How to get from St. Kitts to Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis are two miles apart, split by a channel called The Narrows. There is no bridge, so you cross by boat. Here are the three ways over, what each costs, and how to pick.

1. The passenger ferry (the usual way)

The scheduled passenger ferry runs between Basseterre Ferry Terminal in St. Kitts and Charlestown Pier in Nevis, several times a day. The crossing takes about 30 minutes.

Passenger ferry at a glance

Basseterre → Charlestown · about 30 minutes

Fares start at $25 ECD adult and $15 ECD child one way, plus a $1 ECD pier tax. Tickets are bought at the terminal (cash, card or cheque). Arrive 30 minutes before departure.

See today’s ferry schedule

You can follow the boats in real time on the live ferry map while you wait.

2. The car ferry (bringing a vehicle)

If you want to take a car across, a vehicle ferry carries vehicles on the shorter Majors Bay crossing, with rates that depend on the size of the vehicle. For a short visit, many people find it simpler to leave the car and rent again on the other island rather than pay to ferry it both ways. Check the schedule for the vehicle sailings running that day.

3. Private water taxi or charter (on your own time)

A private water taxi gives you the whole boat and your own departure time, door to door between beaches and resorts rather than terminal to terminal. It is the usual choice for groups, for a tight cruise-day window, or when the scheduled ferry does not line up with your plans. Popular pairings link the Reggae Beach and Christophe Harbour side of St. Kitts with Oualie Beach and the Four Seasons side of Nevis. Book around 24 hours ahead.

Coming straight from the airport?

Most visitors land at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) in St. Kitts, about 10 to 15 minutes from the Basseterre ferry terminal. From there it is the ferry or a water taxi across. Nevis also has its own smaller airport, Vance W. Amory International (NEV). Live arrivals and departures for both are on the flights page.

Which way should I choose?

On foot and watching the budget: the passenger ferry. Bringing a car: the vehicle ferry, or leave it and rent on Nevis. In a group, short on time, or arriving by cruise: a private water taxi you can time to your own day.

St. Kitts to Nevis: questions people ask

How long does it take to get from St. Kitts to Nevis?

The passenger ferry between Basseterre and Charlestown takes about 30 minutes across The Narrows, the two-mile channel between the islands. A private water taxi can be quicker on the shorter beach-to-beach crossings.

How much is the ferry from St. Kitts to Nevis?

One-way passenger fares start at $25 ECD for adults and $15 ECD for children, plus a $1 ECD pier tax. Round trips are typically $50 ECD adult and $30 ECD child. Buy your ticket at the terminal; cash, card and cheques are accepted on board.

Can I take a car from St. Kitts to Nevis?

Yes. A vehicle ferry carries cars on the shorter Majors Bay crossing, with rates by vehicle size. If you are on a day trip, it is often simpler to leave the car and rent again on the other side. See the ferry schedule for what is running.

Is there a faster or private way across?

Yes. A private water taxi or charter takes the whole boat on your own schedule, door to door between beaches and resorts, which is the usual choice off a cruise call or for a group.

How do I get to Nevis from St. Kitts airport?

Most visitors fly into Robert L. Bradshaw International (SKB) in St. Kitts, about 10 to 15 minutes from the Basseterre ferry terminal, then take the ferry or a water taxi. Nevis also has its own smaller airport (NEV). See flights.

Can I track the ferry live?

Yes, follow every sailing on the live ferry map, updated every 20 seconds while operators are broadcasting their position.