St. Thomas is one of the easiest Caribbean islands to fly to from the United States, and that is a big reason people come in from all over for carnival week. If you are flying in for Midnight Riot on April 29, 2027, here is what you need to know.
The airport
St. Thomas is served by Cyril E. King Airport (STT), on the west side of the island. It is a short drive from Charlotte Amalie, where Midnight Riot takes place at Muse.
STT has nonstop service from several East Coast hubs, typically including Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte and New York, with more routes and seasonal flights at different times of year. Many travelers from other cities connect through one of those hubs, or through San Juan, Puerto Rico. Check current schedules with the airlines, since routes change by season.
Do I need a passport?
The U.S. Virgin Islands is a U.S. territory, so U.S. citizens flying from the mainland or Puerto Rico do not need a passport to enter.
There is one thing to know for the trip home. Flights from St. Thomas to the mainland go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the airport before you board. Bring a valid government photo ID, and a passport or passport card makes that step smoother. Non-U.S. citizens follow the same entry rules as for the mainland United States. Check with your airline and official government sources for the latest requirements before you travel.
Planning a side trip to the British Virgin Islands? That does require a passport.
When to arrive and leave
Midnight Riot runs 1:00 AM - 7:00 AM on April 29, 2027. Doors open in the early morning hours of that date, so you head out late on the night before. Plan around that:
- Arrive at least a day before. You want time to rest, eat and get your outfit together. Flying in the same day is how people miss the best part of the night.
- Leave at least a day after. You will not want to sprint from the fete to the airport. Give yourself the next day to sleep and enjoy the island.
- Make it a long weekend. Carnival week on St. Thomas has more to see than one night, and the beaches are not going anywhere.
Book early
Carnival week is one of the busiest weeks of the year on St. Thomas. Flights, rooms and rental cars get more expensive the closer you get. As a rule:
- Book flights as soon as your dates are set.
- Book your room at the same time. See where to stay in St. Thomas for fete weekend.
- Lock in your fete tickets early too, since the price goes up with every tier.
Time zone
The Virgin Islands are on Atlantic Standard Time all year and do not change the clocks. In April, while the mainland is on daylight saving time, St. Thomas is on the same clock as New York and Miami. One less thing to think about.
Money
The U.S. dollar is the currency. Major cards are widely accepted, but bring some cash for taxis, small vendors and tips. ATMs are available around Charlotte Amalie and at shopping centers.
For Midnight Riot tickets, you reserve online and pay with cash or card at a pickup location or at the door. Read how Midnight Riot tickets work.
Phones and data
Many U.S. mobile plans work in the U.S. Virgin Islands like they do at home, but coverage and roaming rules vary by carrier. Check with yours before you go. For the fete itself, a waterproof pouch matters more than your data plan.
Getting around after you land
- Taxis wait at the airport and charge set rates, usually per person. Confirm the fare before you get in.
- Rental cars are available at the airport. Remember that we drive on the left.
- For fete night, do not drive yourself unless you are the designated driver. Arrange a taxi pickup in advance. Our getting there guide covers the details.
What to pack
Beyond your beach bag, pack your fete outfit and kit:
- An outfit you are willing to ruin, in black or white
- Closed shoes with grip
- Sunglasses or clear glasses
- A waterproof phone pouch
- A bandana or cap
Our guides on what to wear to a paint and powder fete and the fete survival kit have the full lists. Leave space in your bag for the trip home, since those clothes may not be coming back with you.
Sample long weekend
- Arrival day: fly in, check in, take it easy and eat well.
- The day before April 29, 2027: beach in the morning, long nap in the afternoon, a real dinner, then head out late for doors.
- April 29, 2027: Midnight Riot from 1:00 AM - 7:00 AM, sunrise, then sleep.
- Last day: pool or beach, then fly home through customs at STT.
That is the trip. All that is left is the ticket. Reserve yours here.
