TRANSPORTATION ST MAARTEN - Multiple Ways to get Around...

Walk, drive, ride.  Catch a bus or go by water taxi...

The transport options on St Maarten are many and varied. Ultimately your choice is determined by your own budget and needs.

However, whenever one goes to a new place the locals are the people who (generally) are able to give you the best advice on how to get around. Fortunately, here on St Maarten, the locals are a friendly bunch who will willingly help you if you ask them.

Now, depending on HOW you arrive on St Maarten (plane or boat) and how long you intend to stay on the island then planning your transportation while here may well be a wise thing to do. And, this is why I've created this page... to help with your vacation planning.

Modes of transport on St Maarten - AVAILABLE OPTIONS

* Rental Cars
* Taxis
* Water Taxis
* Motor Scooters
* Buses
* Limousines
* Walking

How to identify legitimate transport...

Rental Cars are registered with an R 2047
Taxis are boldly registered with TAXI 15
Busses are registered with BUS 28
Private cars are registered with either M or the newer P plate P 4087
The French side of the island has pretty much a standard plate and looks similar to this – 365 ZA 971

Transportation St Maarten - RENTAL CARS
There are a number of reliable car rental car companies on the Island that cater for stay over and cruise ship guests.  They're easy to find.

Here are a couple of driving-around-the-island tips.

When driving around the island you may need to be aware of the opening times of the Simpson’s bay bridge. The bridge connects the Maho and airport area to Simpson’s Bay and Cole bay, and eventually back into Philipsburg. Also be aware of the goats which may block the streets from time to time. Relax and enjoy. They're just part of the relaxed culture of St Maarten.

Oh and here's another tip.

If you are a visitor from the UK, Europe, Australia, or another country with similar driving rules remember that here on St Maarten we drive on the right side of the road with a left hand steering wheel. You may need to drive cautiously until you 'get the feel' for these changed driving conditions.

Transportation St Maarten - TAXIS and BUSES
Taxis can be street hailed across the island, booked from your accommodation, or are a part of your organized tour. If you're with an organized tour when you land your tour representative will be there to greet you with a pre-arranged tour
bus or taxi. The tour buses range from 12-seater vans to large luxury tour coaches.

And, for the adventurous there is the public bus. It’s cheap and very practical. Philipsburg is the official departure area for 95% of all island bus services. It covers 95 percent of all the main roads on the island including the French side (exception being The French cul-de-sac area).

You can get a local bus for $1.50 US maximum. However, if you're traveling into Grand Case from Philipsburg you'll need a transfer once you reach Marigot (the French capital). This will cost you another $1.50 US.

If you're unsure about the routes or schedules ask the driver or a local. They're always happy to help visitors to St Maarten.

Transportation St Maarten - WALKING on the Island
If you arrive via the cruise facility you can use the guided path, if you have the time and energy to walk it. The path will lead you directly into Philipsburg and it will take you about 15 minutes to complete the walk.

And, once you're on the island, there are a number of walks you can take. Contact me and I'll refer you to the best walking guides. Of course, wherever you walk be aware of the traffic.

Transportation St Maarten - OTHER TRANSPORT METHODS

Again, if you're the adventurous type you can hire a scooter. Scooters can be hired from most car rental companies. Alternatively, there are water taxis to take you around the waterways.

So, as you can see, there are many different ways to get around our Caribbean island of St Maartens, different transport methods for different budgets and personalities.

See Below - Different transportation options

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