The USVI are located just east of Puerto Rico. The main city in the St. Thomas Island is Charlotte Amalie. The main campus of the University of the Virgin Islands is also located on St Thomas, a few miles west of town, and just next to the airport. The airport terminal, however, is on the other side of the runway, so you'll have to go around the runway in order to get from the airport to the university. Expect 5-10 minutes drive, or (not recommended) 30 – 45 minutes walk (with little shade). You can find a map of the hotel location HERE. A map of attraction/restaurant areas near the hotels is also displayed HERE.
The Conference and Public Talk will be at the Administration and Conference Center (ACC building, number 32 in this map).
Further touristic information are at this page.
Direction to/from the US mainland:
The main and only airport in the St. Thomas island is Cyril E. King Airport (STT). There are several direct flights from main US cities, including Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, Charlotte (NC). Connecting airports are also Miami, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Fort Lauderdale. Keep in mind that the STT airport last in-bound flight from Miami is usually at 5:30pm. Connections with Puerto Rico are frequent (flight is only 19 minutes) and reliable.
We do NOT recommend flying into St. Croix, since the island is much further South and it may add an extra day of layover.
This “citizenship control”/passport control occurs at the airport here in the USVI before departure. For that reason, it may take longer than expected to get to the gate. Please plan your arrival at the airport accordingly.
From abroad:
For more information, please visit https://www.cbp.gov/
There is a public bus service on St Thomas, however it is highly unreliable and not recommended. If you nevertheless are interested, more information can be found here:
Safari bus:
“Safari buses” (converted trucks with seating in the back) runs from the University in the west, through town, and wiggle their way to Red Hook on the east end of the island, then a different route back to town and on to the University. They are privately operated, do not run on a schedule but do run fairly frequent. You can flag them down to get on and get off pretty much anywhere. There is a “door-bell” that you push to signal that you want to get off. You pay the driver when getting off. $1 for shorter rides, $2 for longer. The driver will appreciate tip. A map of the route can be found here:
https://plus.google.com/113507720810321204961/posts/7W81fBGjzqr
Taxi:
Taxis are usually available outside the airport terminal.
Driving:
Several car rental agencies are available at and around the airport. Please note that we drive on the left side of the road on the USVI. Most cars are imported from the mainland US, and therefore have the steering wheel on the left. Roads are paved, but are often in a less than desirable condition with many holes.
If you have a valid US driver's license, it can be used for up to 90 days here. People with foreign driver's licenses should get an international license if they plan on driving here.
Please note:
Neither public buses nor Safari buses go to the airport.