Getting from Saint Martin Airport (SXM) to city centre

What is the best way to get to the St. Martin Airport terminal? The most convenient way to get around the island is by renting a car, which is even cheaper than taking taxis all the time.

However, transport along the main roads is also possible by very cheap minibuses, which also go to the airport. For detailed information on travelling around the island, see our guide to St Martin.

Find hotel prices on St. Martin

Rent a car

Rent a car on St. Martin if you want to explore the beaches and natural attractions outside the big cities, which are not accessible by car or taxi.

Car rental companies do not have counters right in the terminal, but are located on the main road from the airport towards Simpson Bay. You must therefore always book your car in advance. In high season, expect car rentals to sell out weeks in advance.

Book a car at SXM Airport in advance

When booking a car, we recommend filling in your flight number. Car rental staff are always waiting outside the terminal and will automatically wait until your arrival in case of delays.

All car rental companies provide free transportation from/to the terminal to their main offices. Please return your car at least 3 hours before departure, as slow moving queues can form on the main street to the airport. Although all rental car companies are located within 3 km of the airport, the free van ride can stretch to over 45 minutes.

Minibuses

Minibuses run around the island with fixed start and end times.

The stops are fixed, however the minibus will stop anywhere along the route. To get off, shout towards the driver "Stop, please". If you want to get on, just wave at a passing van anywhere along the road.

At the airport, minibuses stop at a marked stop on the main road about 100 metres before the terminal.

Minibus stop in front of the terminal

Driving a minivan is not very comfortable if you are traveling with large luggage. However, if you only have a backpack or smaller suitcase, we can recommend a minivan trip, especially if you are staying in a hotel near the route. A taxi would take the same amount of time and you'll pay up to 20 times the price.

The vast majority of minibuses are air-conditioned.

Interior of the minibus, St. Martin

Minibuses on St. Martin

The Philipsburg-Maho line runs past the airport. It is only marked with the destination sign behind the windshield. The line runs from the airport through Simpson Bay and the southern part of Coal Bay. It terminates in downtown Philipsburg.

The line, on the other hand, only goes to the famous beach district of Maho, 1 km away.

There are no direct buses to the French town of Marigot from the airport and you have to take a big detour to Coal Bay.

Prices and tickets

Fares are payable by cash only at the driver and cost 1,50 usd. Only pay in US dollars when you get off the bus.

You do not need to have the exact amount, the driver will also give you change for higher denomination bills (however, it is advisable to pay with bills only up to $20).

Timetable

Minivans run at irregular intervals of 5-10 minutes. The first vans don't leave for the route until around 7:00am and the last vans leave around 8:00pm.

Taxi

Taxis are the best choice of transportation if you have large luggage or don't live near the main road into Philipsburg and don't want to rent a car.

There is an official taxi stand outside the terminal with dispatchers dressed in yellow T-shirts.

Approach the dispatcher, tell him your destination and you will be assigned a specific car.

The vast majority of taxis are vans and due to the scarcity of them, you will most likely be sharing the journey with other passengers. The taxi will take all passengers in turn directly to their addresses.

The price is not split between the passengers and everyone pays the full rate. If you are travelling in pairs, you only pay one rate per pair, not per person.

Payment is made in cash only to the taxi driver on alighting. Prices are fixed and will always be communicated to you by the dispatcher. You can pay in US dollars or euros.