Confirm the correct side
SXM and Philipsburg are on the Dutch side; SFG, Marigot, and Grand Case are on the French side. Put the exact airport, marina, or hotel on the transport request.
Caribbean Island Guide · SXM / SFG
St. Maarten & Saint-Martin
Regional air hub with Dutch and French ports on one island.
Overview
The southern Dutch country of Sint Maarten and the northern French collectivity of Saint-Martin share one island. Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), Grand Case Airport (SFG), Philipsburg, and Marigot make it a practical connection point for nearby islands.
Known for
- Maho Beach beside the SXM runway
- Philipsburg and Marigot waterfronts
- Grand Case restaurants and Orient Bay
- Ferry and regional-air connections
Things to do
- Watch aircraft approach the SXM runway from Maho Beach
- Walk the Philipsburg boardwalk and Front Street
- Visit Marigot market on the French side
- Stop in Grand Case for restaurants along the waterfront road
Plan the connection
The arrival point matters as much as the island name. Confirm these details before locking a same-day flight, ferry, or activity.
Allow for road transfer time
The two sides share the same road network. Travel time between SXM, Grand Case, Marigot, and the ferry terminals changes with traffic, so do not treat the map distance as a connection time.
Match the onward terminal
Ferries use different ports for different islands and operators. Confirm whether the sailing leaves Philipsburg, Simpson Bay, or Marigot before arranging the airport pickup.
Getting to St. Maarten & Saint-Martin
Most long-haul passengers arrive at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side. Grand Case Airport (SFG) handles regional services on the French side; ferries depart from both Philipsburg and Marigot for nearby islands.
West Indies Helicopters operator locations: St. Martin
Book a crossing serving St. Maarten & Saint-Martin
St. MaartentoSt. Barts
SXM Airport to St. Barts - Full Service
From $235/person
St. MaartentoSt. Barts
SXM Airport to St. Barts - VIP Fast Track
From $385/person
St. MaartentoSt. Barts
SXM Airport to St. Barts - Premium
From $185/person
St. BartstoSt. Maarten
St. Barts to SXM Airport - Full Service
From $235/person
St. BartstoSt. Maarten
St. Barts to SXM Airport - VIP Lounge
From $340/person
St. MaartentoAnguilla
SXM Airport to Anguilla
From $170/person
St. Maarten & Saint-Martin FAQs
How do you get to St. Maarten & Saint-Martin?
Most long-haul passengers arrive at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side. Grand Case Airport (SFG) handles regional services on the French side; ferries depart from both Philipsburg and Marigot for nearby islands.
What is St. Maarten & Saint-Martin known for?
St. Maarten and Saint-Martin are known for the runway view at Maho Beach, the waterfronts of Philipsburg and Marigot, restaurants in Grand Case, and onward ferry and regional-air links.
What is the gateway to St. Maarten & Saint-Martin?
The main gateway is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) and Grand Case Airport (SFG).
What should I arrange before travelling to St. Maarten & Saint-Martin?
Confirm the correct side: SXM and Philipsburg are on the Dutch side; SFG, Marigot, and Grand Case are on the French side. Put the exact airport, marina, or hotel on the transport request. Allow for road transfer time: The two sides share the same road network. Travel time between SXM, Grand Case, Marigot, and the ferry terminals changes with traffic, so do not treat the map distance as a connection time. Match the onward terminal: Ferries use different ports for different islands and operators. Confirm whether the sailing leaves Philipsburg, Simpson Bay, or Marigot before arranging the airport pickup.
Can Strait Passage arrange a helicopter to St. Maarten & Saint-Martin?
Yes. West Indies Helicopters lists St. Martin in its charter form. Strait Passage requests live aircraft availability and returns a confirmed USD quote before booking or payment.
Other destinations
AXA
Anguilla
Long beaches, low-rise development, and a short link from Saint-Martin.
SBH
St. Barthélemy
A small French collectivity reached by regional aircraft or ferry.
SJU
San Juan, Puerto Rico
A major air connection with a walkable historic district.
ANU
Antigua
International air access, sheltered harbours, and a working Georgian dockyard.
BBQ
Barbuda
A low-lying island of lagoons, long beaches, and a small main settlement.
PTP
Guadeloupe
A French Caribbean archipelago centered on Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre.
NEV
Nevis
A volcanic island connected by air and water through St. Kitts and St. Maarten.
SAB
Saba
A steep volcanic island with one road, a small airport, and marine-park diving.
EUX
St. Eustatius (Statia)
A small Dutch Caribbean island built around The Quill and historic Oranjestad.
SKB
St. Kitts
An international gateway with a historic capital and a fortified hilltop.
EIS
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
The BVI’s main air, ferry, and sailing hub.
Plan your trip to St. Maarten & Saint-Martin
Search the current catalog for a priced route and available departure.