St Martin
 

What is the best (cheapest) way to get to the French side of the island for some shopping and sightseeing? Are there buses or would you take a taxi? And about how much should the fare be? Thanks so much!

From the cruise dock to Marigot a taxi will cost you about $15 to $20 one way.<BR><BR>Peter

It's a fair distance. Back when I stayed there, I took the bus. The bus was actually a van that had to be flagged down at a bus stop. If you didn't flag it down, it would drive right by. Maybe someone here knows if the situation is the same today, and knows the current fare. At any rate, they were always pleasant rides.

I always rented a Moke. Lots of fun, easy to drive on good roads and always a secluded beach off the beaten track.

By the time you dock in Phillipsburg,you will probably have made new friends.Its possible that some of your new acquaintances will want to do the same thing.If so,hop in a cab/van and away you go.If you havent met anyone or dont want to mix/mingle,get a cab anyway.In any event, always negotiate the rate BFEORE you get into the vehicle.Make it clear you want to go straight to Marigot.Not by way of his brother-in-laws gas station to &quot;fill up&quot;.We usually ad a few bucks to whatever figure the driver gives us(&quot;Make it $23 and go STRAIGHT there,&quot;)if he says $20.Same thing on the return.There are loads of cabs.And its a very picturesque journey.