Car Rental in Sint Maarten (2024)

FAQs

Do you need a car in St Maarten? ›

Maarten is in a rental car. But really, outside of walking, just about any means of navigating between the French and Dutch sides of the island is manageable. Having a car will allow you more mobility and you'll find reasonable rental rates.

Renting a car on St. Martin during your vacation is the best way to get around. You'll be free to move around as you wish.

You can drive from one end of the island to the next in as little as 30-45 minutes (without traffic), and explore the best things to do on St Maarten.

You can drive in Sint Maarten with a valid U.S. driver's license. Right turns at red lights are prohibited. There are no border controls separating the Dutch and French sides of the island. Cars pass freely without stopping.

While St. Maarten does not currently have Uber available, Rick's VIP Transportation Service, one of the best transportation services on the island, offers reliable and comfortable rides to meet your travel needs.

Martin. Most visitors use taxis at some point to get around the island. Taxis are plentiful at Princess Juliana International Airport; taxi stands are conveniently located just outside the airport Arrivals section.

The island's weather is pleasant year-round, but these are times when rain showers are less likely. Summer and early fall are not good for a vacation; many hotels close in this offseason and there's a chance of hurricanes. Also avoid visiting in winter and early spring (mid-December to April) if you can.

Taxis are affordable:

Taxi fares in St. Maarten are reasonable, especially when compared to other Caribbean destinations. The fare from the airport to Philipsburg, for example, is around $20. The exact taxi fare will vary depending on the distance traveled and the time of day.

If your cellphone is on a GSM system, and you have a world-capable multiband phone such as many Sony Ericsson, Motorola, or Samsung models, you can make and receive calls across the islands. Just call your wireless operator and ask for "international roaming" to be activated on your account.

Can a US citizen rent a car in St. Maarten? ›

A valid US or Canadian license will be just fine. You do not need to bring an International Driver's License. And contrary to other Caribbean destinations, you are not 'forced' by the local administration to purchase a local driver's license for the duration of your stay.

Despite having two different official currencies, the US Dollar is accepted on both sides, with St. Maarten using the US Dollar the most. It is not unusual to receive change in US Dollar even when payment is made with the guilder.

However, it is not recommended to walk in areas outside of Simpson Bay, Grand Case, Maho, or Orient bay or far away from your resort. Some of the terrain in Saint Martin is quite hilly with a narrow sidewalk. Renting a car or public transportation is the best way to navigate the island.

How much time should I spend in Sint Maarten? Plan to spend at least a long weekend, or better yet book five days. Besides unwinding on pristine beaches with amazing snorkeling, Sint Maarten is a hit with shopaholics. Philipsburg is filled with scores of shops selling luxury goods and local merchandise.

A true "Tale of Two Cities," the island of St. Martin and St. Maarten is proud of its dual heritage and customs. There is no physical border between the French and Dutch territories and people and goods may travel freely between both sides of the island.

Taxi fares in St. Maarten are reasonable, especially when compared to other Caribbean destinations. The fare from the airport to Philipsburg, for example, is around $20.