Saint Martin is very well served from mainland France and Europe via Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), on the Dutch side 5 km south of Marigot. It is one of the most famous in the world thanks to its spectacular approach over Maho Beach — planes fly 10-15 m above bathers.
By air, several direct weekly flights (daily in high season) connect Paris to SXM. From Paris-Orly, Air France (4-5 weekly rotations in winter) and Air Caraïbes (3-5 rotations) operate the direct route in 8 hours outbound (headwind) and 8h30 return (may stop at Pointe-à-Pitre depending on routing). KLM offers an excellent alternative via Amsterdam (1 direct daily Amsterdam-SXM flight on Boeing 777, count 9-10h total with Air France/KLM connection). Fares vary considerably with season: €600-900 return in low season (May-June, September-November outside holidays), €1,000-1,400 in high season (December to March, July-August). Book 4 to 6 months ahead for prime windows.
From regional cities, few direct flights: mandatory transit via Paris or Amsterdam (Lyon-Amsterdam-SXM with KLM is a good option).
From North America: American Airlines (Miami, Charlotte, JFK), Delta (Atlanta), JetBlue (JFK, Boston), United (Newark) operate direct flights to SXM. The simplest route for North American travellers (3-4h flight).
From neighbouring islands, regional links connect SXM to Anguilla (Anguilla Air Services, 8 min flight — or ferry from Marigot 25 min, €30 return), Saint-Barthélemy (St Barth Commuter, 10 min flight, €80-120 return — or ferry from Oyster Pond 45 min, €100-130 return), Guadeloupe (Air Antilles, 50 min), Martinique, Saint Lucia.
On arrival at SXM, the airport is on the Dutch side. Crossing to the French side is by taxi (€30-50 fixed to Marigot, €40-60 to Grand-Case, €50-70 to Orient Bay) or rental car. No control between the two sides of the island — a 'Bienvenue partie française / Welkom Nederlands gebied' sign marks the invisible administrative border. Car hire is essential to explore: agencies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Jumbo Car, local ones like Speedy Rentals) all represented at the airport — count €40-65/day for a compact. Roads to French standards (right side). Count 15-20 min for Marigot, 25 min for Grand-Case, 30 min for Orient Bay.
Read also
- French side: Marigot and Grand-Case — The Creole capital, Fort Saint-Louis, and Grand-Case's gastronomic street — the French heart of the island.
- North-east: Orient Bay and Anse Marcel — The 'Saint-Tropez of the Antilles', the protected bay of Anse Marcel and Pinel islet — the seaside, preserved east coast.
- Marigot, Creole capital — Fort Saint-Louis, Wednesday and Saturday market, marina — the French capital of Saint Martin.
- Grand-Case, gastronomic capital — More than 30 restaurants on a single street: Creole lolos, Michelin stars and sunset over the bay.
- Orient Bay, iconic beach — The 'Saint-Tropez of the Antilles': 2 km of golden sand, colourful lolos, water sports and naturism.