Transportation in St Maarten
With two nations and 140 nationalities strewn across 95 square kilometres of undulating landscape and beaches, St Maarten is a kaleidoscope of beauty and diversity.Attractions and sandy beaches abound. The south of the island is the Dutch side, St Maarten, which is where the action is. Philipsburg on the south coast is full of shops, casinos, restaurants and, when cruise ships are docked, crowds. To the west, Maho, near the airport, is much the same without the hordes. The north of the island is the French side, St Martin, which is quieter with epicurean restaurants in Grand Case on the north coast and in the French capital, St Marigot, to the west.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Car
Taxis can be quite costly and since attractions are spread across the island, a car hire is the most sensible solution. There are several to choose from. Rental costs are low for the Caribbean, but fuel is not. Because of the exchange rate, it is most practical to hire in St Maarten. Although cars give visitors freedom to explore the island, parking in Philipsburg, Grand Case and Marigot is often a problem. Also, signage is almost non-existent. Do not leave valuables in parked cars.
Taxi
Hail a taxi from the street or phone Dutch Taxi Dispatch (tel: #147) or French Taxi Dispatch (Tel: 590/87—56—54). There are no meters. Tariffs are regulated by zones. Fares rise 25% between 10pm and midnight and 50% from 12am to 6am. Many drivers hire themselves out as guides.
Coach
Private coaches operate routes to both Philipsburg and Marigot. During peak hours (8am -10pm and 2pm-6pm) they run approximately every 10 minutes. There are set fees from the airport to Philipsburg and to Marigot. The trip to Marigot necessitates a coach transfer. There is also a network of mini-buses. There are marked stops along the roadside, but you can be picked up and dropped off anywhere on the route.
Foot
Walking is always an option if you are in Marigot, Maho, Philipsburg or Grand Case. Walking on the regular road is not advisable as traffic is often quite congested and it's easy to get lost.
Boat
Sailing and snorkelling trips are popular island activities. Ferries offer a daily service to neighbouring islands like St Barths, Saba and Anguilla. They depart from the docks in Simpson Bay and Marigot.
Rent your car
It’s easy enough to navigate the island Saint Martin with a recent map, with just a few roads leading from the French north to the Dutch south (Sint Maarten). Parking can be a problem in towns; arrive early to find a free space and avoid parking in a restricted area.
Transportation Tips
Traffic is often heavy during the day when the ships are docked. Though the locals will say that it is difficult to get lost, that is not true. Signage is poor and roads are not always in the best of shape.
