Flights to St. Croix
The Best Flights to Saint Croix (STX) in the US Virgin Islands
Commercial airline flights are the primary way visitors travel to St. Croix, USVI. When planning a trip to the beautiful island of St. Croix, discover the smartest ways to book cost-efficient airline tickets from the continental United States.
The Essential Tool: Google Flights
Google Flights is a great resource for researching and tracking airfare to St. Croix (STX).
IATA Airport Code: The airport is Henry E. Rohlsen, which is STX as an airport code. Price Monitoring: Utilize Google Flights to view current airline ticket pricing and set up free email alerts for future price drops on your specific dates or routes.
There is a regularly maintained list of airlines and flights to St Croix by the folks at St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures (SCUBA).
Check Baggage Fees Always check the final pricing, which can vary significantly due to additional baggage costs. Google Flights allows you to filter prices including baggage.
Flexible Search Be prepared to consider different travel days of the week (mid-week flights are often cheaper) or alternative origin cities.
One-Way Strategy Identify the lowest costs by performing separate one-way flight searches in each direction. This can often reveal more cost-effective travel dates.
Use Advanced Filters Narrow your options by setting filters for specific airlines, desired trip duration, acceptable layover cities, and schedule preferences to avoid unusual schedules.
Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX)
The primary airport on St. Croix is Henry E. Rohlsen, airport code STX. Originally a United States military airfield, the airport is named after a Saint Croix native who was one of the Tuskegee Airmen in WWII.
Served by American, Delta, Jet Blue, Frontier, and United, as well as many smaller companies, STX has direct flights to Atlanta, Miami, San Juan, and other seasonal destinations.
Watch the entire process of walking through the St. Croix Airport from an airplane.
Entering St. Croix From Plane Through the STX Airport
There is no customs process for flights from the United States mainland, as Saint Croix is part of the United States Virgin Islands, a US Territory. You will deplane via stairs to the tarmac, walk straight through the airport terminal building and to the one luggage carousel and your rental car or other local transportation. If you arrive from any other US territory or state, there are no stops and no questions asked. The video here shows the walk through the airport terminal from tarmac to curb, and then to the luggage carousel.
Pro Tip For Rental Car and Luggage
For most travelers arriving at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX), the next step after landing is picking up a rental car and collecting luggage, and teamwork can make this process more efficient. There is a significant advantage to to divide and conquer: while one person heads to the single baggage carousel, the primary driver should go directly to the appropriate rental car counter. If you’re used to rental car kiosks or app-based check-ins, the process in St. Croix is typically more hands-on and actual paperwork-driven. Agents will verify licenses, review agreements, and often walk through insurance options in detail, which can take some time, especially if multiple flights have arrived close together. Getting in line early can save you significant time. The two areas are 100 feet apart, so it’s not a major separation. With a little luck, by the time the rental paperwork is complete, your luggage is often just arriving or already in hand, allowing you to head out.
St Croix Airport (STX) Luggage Carousel #1
Arriving at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) in St. Croix sets the tone for a relaxed experience, especially when it comes to baggage claim. Occasionally a flight attendant will announce that luggage will be on carousel #1, but there is only one luggage carousel. There is no confusion about where to go as the walk from the plane to the baggage area can be under 60 seconds. You will probably find yourself arriving at the carousel before your luggage is even off the plane. This is where a bit of island patience comes into play. While you wait in the shade, the baggage handlers are working in the sun and Caribbean heat. The pace may feel slower compared to larger airports, and it reflects both the smaller scale of operations and the realities of working in a tropical climate. Use this time to ease into “island time,” relax, and enjoy the slower rhythm that defines St. Croix. There is no need to rush, as your vacation has already begun. It’s not uncommon for fellow passengers to chat, share travel tips, or simply soak in the warm air while waiting. The single-carousel setup actually adds to the charm, creating a shared arrival experience that feels more personal. By the time your luggage arrives, you’re already transitioning into the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes St. Croix such a special destination.
