy Policy. A map of the route is available here. Accessible private car services are also available, including wheelchair/scooter rentals. The Most Popular Urban Mobility App in Montreal. A change in Sugar Estate is necessary for points east. At the top of that hill is the east end of the island's only stop light at an intersection, dangerous because it peaks at a blind spot coming from both directions. Started June 21, 2021, By Recent Posts Unread Posts Tags, Forum Icons: If youre coming from East of Tutu to somewhere West of Tutu, add another $1. Seldom do women hitchhike, the exception being seniors, and they generally are not hitchhiking in the true sense but rather they wait for a neighbor, or someone they know, to pick them up. Since they drive on the left side of the road you will need to cross the street--I think there is a bus shelter or at least a bus stop sign. the airport, downtown Charlotte Amalie, Havensight, Red Hook, Tutu Valley Shopping Area, Magens Bay, Sapphire Beach, Coki Point Beach/Coral World). Inflation has hit, so if you cross over the K-Mart area in Tutu, one is expected to pay $2, but if only the one loop is traversed, then only a single dollar needs to be paid. A safari is a truck that has been outfitted with bench seating in the back. This website uses the Flickr API but is not endorsed or certified by SmugMug, Inc. TourbyTransit is a One Search Publishing company. Documentation that passenger is ADA paratransit eligible in the state or jurisdiction in which they reside is required along with completing an application (which should be done before arrival to the island). If a day is not enough, consider an overnight trip, or a yacht charter. Zen mode lol. Thanks again - this forum is exceptionally helpful! There are currently no ride sharing companies operating in St. Thomas.1. I'd like to meet some of you once I'm settled in. Like the Metro, Montreal's bus network is operated by stm where you can find more information on routes and schedules along with maps. There are some sidewalks but not yet enough, there is currently only one official hiking trail, there are not yet any pedestrian-priority spaces, and vehicles are presently allowed everywhere a public road exists. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g147404-s303/St-ThomasPublic.Transportation.html. Since many regular taxi drivers use their safari buses to operate as actual licensed taxis, and the dollar ride is run by taxis in the same safari buses it can be confusing to tell them apart. There is a bus stop at the Vendor's Plaza and then the bus will wind along backroads past the High School, The Sugar Estate Post Office and the Hospital then it will pass the Pizza Hut and McDonalds and drive up the Raphune Hill stopping in the Cost U Less Shopping Center and the Caribbean Cinemas Market Place. My sister often catches a ride from there into town if she has a Drs. Seatbelt laws are strongly enforced here. Easy peasy. Looks about right. Walking on St. Thomas, as your main option for getting around, ranks low among the available options. Its simple and clear design makes it ideal for visitors trying to get around the city. Travel Documents and Passport Requirements, Health Insurance, Business verus Non Profit. While the Montreal Metro will get you in close proximity to the majority the attractions and historic districts in, you may need or even want to take a bus for some of your sightseeing in Montreal. Forum contains unread posts The following areas of Charlotte Amalie are thebest for exploring on foot(we still urge you to use caution and be a defensive pedestrian): Walking the waterfront from Crown Bay (near the airport) to Frenchtown, downtown Charlotte Amalie, Yacht Haven Grand, and Havensight. The biggest thing to remember is a regular taxi and a dollar ride are not the same rate. Sign in. Since they are less expensive to rent, many people choose this option. Forum contains unread posts Updated information dedicated to Moving and Living in the Virgin Islands. The Lovango Resort & Beach Club operates a ferry between St. Thomas and the island of Lovango for use by its resort, restaurant, and beach club customers. Replied Join Alex Randall as he introduces you to his home, the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hourly Rates (1-4 passengers): Sedan/Mini Van $40; Van/Safari(14 passenger capacity) $55; Safari $80. ", If you read further it clearly says: Is there no way to get a route map for the Vitran buses then??? Thru the light and driving down the hill, the taxis pass the Domino's gas station and the Food Center on the right winding for about a mile with marinas on the left. You made it to the end of VI Nows Top 11 Ways to Get Around St. Thomas, and I am guessing you might have one question, and its Is there Uber in St. Thomas? Uber does not exist in St. Thomas. A change in Sugar Estate is necessary