Cyril E. King Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Cyril E. King sits about 4 km west of Charlotte Amalie, but the capital's traffic can stretch the journey to 20-25 minutes: for those with an early-morning flight it's worth staying on this side of the island, between the city and the Frenchman's Reef peninsula. Those heading instead for the east coast, toward Red Hook and the beaches of Sapphire Beach, should allow 30-45 minutes by car depending on traffic, a detail worth considering if arriving late at night or leaving early.

Charlotte Amalie and Frenchman's Reef

Airport area · Hampton by Hilton, opposite the Havensight shopping centre, is about 6.5 km from the terminal (15-20 minutes); the Buoy Haus Beach Resort, on the Frenchman's Reef peninsula on the other side of the bay, is about 5.6 km away (15 minutes).

Best for: Those wanting the shortest transfer from the airport while still staying close to the capital's shops, port and restaurants.

Pros

One of the island's shortest transfers for those with an early-morning flight
The cruise-ship port, Havensight Mall and Charlotte Amalie's historic centre just minutes away

Cons

The capital's rush-hour traffic can lengthen a transfer that looks short on paper
The island's best beaches remain on the east side, half an hour away or more

Recommended hotels in this area

Hampton By Hilton Saint Thomas: The first Hilton hotel in the US Virgin Islands, opened in 2025 opposite Havensight Mall; a 5-minute walk from the cruise port and half a mile from Yacht Haven Grande.
Buoy Haus Beach Resort St Thomas Autograph Collection: A 94-room boutique wing reopened in 2023 after the $425 million rebuild of Frenchman's Reef, with direct beach access and ocean-view pools; on the other side of the bay from downtown Charlotte Amalie.

See more hotels in this area →

Red Hook and Sapphire Beach

Neighbourhood · About 30-45 minutes by car or taxi from the airport depending on traffic, 17-19 km; it is also the longest journey among the two airports and tourist areas of the USVI islands described here.

Best for: Those wanting the east coast's beaches and the ferry to St John within easy reach, accepting the island's longest transfer from the airport.

Pros

White-sand beaches and calm waters, among the island's best for snorkelling
Red Hook is the departure point for the ferries to St John, handy for those wanting to visit both islands

Cons

The island's longest transfer from the airport, to be planned with margin for early-morning flights
A sprawling residential and tourist area, with less concentrated nightlife than Charlotte Amalie

Recommended hotels in this area

Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina: Condo-resort with its own marina right on the beach at Sapphire Bay, a departure point for boat trips to St John and the British Virgin Islands; about 30 minutes from the airport.
Elysian Beach Resort: A resort surrounded by greenery next to the St Thomas Yacht Club, a minute's walk from Cowpet Bay; on the opposite side of the island from the airport, toward the eastern tip.

See more hotels in this area →