Getting Around St. Maarten (Dutch Side)
Whether you're planning a day of adventure or simply looking to relax and explore at your own pace, getting around Dutch St. Maarten is easy and convenient. From car rentals to water taxis, a variety of transportation options are available to suit your travel style and needs. Below, you'll find detailed listings to help you choose the best way to move around the island.
Car Rentals
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore St. Maarten on your own schedule. With rental agencies conveniently located at Princess Juliana International Airport and throughout the Dutch side of the island, you’ll have no trouble finding the right vehicle—whether it’s a compact car, SUV, or something a little sportier. Roads are well-marked, and driving is on the right-hand side. Don’t forget your valid driver’s license! Explore our list of trusted car rental providers below.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available throughout the Dutch side of St. Maarten and offer a convenient way to travel between popular areas. You can easily find taxi stands at Princess Juliana International Airport, the cruise terminal, major hotels, and key attractions. Most taxis operate on a fixed-rate fare system, and rates are provided to help you plan your journey with confidence.
Taxi drivers are friendly and knowledgeable—many are happy to offer insights about the island or even serve as personal tour guides for customized excursions. Browse our list of official taxi services "below" and view the current taxi fare rates to help you get where you're going with ease. (please let me if listing this information below is a good idea)
Public Transportation
For a more budget-friendly and local experience, public minibuses—often marked with the district they are traveling to in the front—are a common way to get around. While there are no formal schedules, they run frequently between key locations like Philipsburg, Simpson Bay, and Maho. Fares are low, and it’s a great way to interact with the local community. Check out helpful tips below.
Water Taxis & Ferries
St. Maarten’s coastal beauty is best experienced from the water. Water taxis provide quick and scenic access to key waterfront areas such as Philipsburg’s boardwalk and the cruise port. Ferries also depart from the Dutch side to neighboring islands like Anguilla and Saba, making for memorable day trips. See schedules and providers listed below to plan your next ride across the waves.
Travel Tips
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Plan ahead during peak season for the best availability.
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Confirm taxi fares in advance—fares are fixed, but not metered.
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Carry cash for buses and smaller transport operators.
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Ask your hotel or host for local transportation tips—they often know the best options.
Taxi Guide & Fares
Standard Fares – What’s Included
Taxi fares in Sint Maarten are government-regulated and set by zone-to-zone pricing. Each
standard fare includes:
- Transport for 1-14 passengers (depending on vehicle capacity)
- One checked bag per person
- Hand luggage
- Mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers)
Fare Based on Group Size
Taxi fares are calculated based on the number of people in the vehicle:
- 1-2 passengers: Base fare for the route (highest per-person cost)
- 3-5 passengers: Group fare (lower per-person cost)
- 6 or more passengers: Large group fare (lowest per-person cost)
While the total fare increases, the cost per person decreases as the group grows.
Luggage Policy – What’s Free, What’s Extra
Included in fare:
- 1 checked bag per person
- Hand luggage
- Mobility aids
Extra charges:
- Additional checked bags: $5.00 each (XCG 9.00)
- Boxes/coolers/packages: $4.00 each (XCG 7.20)
Nighttime & Holiday Surcharges
A 25% surcharge applies for trips between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM and on official public
holidays.
Licensed Taxis – What to Look For
Use only official taxis:
- License plate starts with 'TAXI'
- Driver displays valid permit
- Fare zone chart available upon request
Receipts – Available on Request
You may request a receipt showing date, time, fare charged, and taxi number or permit ID.
Payment & Currency
Accepted currencies:
- US Dollars (USD)
- Caribbean Guilders (XCG)
Exchange Rate: $1 USD = XCG 1.80
Cash is preferred; ask if cards are accepted.
Waiting Time Charges
First 5 minutes: Free
After that: $5.00 per 15 minutes
Clarify waiting charges before stops.
Sharing a Taxi? Get a Discount
When sharing with others going to different destinations, each party pays 75% of their fare.