for points east. If you are feeling adventurous, it can be fun to hop on a bus, sit back, enjoy the sights and get yourself little lost. From there, the buses drive towards Fort Mylner stopping again in Tutu at the Tutu Park Mall in front of the main entrance to the Big K K-Mart Store. More than one person; add $1.00 to each passenger. Thrifty is a great rental company just outside the airport. As far as the site removing information on public transportation is concerned, that would be a total disservice. Those I was moire familiar with stayed in various places along the Smith Bay Road so they could easily get into their jobs in Red Hook for the night and taxi back after their shifts but that fun routine wore off very quickly. For visitors, using the dollar bus can be tricky. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Please check the Moovit app to view bus fares of individual lines. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If one cannot find the door bell, it is customary to pound your foot on the floor of the bus a few times so that they know to stop. If they had a web site it would be out of date or missing the useful information you are looking for. But TripAdvisor has the bus and safari routes mixed up. St. Thomas is full of taxis, both official and non. This Bus route starts from Station Frontenac (Frontenac / Ontario)(Montral) and ends at Gare Sunnybrooke (Gouin / Sunnybrooke)(Pierrefonds). Thomas.). St Thomas USVI Safari Bus Route Map . If youre going from anywhere West of Tutu (Charlotte Amalie, Havensight) to Tutu, it costs a dollar. It's a good idea to tell them where you're going before you get on so you can find out if they're going there. Now to figure out the best way for you to get around the island. The information is misleading and should be removed. The historic main town of Charlotte Amalie and neighboring Frenchtown can be explored on foot. After seeing some threads on this forum and some Facebook posts of people having trouble finding what they wanted in an island car recently, I thought it would be a good idea to be privy of taking the safari when I first get there. Closed. If you do a search (not on TA, but a general search like on the big G) for something like "St Thomas Safari Bus Route" you should find a map of the route. The City of St. Thomas provides a ConventionalTransit System as well as a ParallelTransit System. By Like the VIWMA web site. The buses will continue through Red Hook passing Eudora Kean High School on the right and bearing to the right after passing the Dominican Fruit Stands and then traveling up Route 32 passing the National Guard Armory on the right. I won't ride with some of them, so wait for next one(s). To be clear however it is a pseudo public transportation system, it is run by taxis, but it is not a regular taxi, and it runs a public transportation service, but its not the government public transit system. They are readily available at the airport, cruise ship docks, resorts, and at popular beaches and attractions. CC Help Jenn I made a map of what I think is the route below. The dollar ride is a popular choice among island residents that rely on, or prefer to use, public transportation. Route 129 and the route 715 shuttle are good choices for doing some sightseeing. Taxis in St. Thomas are abundant, well organized, and reliable. Sticky To get from any of these areas to the beach or to a North side restaurant, you will need to use a combination of taxis and the dollar safari bus. Go onto the travel forum, scroll down on "St Thomas" to "transportation" and you'll find the info. From catching a taxi, island hopping by ferry, to budget friendly public transportation, here are the best ways to get around St. Thomas. The safari doesn't go to those areas. Back before the economy tanked, droves of youngsters regularly poured into STT every winter for seasonal work before embarking on their career path. Areas Serviced; 27-103: Christiansted-Frederiksted (Eastbound/Westbound) 28-103: Frederiksted to Christiansted (Westbound/Eastbound) 302: La Reine Terminal - Tide Village For visitors, using the dollar bus can be tricky. The VITRAN Buses are handicap accessible, enclosed, air conditioned, operate on holidays and offer discounts to select groups. For STM service alerts, please check the Moovit website for real-time info on bus status, bus delays, changes of bus routes, changes of stops and any service changes. St. Thomas has a dollar safari bus system heavily utilized by locals. The popularity of private and luxury cars in St. Thomas has increased in recent years as travellers seek to travel in comfort and style, have their needs met, and customize their experience. Limited time of tour is 2 hours. Not sure if OP will rely on safari 100% or as supplement to vehicle. There is a bus stop at the Vendor's Plaza and then the bus will wind along backroads