Airports in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten
Officially known as Princess Juliana Airport. This airport is located on the Dutch side of Sint. Maarten. The airport code is SXM. This airport is definitely one of the busiest flight hubs in the Caribbean, with flights going in and out daily to North America, Europe, and other Caribbean islands. Although there is another tiny airport on the French side of St. Martin most likely you will never fly into it.
The Princess Juliana Airport was remodeled into a beautiful large terminal with shops and restaurants and other amenities, and has been transformed into a beautiful North American style airport between the years 1985 to 2001. Alas, it is being renovated again today, after hurricane Irma destroyed parts of it, September of 2017.
Having said this, it still remains operational to the major airlines all over the world such as Air Canada , American Airlines, Delta. KLM, JOON , Copa , WestJet to mention a few. Basically getting a flight into or out of Sint. Maarten is simple and easy.
What makes this airport a major tourist attraction is the short runway off the edge of the ocean. It is known as one of the most dangerous runways to land a plane in the world.
Watching the planes takeoff and land is something special, everyone who visits St. Maarten should experience this, it is sure to create many unforgettable moments. Make sure to visit Maho Beach on your next trip to St.Maarten, and don’t forget to bring your camera.
Airport transportation options include, taxis, buses, and car rentals, which is highly recommended. As soon as you clear customs, they are all located by the exit doors. The usual suspects Avis, Budget, Alamo, Hertz and local rental companies such as Empress, Payless and more.
Be sure to rent a car for your stay. An average weeks car rental should cost you about $120 USD and up. Most hotels do offer Airport pickup as well. The airport is somewhat central, and your ride may take about 30 minutes to Phillipsburg, about 25 minutes to Grand Case, and maybe 15 to 20 minutes to Marigot.
The island is only 87 square kilometers, so everything will feel close. The island of Saint Martin/Sint.Maarten Is pretty much equally divided between the French and the Dutch side. There are no legal crossings per say, just a sign welcoming you to the respective side of the island.
However, you may notice quite a difference between the two sides, the Dutch side being more developed and bustling with tourists, and the French side a bit more subdued, and serene.
There are so many great beaches and restaurants, you may need more than a week to discover the whole islands’ charms. By day, most visitors spend time on the beach on the 36 majestic beaches of the island some have no facilities at all, some have full amenities restaurant , bars and even showers.
By night, you can visit a number of casinos on the dutch side, after a great meal at one of the gastronomic wonders of this little Island. Whatever you choose to do. There’s something entertaining for any age, clubs, bars restaurants, even a movie theater.
Which ever side you choose to stay on your next vacation undoubtedly you will end up visiting, both the French and the Dutch side of the island to make it an unforgettable vacation for the whole family.