Report a Problem
Note the Taxi number and contact the Inspectorate of TEATT (IETA):
Phone: +1 (721) 542-3182
Email: ieta@sintmaartengov.org
Dutch-Side Taxi Fare Guide
Official Taxi Fares (1–2 Passengers)
| From/To | Cupecoy | Mullet Bay | Maho Beach | Airport (SXM) | Simpson Bay | Cole Bay | Little Bay | Philipsburg | Cruise Port |
| Cupecoy | $8 | $8 | $12 | $15 | $20 | $20 | $25 | $25 | $30 |
| Mullet Bay | $8 | $8 | $12 | $12 | $20 | $15 | $20 | $20 | $25 |
| Maho Beach | $15 | $`12 | $8 | $8 | $15 | $15 | $20 | $20 | $25 |
| Airport (SXM) | $15 | $12 | $8 | $8 | $15 | $15 | $20 | $20 | $25 |
| Simpson Bay | $20 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $8 | $10 | $15 | $18 | $20 |
| Cole Bay | $20 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $10 | $8 | $12 | $18 | $18 |
| Little Bay | $22 | $22 | $18 | $18 | $12 | $15 | $8 | $10 | $12 |
| Philipsburg | $25 | $20 | $20 | $20 | $18 | $15 | $10 | $8 | $10 |
| Cruise Port | $30 | $25 | $25 | $25 | $20 | $18 | $10 | $10 | $8 |
Official Taxi Fares (3-5 Passengers, per person)
| From/To | Cupecoy | Mullet Bay | Maho Beach | Airport (SXM) | Simpson Bay | Cole Bay | Little Bay | Philipsburg | Cruise Port |
| Cupecoy | $4 | $4 | $7 | $7 | $9 | $8 | $10 | $10 | $12 |
| Mullet Bay | $4 | $4 | $6 | $6 | $9 | $8 | $10 | $9 | $10 |
| Maho Beach | $7 | $6 | $4 | $4 | $7 | $7 | $9 | $9 | $10 |
| Airport (SXM) | $7 | $6 | $4 | $4 | $7 | $7 | $9 | $9 | $10 |
| Simpson Bay | $9 | $7 | $7 | $7 | $4 | $5 | $7 | $7 | $8 |
| Cole Bay | $9 | $7 | $7 | $7 | $5 | $4 | $7 | $7 | $8 |
| Little Bay | $10 | $9 | $9 | $9 | $8 | $7 | $4 | $5 | $5 |
| Philipsburg | $10 | $10 | $9 | $9 | $8 | $7 | $4 | $4 | $4 |
| Cruise Port | $12 | $10 | $9 | $9 | $8 | $8 | $5 | $4 | $4 |
Official Taxi Fares (6+ Passengers, per person)
| From/To | Cupecoy | Mullet Bay | Maho Beach | Airport (SXM) | Simpson Bay | Cole Bay | Little Bay | Philipsburg | Cruise Port |
| Cupecoy | $4 | $4 | $7 | $7 | $8 | $7 | $9 | $9 | $10 |
| Mullet Bay | $4 | $4 | $6 | $6 | $9 | $7 | $9 | $8 | $9 |
| Maho Beach | $7 | $6 | $4 | $4 | $7 | $7 | $8 | $8 | $9 |
| Airport (SXM) | $7 | $6 | $4 | $4 | $7 | $7 | $8 | $8 | $9 |
| Simpson Bay | $8 | $6 | $7 | $7 | $4 | $5 | $7 | $7 | $7 |
| Cole Bay | $8 | $6 | $7 | $7 | $5 | $4 | $6 | $6 | $7 |
| Little Bay | $9 | $8 | $8 | $8 | $7 | $7 | $3 | $5 | $5 |
| Philipsburg | $9 | $9 | $8 | $8 | $7 | $7 | $4 | $3 | $3 |
| Cruise Port | $11 | $9 | $8 | $8 | $7 | $7 | $5 | $3 | $3 |
French-Side Taxi Fare Guide (Top Destinations from Dutch Side)
Taxi fares and operational practices on the French side of Saint-Martin are determined by the relevant local authorities and are subject to change.
