One thing surprises a lot of visitors when they land here for the first time: there’s no Uber on the island. No Lyft either. And unlike most major destinations, taxis do not run on meters.
Taxis in St Maarten and Saint Martin operate with fixed fares depending on where you’re going — something many visitors only discover once they step outside the airport.
Whether you’re landing at Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) or Grand Case Airport on the French side, this guide will help you understand how taxis actually work here, what you should realistically expect to pay, and when a rental car may honestly make more sense.
I’ve also added in this guide a few local things worth knowing before you arrive.
Taxi basics
Two airports, two systems
One thing worth knowing before you arrive: the French side and the Dutch side do not operate exactly the same way when it comes to taxis.
At Princess Juliana Airport (SXM), fares are fixed and publicly displayed outside the terminal. On the French side, rates are also regulated, but they’re usually less visible to visitors. In both cases, drivers should be able to confirm the official fare before departure.
Important note
And no — Uber, Lyft or Bolt do not operate on the island.
Taxis here are still very local, which honestly feels a bit old-school at first… but once you understand how the system works, getting around is usually pretty straightforward.
Local fares
Taxi fares on the French side (Saint-Martin)
Grand Case Airport (L’Espérance) mainly handles regional flights from Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Barths and neighboring Caribbean islands. If you land here, chances are you’re staying somewhere on the French side of the island.
The taxi stand is directly outside the small terminal and operates with official rates issued by the Collectivité of Saint-Martin. Prices are set per vehicle for one or two passengers, with an extra supplement added from the third passenger onward.
| From Grand Case | 1–2 pax | 3–5 pax (pp) | 6+ pax (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rambaud | €15 | €7 | €7 |
| Friar's Bay | €20 | €9 | €8 |
| Marigot | €25 | €10 | €9 |
| Orient Bay | €30 | €12 | €11 |
| French Cul de Sac / Pinel | €30 | €12 | €11 |
| Baie Nettlé / Baie Rouge | €35 | €14 | €12 |
| Juliana Airport (SXM) | €35 | €14 | €12 |
| Philipsburg | €30 | €12 | €11 |
| Anse Marcel | €40 | €16 | €14 |
| Terres Basses | €40 | €16 | €14 |
Source: Collectivité de Saint-Martin — tarifs officiels juillet 2023. Fares in euros. Contact: Station de taxis de l'aéroport de Grand Case +590 590 77 87 26 (7h–19h, lun–ven). These fares are provided for reference only — always confirm with your driver before departure.
Airport taxi fares
Taxi fares on the Dutch side (Sint Maarten)
Princess Juliana International Airport is where the vast majority of visitors arrive. Walk out of Arrivals and you’ll find the taxi stand immediately on your right — organized, supervised, and operating on fixed government rates established by the national decree on taxi tariffs 2020. The fare board is displayed at the airport.
Fares below are per taxi for 1–2 passengers. From the third passenger, a per-person supplement applies. Children under 3 ride free.
Practical note
On the Dutch side, airport taxi fares are fixed, but it is still worth confirming the fare before you leave the terminal, especially if you have extra passengers or luggage.
| From SXM Airport | 1–2 pax | 3–5 pax (pp) | 6+ pax (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maho Beach | $8 | $4 | $4 |
| Mullet Bay | $12 | $6 | $6 |
| Simpson Bay | $15 | $7 | $7 |
| Cupecoy | $15 | $7 | $7 |
| Cole Bay | $11 | $7 | $7 |
| Little Bay / Divi | $20 | $9 | $8 |
| Philipsburg | $20 | $9 | $8 |
| Cruise Port (Great Bay) | $25 | $10 | $9 |
| Marigot | $25–35 | varies | varies |
| Orient Bay | $30–40 | varies | varies |
| Grand Case | $30–40 | varies | varies |
Source: Sint Maarten Taxi Association — national decree on taxi tariffs 2020. Fares in USD. Destinations on the French side (Marigot, Orient Bay, Grand Case) are not covered by the Dutch rate board — fares vary by driver. Always confirm the price before departure. These fares are provided for reference only.
Airport arrival tip
Taxi or private transfer?
Taxis are available directly outside Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) and operate with fixed fares depending on where you’re going on the island.
Rates are generally based on two passengers. Larger groups, extra luggage, or late-night transfers may increase the price slightly, especially during high season when the airport gets busy.
The good news: St Maarten is small. Most hotels and villas can be reached within 10 to 30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. Maho and Simpson Bay are only a few minutes away, while Orient Bay and Grand Case usually take longer because of traffic through Marigot.
Local tip
One thing worth knowing after years living here: if you’re traveling with several people, surfboards, or multiple suitcases, a private airport transfer can sometimes end up easier — and not much more expensive — than a standard taxi.
Transfer choice
Taxi or private transfer — which makes sense?
At Princess Juliana, you have two options the moment you walk out of Arrivals. Taxis are right there — no booking required, fixed rates for most Dutch-side destinations, and perfectly fine for a couple heading to Maho or Simpson Bay. For a short trip with light luggage, it’s the simplest choice.
