On the Ground

On the Ground

Most visitors rent a car upon arrival, but taxi service is available at the airport with fixed fares to all hotels on the island, and you'll be able to pay the fare in U.S. dollars. Although the island is small, it's still a long drive to many hotels on the French side, and the fares will add up. On the other hand, it can be hard to find your way around the island at night, and traffic and parking can be maddening, so some smart visitors drive themselves around during the day, but use taxis at night. Renting a Car: The best and most economical way to get around St. Maarten is by car. You can book a car at Juliana International Airport, where all major rental companies have booths. They provide a shuttle to the rental-car lot. There are both major car-rental chains as well as reputable local companies. Rates are among the best in the Caribbean. But it's usually even cheaper to reserve a car before you arrive. The only downside is that traffic can be very heavy and parking is especially difficult during the day.