Estimated Taxi Fare (1 - 2 Passengers)
| From/To | Marigot | Grand Case | Orient Bay | Anse Marcel | Friars Bay | La Samana | Loterie Farm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philipsburg | $20 | $25 | $20 |
$30 |
$25 | $30 | $25 |
| Cruise Port | $20 | $30 | $25 | $35 | $30 | $35 | $30 |
| Airport (SXM) | $20 | $30 | $30 | $45 | $25 | $25 | $20 |
| Simpson Bay | $15 | $25 | $25 | $35 | $20 | $25 | $20 |
| Maho Beach | $20 | $30 | $30 | $45 | $25 | $25 | $20 |
| Cole Bay | $12 | $25 | $25 | $35 | $15 | $25 | $25 |
| Little Bay | $20 | $25 | $20 | $30 | $25 | $30 | $25 |
| Cupeoy | $25 | $35 | $35 | $45 | $30 | $12 | $30 |
Estimated Taxi Fare per person (3 - 5 Passengers, per person)
| From/To | Marigot | Grand Case | Orient Bay | Anse Marcel | Friars Bay | La Samana | Loterie Farm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philipsburg | $9 | $10 | $9 |
$12 |
$10 | $12 | $14 |
| Cruise Port | $9 | $12 | $10 | $5 | $12 | $15 | $12 |
| Airport (SXM) | $19 | $12 | $12 | $16 | $10 | $12 | $10 |
| Simpson Bay | $7 | $9 | $10 | $15 | $9 | $10 | $9 |
| Maho Beach | $19 | $12 | $12 | $16 | $10 | $12 | $10 |
| Cole Bay | $5 | $10 | $10 | $15 | $7 | $10 | $7 |
| Little Bay | $19 | $12 | $12 | $16 | $10 | $12 | $10 |
| Cupeoy | $10 | $15 | $15 | $16 | $12 | $5 | $12 |
Estimated Taxi Fare per person (6+ Passengers)
| From/To | Marigot | Grand Case | Orient Bay | Anse Marcel | Friars Bay | La Samana | Loterie Farm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philipsburg | $9 | $9 | $8 |
$10 |
$9 | $10 | $9 |
| Cruise Port | $8 | $10 | $9 | $12 | $10 | $12 | $10 |
| Airport (SXM) | $10 | $10 | $10 | $13 | $9 | $10 | $9 |
| Simpson Bay | $6 | $9 | $9 | $12 | $8 | $9 | $8 |
| Maho Beach | $10 | $10 | $10 | $13 | $9 | $10 | $9 |
| Cole Bay | $5 | $9 | $9 | $12 | $6 | $9 | $6 |
| Little Bay | $9 | $9 | $8 | $10 | $9 | $10 | $9 |
| Cupeoy | $9 | $12 | $12 | $13 | $10 | $5 |
$10 |
📄 French-Side Taxi Travel Information
- Taxis typically do not use meters — fares are negotiated upfront.
- Drivers accept USD or EUR, cash preferred.
- Night rates and holiday surcharges may apply.
- Always confirm fare before departure.
- Official receipts may be available upon request.
Taxi Associations
Airport Taxi Association | President: Andrew Royer | Telephone Number: 542-1680 or 542-1681 or 542-1682 | Email: airporttaxiassociation@hotmail.com
Decroc Taxi Service | President: Miro Augusty | Telephone Number: 556-7517 or 523-1110 | Email: deroc@hotmail.com
Dutch St.Maarten Taxi Association | President: Maya Friday | Telephone Number: 543-7814 | email: taxisxm@hotmail.com| Hotline: 9247
Downtown Taxi Association – Philipsburg |President: Glen Emer | Telephone Number: 523-4259 | Email: glencelebritytours@gmail.com