Private transfers make more sense when you’re arriving with family, a group, or after a long overnight flight and you just want someone waiting with your name on a sign. The price is locked in before you land, there’s no negotiating at the taxi stand, and for three or more passengers the math often works out close anyway.
For French-side destinations — Grand Case, Orient Bay, Terres Basses — I’d lean toward pre-booking. Cross-border taxi fares aren’t standardized the way airport-zone fares are, and availability varies more than people expect.
Local tip
If you are staying on the French side, arriving late, or traveling with several bags, a private transfer is often the smoother choice. For short Dutch-side rides, a regular airport taxi is usually enough.
Private transfer
Book a private airport transfer
If you’d rather skip the taxi stand entirely — fixed price agreed in advance, driver waiting with your name, air-conditioned vehicle — a private transfer is worth considering, especially for groups of three or more where the per-person math starts to close the gap with a standard taxi.
Private airport transfer — St Maarten
Door-to-door service, fixed price, no waiting at the taxi stand.
Free cancellation · Secure booking via Viator
Taxi vs car rental
Is renting a car cheaper than a taxi?
For short stays, taxis are completely fine. But once you start moving around the island every day, the numbers add up fast.
A couple taxi rides between the airport, beaches, restaurants and different parts of the island can easily cost as much as a full day of car rental — especially if you’re staying on the French side and exploring both sides of the island during your trip.
And honestly, St Martin feels very different once you have a car.
The island may be small, but the best beaches, restaurants and viewpoints are spread everywhere between the French and Dutch sides. Having your own vehicle gives you a lot more freedom to explore without constantly thinking about the next taxi fare.
One important thing visitors love: there’s no actual border between Saint-Martin and Sint Maarten. You can drive freely across the entire island without checkpoints or restrictions.
Compare before you land
Car rental in St Maarten — compare Hertz, Alamo, Avis and local operators before you arrive.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — taxis and airport transfers in St Maarten
Is there Uber in St Maarten?
No. Uber, Lyft and Bolt do not operate in St Maarten or St Martin. The island has deliberately kept ride-sharing apps out to protect local taxi drivers. Your options are regulated taxis or pre-booked private transfers.
How much is a taxi from the airport to my hotel?
It depends where you're staying. From Princess Juliana Airport (SXM): Maho Beach $8, Simpson Bay $15, Philipsburg $20, Orient Bay $30–40, Grand Case $30–40. Fares are per taxi for 1–2 passengers — supplements apply from the third passenger onwards. See the full table above.
Do taxis in St Maarten accept credit cards?
Rarely. The vast majority of taxis on both sides are cash-only. Carry US dollars in small bills — $5s, $10s, $20s. On the French side, fares are quoted in euros but most drivers accept USD at roughly 1:1. Don't count on getting exact change back for large bills.
Are taxis safe in St Maarten?
Yes. Licensed taxis on the Dutch side carry TX license plates and operate under government regulation. The taxi stand at the airport is organized and supervised. Outside the airport, look for the TX plates before getting in. On the French side, taxis are licensed and regulated by the Collectivité. Pre-booking a private transfer adds an extra layer of certainty if you prefer it.
Is renting a car better than taking taxis?
For any stay over two days, almost always yes. Taxis add up fast once you start moving around the island. A car gives you total freedom — both sides, no restrictions, no waiting. I've been here 25 years and almost everyone who rents says it's the best decision they made. The one exception: if you're staying in Maho or Simpson Bay and planning to mostly stay local, taxis are perfectly manageable.
What airport does St Martin use?
Most international flights — from the US, Canada, and Europe — arrive at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side. L'Espérance Airport in Grand Case on the French side handles inter-island flights, mainly from Guadeloupe and Martinique. If you're connecting from Paris via Guadeloupe, you may land at Grand Case.
Do taxis work across both sides of the island?
Yes. There's no border control between the French and Dutch sides — you cross freely in both directions. Dutch-side taxis can take you to the French side and vice versa. That said, cross-border fares are less standardized than within-zone fares. Always confirm the price before you get in, and agree on which currency you're paying in.
Are there taxis at night in St Maarten?
Taxis are available at night but you'll generally need to call one rather than hailing from the street. The SXM Taxi App covers 200+ drivers. Night surcharges apply: +25% after 10pm on the Dutch side, double fare after midnight until 5am. On the French side, +25% between 22:00–23:59 and +90% between midnight and 06:59. If you're out late, budget accordingly.
How do I get from SXM airport to the French side?
Take a taxi directly from the airport taxi stand. Tell the dispatcher your destination on the French side — Marigot, Grand Case, Orient Bay, etc. Fares run $25–40 depending on destination; prices for cross-border trips are negotiated, not fixed, so confirm before you get in. Alternatively, rent a car at the airport and drive yourself — it's 20–35 minutes depending on where you're heading.
Can I share a taxi in St Maarten?
Yes, especially from the cruise port where dispatchers sometimes group passengers heading to the same destination. Each person pays the per-person rate rather than splitting the base fare, so it works out cheaper. If you want a private vehicle, tell the dispatcher upfront. From the airport, shared vans are less common — most rides are point-to-point.
