Traveling by ferry from Tortola to Virgin Gorda typically takes between 16 and 35 minutes, depending on your departure port. The journey covers approximately 11 nautical miles across the British Virgin Islands. With around 8 ferries operating daily, passengers have plenty of flexible options to travel between Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Ticket prices usually start at about $20 one way, making this a quick, convenient, and affordable route for exploring the islands.
Check out the ferry schedule below to see when ferries are operating between Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
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Travelling from Virgin Gorda to Tortola by ferry
Taking the ferry from Tortola to Virgin Gorda is a fast and convenient way to hop between the islands. Depending on your departure port, you can leave from Road Town or Trellis Bay (Beef Island), with both offering easy connections to Virgin Gorda.
Ferries from Road Town usually take around 30 minutes, while the Trellis Bay route is shorter at about 16 to 18 minutes. The Trellis Bay route is especially handy if you’re heading to Virgin Gorda after landing at Beef Island, with regular ferries departing throughout the day. Plus, Trellis Bay has some nice bars and restaurants, perfect for relaxing before your trip.
With around eight ferries operating daily between Virgin Gorda and Tortola, you’ll have plenty of options to fit your schedule. Tickets generally start at about $20 one way, making this an affordable choice for both visitors and locals.
Tortola’s ferry terminals are easy to navigate. Road Town’s terminal is centrally located, with taxis, buses, and rental car services just steps from the dock. Trellis Bay terminal is smaller but convenient for quick transfers to Beef Island Airport. Staff at both terminals are usually friendly and happy to help if you need directions or advice.
This route is popular, especially on weekends and holidays, as locals and tourists often travel between the islands. While it can get busier during peak times, the ride itself is short and scenic, with turquoise waters and beautiful views of the surrounding islands.
Overall, the Tortola to Virgin Gorda ferry is a simple, affordable, and picturesque way to explore the British Virgin Islands. With frequent departures, flexible schedules, and short travel times, it’s a stress-free option whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer island adventure.
Visitors to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) may not require a visa, depending on their nationality. Nationals from countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and members of the European Union are typically exempt from obtaining a visa for short stays. However, travelers from other countries may need to apply for a visa before arrival. It's essential to verify the specific entry requirements based on your nationality and travel purpose. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the official BVI government website or contact the nearest BVI consulate or embassy.
To visit the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), travellers must adhere to U.S. entry requirements, as the USVI is a U.S. territory. Nationals from countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can enter without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. Other travellers may need to obtain a U.S. visa before arrival. It's essential to check the specific entry requirements based on your nationality and travel purpose. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, click the button below
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When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) or the British Virgin Islands (BVI), you may be asked to provide additional documents at immigration. This can include proof of onward or return travel, confirmation of accommodation or a yacht charter booking, and evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay. Having these documents ready helps ensure a smooth entry and demonstrates that you meet the territories’ entry requirements.
All travelers to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) must complete a Customs and Immigration declaration form online within 72 hours before arrival. This can be done at https://bviedcard.gov.vg/en. Submitting the form in advance helps streamline your entry process and ensures compliance with BVI immigration requirements.
Fill In FromCheck out the ferry schedule below to see when ferries are operating between Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
How early should I arrive at the ferry dock?
For local routes such as Tortola to Virgin Gorda or St. Thomas to St. John, arriving at the ferry dock about 30 minutes before departure is recommended. This gives you time to purchase your ticket (if you haven’t booked online), check luggage, and board comfortably. Many ferries use first-come, first-served seating, so arriving a little earlier may help you secure a better seat.
For routes like St. Thomas to Tortola or Virgin Gorda to St. Thomas, plan to arrive at the terminal at least 60–90 minutes before departure. International ferry check-in often involves:
- Waiting in line to buy or collect tickets
- Checking luggage (and possibly paying extra fees for large bags)
- Paying departure or port taxes (such as the BVI departure tax)
- Clearing customs and immigration before boarding
Allowing extra time ensures you won’t miss your ferry, especially during peak travel seasons when lines are longer.
Can I buy tickets at the dock, or should I book online in advance?