past the High School, The Sugar Estate Post Office and the Hospital then it will pass the Pizza Hut and McDonalds and drive up the Raphune Hill stopping in the Cost U Less Shopping Center and the Caribbean Cinemas Market Place. I'm playing around with googlemaps trying to find my bearings here, and it would help a lot to see their routes. If your rental home is located on an unfinished road, youre best off renting a jeep. Taking a helicopter is an option for getting from St. Thomas to St. John, which does not have an airport, and for traveling to some of the neighboring small islands and cays. Water taxis in St. Thomas are a popular choice for those seeking personal service, when the ferry schedules do not work with a travelers schedule, and when the destination is not accessible by ferry. Several national chain rental companies have offices at the airport making it super easy to pick up and drop off your vehicle. Airport to Frenchman's Reef, Limetree or Bolongo: $65 for 1-4 passengers, (5 or more passengers will pay an additional fare each). Was the OP planning on using the safaris to get around? I don't think they've run every hour for at least 15 years. Mark all read, Topic Icons: Gypsy taxis are unlicensed and thus you risk being taken advantage of without any recourse. Please be sure to call ahead of time to confirm that the company is open, and also on the availability of your selection. The current 19th Edition, will help you explore your dream of island living. The routes run most of the main thoroughfares. Fares run USD1 for trips to distant locations and USD75 cents for city trips. At the next intersection with a four way stop light, the safari buses turns right and returns to the K-mart at the Tutu Park Mall. Renting a car is one of the top choices for getting around St. Thomas. The options for apartments directly on the route are very limited. Budget rates start at $55.00. When the passenger wishes to depart the bus, a door bell should be reachable that will alert the driver to stop. There are also 23 night bus routes. From Cruz Bay the bus leaves at 6am, 7am, and then 25 minutes past the hour until 7:25pm. Of course, when it comes to sightseeing, the Metro is completely underground so, while it is ideal for getting you to your destination quickly, you may still want to hop on a transit bus to explore some of the city's sights or at least get a bit of an overview. To see updated Bus times, schedules and stops please click on a route below. Non-official taxis (gypsy taxis) can be found outside most grocery stores, the malland both of the Kmarts. The headquarter offices of the STM are located in: Montreal, Company Owner: Montreal Transportation Company. St. Thomas Tourism St. Thomas Hotels Bed and Breakfast St. Thomas St. Thomas Holiday Rentals St. Thomas . We do not recommend exploring the back streets of downtown Charlotte Amalie ( or any other neighborhood) at night. Every 30 min or less? The route continues along that road back to Tutu Park Mall, and then goes back to town along the road it came in on. When it starts getting late, some won't go to town because the drivers live in country and visa versa. Note about where they will stop: They are now being given traffic tickets if they stop in the road and pickup or discharge passengers. It is very easy to sprain an ankle, never mind being hit by an oncoming car that is not visible until the last moment. Sign up to receive Virgin Islands articles, updates and offers. The route is always in one direction so to get from Red Hook to Coki Beach, for example, you would have to go back to the Mall and transfer to another bus if you don't want to do the whole figure 8. Copyright 1999 2023 VInow.com All rights reserved. They sometimes have apartments for rent. This article contains a discussion by Tripadvisor members concerning the above topic. Learn how to create your own. In lower traffic areas, as long as you have cell phone service, you can call any number of taxi companies and they will arrange to have one pick you up where you are. Photographs with attribution and embedded videos are copyrighted or licensed by their respective owners. St Thomas USVI Safari Bus Route Map. For more information or to schedule an interview call 340-773-1664, Ext. I understand that safari bus make a 8 loop. Recent Posts Unread Posts Tags, Forum Icons: This could be a dangerous choice. That in itself gets very old very fast and isn't advisable. He was so sought after and crowded that more safari buses continued to follow in his tracks. You will find you will need to buy a car at some point so try to budget for that. Valley Metro-Bus is a public transportation provider in Phoenix which operates Bus routes. He was so sought after and crowded that more safari buses continued to follow in his tracks. Just smile and give them another dollar. The way the rates work is divided by