Henry E. Rohlsen Airport

Overview

Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) serves as the main air gateway to the island of St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Named after a prominent local aviator, the airport handles scheduled and charter flights primarily from other Caribbean islands, the U.S. mainland, and Puerto Rico. It is a vital link for tourism, business, and cargo, connecting the island’s historic towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted with the outside world. While smaller than its counterpart on St. Thomas, the airport is modern and efficiently sized for the volume of traffic it receives—mostly regional jets and turboprop aircraft. Passengers arriving here are typically on vacation, visiting family, or conducting business related to the island’s tourism, agriculture, or rum industries.

Location & Access

The airport is located about 7 miles southwest of Christiansted and roughly 6 miles east of Frederiksted, along the southern coast of St. Croix. Its address is 93 Airport Road, Christiansted, VI 00820. The terminal sits just off the Melvin H. Evans Highway, the main road that runs across the island from east to west.

Getting to and from the airport:

• Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals area. Fares are regulated and posted; a ride to Christiansted typically costs around $15–$20, and to Frederiksted about $15–$25. It is best to confirm the rate before departing.
• Rental Cars: Several major rental car agencies have desks inside the terminal. Driving is on the left side of the road, and a valid driver’s license from your home country is accepted for up to 90 days.
• Hotel Shuttles: Many resorts and hotels in the Christiansted area offer complimentary or paid shuttle services. Arrange this in advance with your accommodation.
• Public Transport: Public buses (called “vitrans”) run along the main highway but are infrequent and may not align with flight schedules. Renting a car or taking a taxi is more reliable for most travellers.

The airport does not have direct water access; ferries to St. Thomas and other islands depart from Gallows Bay in Christiansted and Frederiksted, about a 20-minute drive from the airport.

Facilities

Henry E. Rohlsen Airport offers a range of services aimed at making the passenger experience comfortable and accessible. Confirmed amenities include:

• Wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilets: The airport is fully compliant with accessibility standards, making it easy for passengers with mobility challenges to navigate the terminal.
• Baggage storage: Convenient for those with layovers or early arrivals before hotel check-in. Rates are reasonable; inquire at the counter.
• Toilets and baby changing table: Clean restrooms with baby care facilities located in the main terminal.
• On-site services: A small café/snack bar offers light meals, drinks, and local snacks. There is also a gift shop selling souvenirs, clothing, and essentials. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.

Additional services include flight information displays, a lost and found counter, and a small seating area. The terminal is compact, so everything is within a short walk. There are no duty-free shops or lounges, but the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

Note: The airport is not open 24/7. It closes after the last flight of the day and reopens before the first departure. Peak hours are around 1–2 PM when several flights arrive and depart, so expect slightly busier queues during that time.

About the Region

St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is known for its lush green hills, stunning beaches, and rich history. The island was once a Danish colony and the sugar trade left a legacy of plantation ruins, windmills, and the historic towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted. Christiansted, the main commercial centre, features 18th-century Danish architecture and the Christiansted National Historic Site. Frederiksted is quieter, with a Victorian boardwalk and access to the island’s best diving spots.

Tourists come for the year-round warm weather, snorkelling, scuba diving at Buck Island Reef National Monument, and exploring the rainforest and botanical gardens. The island also has a vibrant local culture, with festivals such as the St. Croix Carnival in December/January. The airport’s role is crucial in supporting this tourism, as well as the export of rum, fresh produce, and handicrafts.

Practical Information

• Website: www.viport.com — The Virgin Islands Port Authority manages the airport. The site provides flight schedules, parking info, and current conditions.
• Phone: +1 340-778-1012 — For general inquiries, lost property, or flight information.
• Hours of Operation: The terminal opens approximately two hours before the first flight and closes after the last arrival. It is not open all days; check with your airline for specific holiday closures or reduced hours. Passengers are advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before departure for inter-island flights and two hours for international flights.
• Parking: A short-term and long-term parking lot is located directly in front of the terminal. Parking is free.
• Currency: U.S. dollar. ATMs are available in the terminal. Many businesses accept credit cards.
• Customs and Immigration: As a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens do not need a passport for domestic travel, but a government-issued ID is required. Direct flights from international destinations clear customs in St. Croix; connecting passengers may clear in San Juan or Miami.

Whether you are arriving for a beach holiday, a dive trip, or a business meeting, Henry E. Rohlsen Airport offers a straightforward, welcoming entry point to St. Croix. Its compact layout and helpful staff make for a stress-free start to your island experience.