Taxis
Most visitors utilize St Martin Taxi Service to move around the island at some point. At Princess Juliana International Airport, taxis are available; taxi stands are conveniently positioned directly outside the airport’s Arrivals section. Taxis on both sides of the island are unmetered (although drivers are supposed to carry government-issued rate sheets based on two-person occupancy), so always determine the rate before getting into a cab.
Rates vary depending on which side of the island the taxi is on, however both Dutch and French cabs service the entire island. Taxis in St. Maarten have a minimum fare of two passengers, with each additional passenger costing $4. Each traveller is allowed one free piece of luggage; each additional piece costs $1. The following are typical island fares: Princess Juliana Airport to Grand Case costs $25 for up to two passengers and all luggage; Marigot to Grand Case costs $15; Princess Juliana Airport to anywhere in Marigot costs $15 to $20; Princess Juliana Airport to the Maho Beach Hotel costs $6; and Princess Juliana Airport to Philipsburg costs about $15. Please keep in mind that fares are 25% higher between 10 p.m. and midnight, and 50% higher between midnight and 6 a.m.
Taxis in St. Martin are also for two people, but add roughly $1 for each luggage or valise and $2 for each additional person. These fares are valid from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; after that, they increase by 25% until midnight, then by 50% after midnight. The fare from Marigot to Grand Case is $15, the fare from Princess Juliana Airport to Marigot is $15, and the fare from Princess Juliana Airport to La Samanna is $15.
Car Rentals
The greatest method to experience and explore St. Maarten/St. Martin is by vehicle. And renting a car couldn’t be simpler; car rental firms abound, with locations at airports and around the island. It’s also a cheap way to tour the island, with tariffs starting at roughly $30 or 21€ per day, unlimited mileage, and low distances between villages.
When they arrive at Princess Juliana International Airport, many guests rent vehicles. If you haven’t already reserved a car, you can pick one of the many agencies with kiosks at the airport, both worldwide chains (such Budget, Avis, and Hertz) and local. To avoid the legislation (strictly enforced by the taxi drivers’ union on St. Maarten) that prohibits anyone from picking up a car at the airport, every rental service parks its automobiles nearby. When you hire a car from one of the agency kiosks on the Princess Juliana airport’s Arrivals floor, you will be escorted by company shuttle 5 to 10 minutes away to pick up your automobile.
The Public Bus
If you don’t mind a little annoyance and overcrowding, travelling by public bus (more like a minivan) is a reasonable mode of transportation on St Martin Taxi Service. Buses run daily from 5 a.m. to midnight, serving the majority of main destinations on both sides of the island. The most popular route is from Philipsburg in the Netherlands to Marigot in France. Minibuses are privately owned and operated and typically follow certain routes; the fee is $2 ($2.50 8pm-midnight). Both dollars and euros are accepted on buses.