Tutu Valley where Big Kmart, Tutu Park Mall, CostULess, Car dealerships are located. From UVI to Price Mart, according to the Taxi Commission memo, you're supposed to pay $1, but most charge $2 after they go up Raphune Hill. Not sure if times are correct. We used it in January to go from Crown Point through downtown to Coki Beach then back again. To see the "real" St Thomas, you have to have a vehicle so you can get off the beaten paths and go to the Northside, the West End, and Frenchman's Bay. Then, the buses make a loop first driving North through Tutu and then turning east going over the top of Cassi Hill, down through Smith Bay passing the turn off for Coki Beach and Coral World, past the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort, Point Pleasant Resort, Sapphire Beach Resort and finally stopping briefly to pick up more passengers at the Ferry Terminal in Red Hook at the very eastern end of St Thomas opposite the Marina Market Grocery Store. The current 19th Edition, will help you explore your dream of island living. Started August 27, 2021, By We didnt think so. Hot From Salt Pond Bay the bus leaves at 5am, 6am, 7am, 8am and then 10 minutes after the hour until 8:10pm. Are either Sapphire Beach or Coki Beach serviced by these trucks? Ride VITRAN Affordable transportation in and out of town Accessibility One more question: when traveling from, for example, Red Hook to Yacht Haven Grande, I would take the Safari to Tutu, and then stay at Tutu and make sure I get on a "city" Safari? Sapphire Village is a good choice. There are numerous Taxi Associations. The Veterans Drive Improvement Project, a major roadway initiative that is still ongoing, includes the new expanded promenade with promises of natural and cultural enhancements for pedestrians. I saw a video of how they are improving VITRAN. over a year ago Problem with this answer? Coming back, if I am not available to give her a ride, she waits for one either by bus stop in front of hospital A big part of planning a vacation to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands is figuring out how to get around. We've never docked at Crown before, but will be on our upcoming trip. This map was created by a user. He's left the island, though. Things do not work in the VI like people think they should. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Keep in mind that when youre getting a taxi from one high traffic area to another, the taxi drivers will fill their vans to the brink of capacity, which means youll be sharing with strangers. In St Thomas, you may wait for an hour or more for the bus to arrive. I found a map of the safari bus route, however, it is very hard to read. North 40th St. 40. . The most popular choices are half day and full day trips from St. Thomas. The air-conditioned buses travel outward from Charlotte Amalie. Radio/Phone Call: One person, the fare plus one third of the basic fare. Virgin Islands Ecotours marina is the final stop before leaving the Mangrove Lagoon area and then entering an industrial area of a road with concrete and rock quarries. Maybe somebody else can be of help where the downtown routes are concerned. Ms411, you seem to have more experience than me and my West Indian friends do, so I withdraw my advice. Thanks! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. St. Thomas Private Cars (Luxury & Accessible). According to Moovit Insights, the most popular lines for STM are 97, 192, 41, 66, 747. Rates for additional passengers will be negotiated between the taxi operator and passenger(s). St. Thomas Open-Air Safari Bus Tour From $50.00 Trip Type Open-Air Safari Bus Tour Activities Bus Tour Group Size 24 Pax Fixed Departure N/A Trip Enquiry Trip code WT-CODE 2872 Overview Booking Join us for a relaxing tour of St. Thomas that you will be talking about for ages! 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. There really is no real schedule to absolutely rely on tho one can usually get a ride into town from the Red Hook Ferry dock when the boat comes in from STJ. Tillett Gardens is a great place if you rely on public transportation. If you choose to rent a scooter, please be careful. Its super easy to get a taxi on St. Thomas in any high traffic area ( e.g. NEW An additional bus operating during Peak periods through weekdays (starting September 1, 2022), Four (4) NEW stops added on Talbot Street, Adjusted Swiss Chalet Stop (#127,#224,#312,#425), NEW OnDemand Stop (#637) added along Burwell Road, Expanded Morning Shift for OnDemand & Parallel users starting one hour earlier at 6:15am (starting January 2, 2022), City of St. Thomas | All Rights Reserved | Powered by, Road, parking, animal control, sidewalk, streetlight, traffic light concerns, 2022 Municipal and School Board Election Results, Social Services (including Ontario Works, Children's Services and Housing and Homelessness Services).