Saint Martin Airport

Princess Juliana International Airport (IATA code: SXM) is one of the most spectacular airports in the world, famous for its breathtaking landings above Maho Beach.

Located on the Dutch side of the island of Saint Martin, this airport is the main access point for both Dutch (Sint Maarten) and French (Saint Martin) sides of the island. The airport is located in the south-west of the island, only 15 minutes from the centre of Philipsburg, the lively capital of the Dutch side (4 km).

Its convenient location makes it easy to reach all the major resorts on the island: Marigot, the capital of the French part, can be reached in about 20 minutes (7 km), while the renowned Grand Case, with its gourmet restaurants, is about 25 minutes (10 km) away. The popular seaside resorts of Orient Bay and Simpson Bay can be reached in 30 minutes (12 km) and 5 minutes (2 km) respectively.

Completely rebuilt after the passage of Hurricane Irma in 2017, the airport is now a modern facility that handles over 1.5 million passengers a year, serving as a crucial hub for connections to Europe, North America and the rest of the Caribbean.

Getting around

Car hire

Car hire is the most recommended option for visiting Saint Martin, allowing you to easily explore both parts of the island and in total autonomy. The main car rental companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise) have offices in the arrivals terminal. Due to the limited availability of vehicles and high demand, advance booking is strongly recommended.

Taxi

Taxis are the most popular means of transport for travel from the airport. The service is available 24 hours a day at the dedicated area outside the arrivals terminal. Fares are regulated and vary according to destination and time of day. A ride to Philipsburg costs approximately $20-25 during the day. It is important to note that taxis accept both US dollars and euros, but it is advisable to agree on the currency and fare before departure.

Buses

The collective minibus service (locally called ‘bus’) connects the airport with the main locations on the island. These vehicles are recognisable by the number plate that starts with ‘bus’ and offer an inexpensive option for getting around ($2-3 per ride). The service is informal and the timetables are not fixed, but the frequency is good during daylight hours. Minibuses stop on request along the route.

Shuttle

Many hotels and resorts offer a private shuttle service for their guests. This service must be booked in advance, usually when booking accommodation. Some private companies also offer shared shuttle services at cheaper rates than private taxis.

Arrivals and Departures

Recommended hotels

Below is a list of recommended hotels near Saint Martin Airport.