USVI-On-Line

Trying to decide if we want to catch a regular cab to Red Hook, or go with the Rachel that I've seen mentioned on here several times. Our concern is that we don't land till 3PM, and by the time we wait for luggage, cabs, ferry, rental car, etc - it may be dark by the time we take the unfamiliar drive over to Coral Bay. Is Rachel worth it? - How much does she charge? How much do regular cabs charge?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Rachel is great and will be at the airport waiting for you when you get there.

We booked Rachel for 2/18. She was NOT there waiting for us when we got to the airport. If I hadn't called her, then started a search of the parking lot looking for a 'white lincoln' we'd still be at the airport, because her guy wasn't looking for us! Then we finally got going, we had to pull over and wait another 15-20 minutes while she brought another couple to stuff into the car with us. You decide. Cost $40.

Maybe you can be more clear in what you're hiring her to do!

I used Rachel Feb. 24th. She called the day prior to our arrival as she had added 1 person to our ride and wanted to confirm that we did not have checked baggage to wait for. This person was also flying with only carry on bags. Our rate was $50 for the 2 of us. When she added the 3rd our rate was $20 each. She was waiting at the door with our name on a white board. On the return trip, we happened to get in a taxi van that filled relatively quick..3 per seat! This direction isn't so bad because most people are headed to the airport. When you are arriving, it can be quite time comsuming if the other passengers are going to someplace other than Red Hook.

The taxis are already at the airport and you just tell them if you are going to Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie Ferry, and they will tell you which jam packed (supposedly air conditioned) van to get in. My recommendation is not to sit in the way back of the van...no air circulation.

The only way that a private taxi will get you to Red Hook any faster than a regular taxi is if you get assigned to a taxi that makes a stop on the way to Red Hook to drop off passengers. While I don't travel to StJ this time of year, we have never had a stop on the way to the ferry terminal in november-december or even january.
Even with a private taxi it seems(by stories related here and other forums recently) that you might stop to either drop off or pick up other passengers

If they are busy there will be taxis that go directly to Red Hook - you have to ask.

Rachel was not there waiting for us on a recent visit, and her car was full. We got off later than everyone in the regular cabs, but made the same ferry.

We paid $20 each plus tip to Rachel. Last year the regular cab cost us $26 total for both of us.

24 years traveling to SJ, several times a year using airport taxi and almost always had at least 1 stop going to Red Hook. When I used Rachel it was always non-stop to Red Hook. If you're landing at 3:00 PM, waiting for luggage and destination is Coral Bay, I would definitely book Rachel and tell her Red Hook 4:00 PM ferry is a must. You don't mention day of the week or number of people.

Sorry, it's a Tuesday and there will be 2 of us

With all of the "word of mouth" recommendations here I'm sure Rachel gets pretty busy during popular travel weeks and she's the type to try to accomdate everyone as much as possible. We travel during the off season so have never had to share her cab. One advantage that I always enjoy with Rachel is the pleasant conversation and running commentary on the local landmarks as you make your way to Red Hook.

I am just getting a look at this thread. How do I connect with Rachel? We (party of 2) want to go to Cost U Less grocery on St. Thomas before getting to Red Hook. Would Rachel accommodate this? Thanks for the info. This is a great help!

Rachel contact, 340-771-2986. She is very accommodating.