Yes, you can buy ferry tickets directly at the dock in both the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). For most routes, ferries are rarely sold out, and even if one boat is full, there’s usually another departure within a couple of hours.
While many operators now allow online booking, buying at the dock is often more flexible. That’s because tickets are not interchangeable between ferry companies. If your booked ferry is delayed or canceled, you may need to purchase a new ticket with another operator and then request a refund for your original one — which can take time.
- For domestic ferries (like Tortola ↔ Virgin Gorda or St. Thomas ↔ St. John), buying tickets at the dock is usually fine.
- For international ferries (like St. Thomas ↔ Tortola), online booking is convenient, but arriving early and buying at the dock often gives you more flexibility if plans change.
What should I do if I’m trying to catch a ferry after flying into the Virgin Islands?
If you’re flying into St. Thomas (STT) and need to catch a ferry to the British Virgin Islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, or Anegada), it’s important to plan ahead. Ferries from St. Thomas to Tortola (Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook to Road Town or West End) typically stop running by late afternoon. Because of this, we recommend booking your flight to arrive as early in the day as possible, giving you a comfortable window to clear customs, collect luggage, take a taxi to the ferry terminal, and catch your boat.
If your flight arrives too late to make the last ferry, you may need to overnight in St. Thomas and continue the next morning.
For domestic ferries within the BVI (like Tortola to Virgin Gorda) or within the USVI (St. Thomas to St. John), you’ll usually have more flexibility. These routes often run later into the evening, so you’re less likely to miss your connection.
Can I bring food or drinks on the ferry?
Yes, most ferry operators in the Virgin Islands allow passengers to bring their own snacks, food, and non-alcoholic drinks on board. This applies to both domestic ferries within the BVI or USVI and international ferries between the two territories. Some ferries also sell light refreshments, but options can be limited, so it’s a good idea to bring water or snacks, especially on longer routes like St. Thomas to Tortola. Alcohol is generally not permitted, and if you are traveling internationally, keep in mind that certain food or drinks may need to be declared at customs. Always dispose of any trash properly or take it with you when you disembark.
Can I travel with large luggage or sports gear (like surfboards or dive bags)?
Yes, most ferry operators in the Virgin Islands allow passengers to bring large or oversized items such as surfboards, dive bags, or professional equipment cases. These items are usually checked and stored separately from standard luggage, and there is often an additional fee depending on the size and type of gear. Charges can vary by operator, so it’s best to review the details when booking your ticket or check with the ferry company directly before you travel.
Do children need tickets, and do infants travel free?
On most domestic ferry routes within the Virgin Islands, infants usually travel for free, while children require a child ticket at a reduced price compared to adult fares. For international ferries between the BVI and USVI, infants often do not travel free because government taxes and port fees still apply, even for very young passengers. It’s always best to confirm the fare policy with your ferry operator in advance, as rules can vary slightly by route and company.
Can I use a credit card to buy ferry tickets?
Yes, on most routes you can pay for ferry tickets with a credit card either at the ticket office or, in some cases, onboard the ferry. However, it’s important to know that card machines are not always reliable in the Virgin Islands, and if the system is down you may need to pay in cash instead. For this reason, we recommend always carrying enough cash as a backup. Most ferry operators accept Visa and Mastercard, but American Express is often not accepted, so plan accordingly when arranging payment.
Are ferries wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, most ferries in the British Virgin Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands are not fully wheelchair accessible. Dock heights vary from island to island, and the fleets include both older and newer vessels, making consistency difficult. Some operators will do their best to assist passengers with mobility challenges, but boarding may still require being lifted or helped onto the ferry. If you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair, it’s best to contact the ferry operator in advance to discuss options and make arrangements, or to consider alternative transport if accessibility is a priority.
Do ferries ever get cancelled due to weather?
Yes, ferries in the Virgin Islands can be cancelled due to weather, though it is relatively uncommon. The vessels are designed to handle rougher sea conditions, and operators work closely with the Coast Guard to monitor forecasts days in advance. If a cancellation is likely, most ferry companies will notify passengers at least a day or two ahead of time rather than at the last minute. Sudden cancellations are rare, but always allow for some flexibility in your travel plans during hurricane season or periods of rough seas.