Departing From St. Croix Through the STX Airport
At Henry E. Rohlsen (STX) Airport, airline desk agents may be responsible for both check-in and boarding and can close the check-in desk 1-2 hours prior to departure. There are certain dayparts with multiple flights resulting in significant wait times. Many folks ask if they really need to be there 2 hours ahead of time, and there are no guarantees on the process. You may spend 90-minutes in lines, or you might get to the gate area within 10 minutes. Experience indicates that the earlier you show up, the faster your process is likely to be. Better early than stranded, unless that is part of your plan.
Process After Check-In With Airline:
Enter terminal, ID & boarding pass check
Wait in line and go through Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Collect the luggage you gave to the airline desk agent during check-in
Wait in line and go though a Department of Agriculture inspection
Drop your checked luggage off again
Wait in line and go through TSA security screening
- Like any other US airport, with separate TSA PreCheck line, but not CLEAR.
The relatively new gate area is a nice place to wind down before your flight, and the seating furthest from the gift shop is especially comfortable for an airport.
Pro-Tip: Bottled drinks are less expensive at the gift shop than The Reef Bar & Restaurant.
Documents Required for Travel
Official answers: Customs and Border Protection website, TSA.gov, or USA.gov
Unofficial answer: US citizens need a REAL ID-compliant government ID (usually a Driver’s License) for TSA, which will be requested by your airline desk agent, the CBP door guard, the CBP agent, and then TSA. There is a separate CBP line for Global Entry (actual card required) which often allows for shorter wait. Children should have proof of U.S. Citizenship such as a birth certificate, and if not traveling with both parents, a notarized letter of consent signed by non-traveling parent(s). The “is that really necessary” question which generally follows this information is best answered by the official answers links above.
Christiansted Harbor Seaplane Terminal (SSB)
Located at the west end of the Christiansted Boardwalk, the Seaplane Terminal, airport code SPB, has regular flights to St. Thomas Harbor. One advantage to flying the seaplane is that it is direct from downtown to downtown.
The Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas (STT) is served by American, Delta, JetBlue, United, Liat, and Seaborne.
Connecting in STT either by seaplane or ferry to St. Croix is a reasonable plan, especially when visiting multiple islands is a goal.
Packing Tips for a Visit to St Croix
St. Croix (STX) is a rare Caribbean gem where rugged trails meet colonial history. Packing for adventure requires options which are versatile enough for the Christiansted National Historic Site but tough enough for the trek to the Annaly Bay Tide Pools.
The Explorer’s Base Layer
St. Croix is culturally conservative compared to other islands. While "island casual" is the rule, wandering through town or historical venues in just a swimsuit is a major local faux pas.
Moisture-Wicking Apparel: Pack lightweight linen or technical fabrics. They dry fast after a humid hike through the Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve.
The "Town Transition" Piece: A breathable sundress or a high-quality polo shirt paired with tailored shorts allows you to move seamlessly from a morning at Fort Christiansvaern to a seaside lunch.
Sun Shielding: Bring a wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap for windy boat days and a long-sleeved rash guard for snorkeling to minimize sunscreen use.
Performance Footwear
The island’s terrain is diverse, from the slick rocks of the North Shore to the cobblestones of Frederiksted.
Hybrid Hiking Sandals: Choose a pair with toe protection and a "sticky" sole. These are essential for hikes that end in water, like the 3.6-mile trail to the tide pools.
Water Sneakers: If you plan on exploring the rocky shallows of Cane Bay, these offer better traction than flip-flops.
The Eco-Conscious Kit
The USVI strictly enforces a Safe Sunscreen Law. It is illegal to use, sell, or import sunscreens containing "The Toxic 3 Os": Oxybenzone, Octocrylene, and Octinoxate.
Mineral Sunscreen: Pack non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide formulas. Buying these stateside is often significantly cheaper than on-island.
Dry Bag & Waterproof Case: Essential for protecting your phone and car keys during beach outings or a boat tour to Buck Island Reef National Monument.
Insect Defense: Pack an oil-based repellent for "no-see-ums" (sand flies) that emerge at dusk, especially when there is low wind and recent rain.
Crucian Pro-Tip
Always start your interactions with a local greeting: "Good morning," "Good afternoon," or "Good night" (used after 5 PM). This simple courtesy opens doors to the best local recommendations. Note that “Good evening” is not an appropriate option, so get used to “Good night” as a conversation starter rather than a departure phrase.