Arriving by Air

Fantastic Flights of Fancy

Note: There are no direct flights from Canada, Europe, or South America to the British Virgin Islands' main airport (Tortola’s Terrence B. Lettsome Airport, a.k.a. EIS). However, several excellent connecting airports surround the islands. All flights to the BVI connect through another Caribbean island airport (such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, or St. Maarten). Your travel agent or international airline will be able to assist with booking flights.

DIRECT flights from Miami to Beef Island, BVI starting June, 1st, 2023 with American Airlines

If you plan to continue on to Virgin Gorda (VIJ), Anegada, Peter Island, or Jost van Dyke, we recommend that you check with your hotel, resort, or villa to make sure that charter flights or ferry service will be available (especially if arriving after 4pm). Private boat charters can also be arranged via St. Thomas, Road Town or Beef Island. Otherwise, plan to spend a night or two in Tortola before exploring the rest of the archipelago.

The BVI’s major airports are: 

Regular service from San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) to Virgin Gorda (VIJ) is available via Cape Air and Tradewind Aviation. Additionally. Many charter airlines also offer service to Anegada. Visit our Inter-Island Aviation section for more information.

Flights via the USA

The most direct flight from North America to BVI is Miami, FL  to Beef Island, BVI on American Airlines.

North America with stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU). Frequent connecting flight service is offered by:

Charter airline service can be arranged from almost anywhere in the Caribbean, as well. See our Inter-Island Aviation section for more information on airline charter companies.

Flights via St. Thomas (STT):

If you choose to arrive via St. Thomas, you can catch regular flights to Tortola and Virgin Gorda on Cape Air and Seaborne Airlines. Caribbean Buzz Helicopters also offer airport transfers to/from Beef Island (EIS) and St. Thomas (STT).

Many  travellers opt to take one of the frequent ferries that travel between downtown Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook, St. Thomas and the BVI. Ferry service is available to Virgin Gorda on select days and to Tortola every day via West End or Road Town.

Getting to the ferry from St. Thomas Airport is easy via taxi. Simply let the driver know that you need to take the next ferry to Tortola or Virgin Gorda (with connections to Anegada and Jost Van Dyke). The taxi drivers are well-versed in, schedule changes and will make sure you reach the proper terminal for your connection. 

Please note: Ferries from St. Thomas to Tortola and Virgin Gorda (with connections to Anegada and Jost Van Dyke) only operate during daylight hours. The last ferry is usually around 4:30/5pm. When booking travel, ensure that your flight arrives in time for the transfer to Charlotte Amalie (approximately 10 minutes) or Red Hook (approximately 45 minutes). If this isn’t possible, it’s advisable to make arrangements for an overnight stay in St. Thomas in order to catch the ferry the following morning (service begins at approximately 7:30 a.m.).

Flights via Antigua (ANU)

Travellers from the UK may find it easiest to travel directly to/from Antigua by way of the VC Bird International Airport. Connecting flights to Tortola can be booked via LIAT and Caribbean Airlines (also via Barbados). In addition, interCaribbean Airways and VI Airlink offer non-stop flights for passengers on both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. Private charter flights are also available. Check each airline’s website for any fares and schedules.

Flights via St. Maarten (SXM)

Scheduled service is available from St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport via Winair.

For further information about the airlines and their routes, please click the following links: