|
Walk, drive, ride.
Catch a bus or go by water taxi...
The
transport options on St Maarten are many and varied.
Ultimately your choice is determined by your own budget and needs.
However, whenever one goes to a new place the locals are the people who
(generally) are able to give you the best advice on how to get around.
Fortunately, here on St Maarten, the locals are a friendly bunch who
will willingly help you if you ask them.
Now, depending on HOW you arrive on St Maarten (plane or boat)
and how long you intend to stay on the island then planning your
transportation while here may well be a wise thing to do.
And, this is why I've created this page... to help with your vacation
planning.
Modes of transport on St Maarten -
AVAILABLE OPTIONS
*
Rental Cars
* Taxis
* Water Taxis
* Motor Scooters
* Buses
* Limousines
* Walking
How to identify legitimate transport...
Rental Cars are registered with an R 2047
Taxis are boldly registered with TAXI 15
Busses are registered with BUS 28
Private cars are registered with either M or the newer P plate P 4087
The French side of the island has pretty much a standard plate and looks
similar to this – 365 ZA 971
Transportation St Maarten -
RENTAL CARS
There are a number of reliable car rental car companies on the Island
that cater for stay over and cruise ship guests. They're easy to
find.
Here are a couple of driving-around-the-island tips.
When driving around the island you may need to be aware of the
opening times of the Simpson’s bay bridge. The bridge connects the
Maho and airport area to Simpson’s Bay and Cole bay, and eventually back
into Philipsburg. Also be aware of the goats which may block the streets
from time to time. Relax and enjoy. They're just part of the relaxed
culture of St Maarten.
Oh and
here's another tip.
If you are a visitor from the UK, Europe, Australia, or another country
with similar driving rules remember that here on St Maarten we drive
on the right side of the road with a left hand steering wheel. You
may need to drive cautiously until you 'get the feel' for these changed
driving conditions.
Transportation St Maarten -
TAXIS and BUSES
Taxis can be street hailed across the island, booked from your
accommodation, or are a part of your organized tour. If you're with
an organized tour when you land your tour representative
will be there to greet you with a pre-arranged tour
bus or taxi. The tour buses range from 12-seater vans to large
luxury tour coaches.
And, for the adventurous there is the public bus. It’s cheap and
very practical. Philipsburg is the official departure area for 95% of
all island bus services. It covers 95 percent of all the main roads on
the island including the French side (exception being The French
cul-de-sac area).
You can get a local bus for $1.50 US maximum. However, if you're
traveling into Grand Case from Philipsburg you'll need a transfer once
you reach Marigot (the French capital). This will cost you another $1.50
US.
If you're unsure about the routes or schedules ask the driver or a
local. They're always happy to help visitors to St Maarten.
Transportation St Maarten -
WALKING on the Island
If you arrive via the cruise facility you can use the guided path, if
you have the time and energy to walk it. The path will lead you
directly into Philipsburg and it will take you about 15 minutes to
complete the walk.
And, once you're on the island, there are a number of walks you can
take. Contact me and I'll refer you to the best walking guides. Of
course, wherever you walk be aware of the traffic.
Transportation St Maarten -
OTHER TRANSPORT METHODS
Again, if you're the adventurous type you can hire a scooter. Scooters
can be hired from most car
rental companies. Alternatively, there are water taxis to take you
around the waterways.
So, as you can see, there are many different ways to get around our
Caribbean island of St Maartens, different transport methods for
different budgets and personalities.
See Below - Different
transportation options
|
