Moving to St. Croix is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make — but it comes with a checklist, and near the top of that list is figuring out your car situation. The island is small (just 84 square miles), but a car is essential. Public transit consists of open-air safari buses running set routes — $1 per person for short routes, $2 for longer ones — plus taxis that charge per person plus luggage fees. Both are handy occasionally, but neither works as a daily driver for most people.

The good news: you have three solid options. And when you are ready to find your home here, browse our current St. Croix listings.

Option 1: Buy a Car on Island

The most common route. There are several car dealerships on St. Croix selling both new and used vehicles, so you have options from day one.

Buying new: New car prices include customs fees and shipping charges — expect to pay roughly 15-25% more than the stateside sticker price.

Buying used: Facebook Marketplace is now the most active used car market in the USVI. Have any vehicle inspected by a local mechanic before buying — the island environment is hard on cars.

What to buy: An SUV with solid ground clearance. Heat, humidity, road salt, and rough terrain accelerate wear on lower-profile vehicles. Toyota 4Runners, Jeep Wranglers, and Honda Pilots all hold up well.

Budget for gas: Gas prices can run up to twice the mainland rate — all fuel must be shipped to the island. Factor this into your monthly costs from day one.

Pro Tip: Watch for Rental Fleet Sales

One of the best-kept secrets for buying a used car on St. Croix is purchasing from a rental fleet sale. Local rental companies like Centerline Car Rental periodically sell off their fleet — and these are some of the most reliable used vehicles you can find on island. They’re regularly serviced, island-tested, and you know exactly what conditions they’ve seen. Keep an eye on stxrentalcar.com for upcoming fleet sales — worth checking before you commit to anything else. Working with a Sea Glass Properties agent? Mention Sea Glass when you book for a discount on rentals and fleet purchases.

 

Centerline Fleet Sale

 

Option 2: Ship Your Car to St. Croix

 

If you own a reliable vehicle you trust, shipping it often makes sense — especially if it is under 10 years old and in solid shape.

Cost: Shipping runs roughly $1,500-$3,500 depending on vehicle size and origin port. Do not forget the USVI vehicle import duty of up to 6% of the vehicle value based on country of manufacture — a cost many first-timers miss entirely.

Licensed shippers to St. Croix:

Timeline: Allow 2-4 weeks from port drop-off to island pickup. Book early if you are on a tight moving schedule.

Option 3: Rent While You Get Settled (The Underrated Move)

Most people overlook this — and it is often the smartest first step. Rather than rushing to buy or ship a vehicle before you have even arrived, rent locally for your first few weeks. Use the time to explore the island’s nine Quarters, find the right neighborhood, and make a thoughtful long-term car decision once you understand how you will actually be living here.

Our trusted local partner for this is Centerline Car Rental — St. Croix’s go-to for relocators and new residents. They know the island and they understand what the moving process looks like. Their St. Croix FAQ is one of the best practical guides for new arrivals we have seen — worth a read before you land. Ask your Sea Glass Properties agent about the Centerline discount — it’s one of the perks of working with us.

Things Nobody Tells You About Driving in St. Croix

You drive on the left. St. Croix follows left-side traffic — a holdover from Danish colonial rule — but most vehicles are American left-hand-drive. It takes about a week to feel natural. Go slow at first, especially at unmarked intersections.

Road conditions vary. Some stretches are smooth; others will test your suspension. Ground clearance matters here more than it ever did stateside.

One car often does the job. At 84 square miles, St. Croix is compact. Many households manage with a single vehicle. Wait until you have settled in before committing to a second car.

You need USVI auto insurance. Your vehicle requires local coverage — shop around, rates vary significantly. While you are at it, budget for property insurance too: most USVI lenders require windstorm and earthquake coverage at roughly 1.8-2.5% of replacement value annually.

Island time is real. Services move at a slower pace than the mainland. Patience and flexibility are key — and part of what makes this place worth it.

Ready to Find Your Home in St. Croix?

The car is just one piece of the puzzle. Sea Glass Properties has helped hundreds of people make the move to St. Croix — from choosing the right neighborhood to navigating the USVI buying process. With over 40 local agents and more than $121 million in sales, we know this island better than anyone.

Browse all St. Croix homes for sale

St. Croix: 340.715.7772 | seaglassproperties.com

Equal Housing Opportunity. Information sourced in part from the Sea Glass Properties St. Croix Home Buyer’s Guide 2025.