Getting Around Sint Maarten

Rental car

The most practical and most economical way to get around Sint Maarten is a rental car. The island rewards exploration — beaches, restaurants, and villages that no shuttle or taxi will take you to on your own schedule. Rates are among the lowest in the Caribbean due to fierce local competition, and the car can be delivered to your hotel or collected directly at the airport.

A rental car for $35-40 a day pays for itself before you leave the airport parking lot.

Taxis

Taxis are available at Princess Juliana International Airport, the cruise ship terminal, and most major hotels. There are no meters — drivers operate on official fixed rates. After 10pm fares rise 25 percent; after midnight, 50 percent.

The rates are steep. The ride from the airport to Maho — a trip that takes ten minutes on foot — costs $15. A week of island life relying on taxis adds up fast, and the island's best beaches and restaurants are not reachable by taxi at all unless you want a driver waiting at your expense.

There is no Uber or rideshare service on Sint Maarten.

Public buses

Buses run between the main population centers from early morning until midnight and fares are paid in US dollars. They are clean and used regularly by residents. For budget-conscious visitors staying near the main routes, they are a viable option. For a more detailed look at the bus network and routes, see our dedicated public transport article.