- Distance from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) to Philipsburg: Around 15 km.
- Taxi: Approximately €18 ($20) per person for 1–2 passengers.
- Welcome Pickups private transfer: From €70 ($79), depending on your booking.
- Journey time by car: Approximately 20–40 minutes in normal traffic.
- Train: not available
- Local minibus: Approximately €1.70 ($2) on the relevant route. Public minibuses operate on the island but not from the airport.
Dutch-side taxis use regulated zone-based fares that vary by destination, passenger numbers, luggage, and travel time. There is no direct bus connectivity from the airport. The transport options and pickup locations can be confusing when arriving on the island for the first time; knowing about all options can help you plan your journey from the airport to your destination.
3 options for getting from Saint Martin Airport to the city
PRICE FOR 
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €70 | 28min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Private transfers are great for groups, travelers with luggage, and anyone who wants a guaranteed on-time pickup with zero wait. | ||||||
Taxi | €18 | 20min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Taxis are a direct door-to-door option for travelers who haven't booked a ride in advance. | ||||||
Minibus | €3.40 | 40min | 24/7 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Minibuses are only suitable for people traveling with little to no luggage, otherwise, you will need to take a taxi or private transfer. | ||||||
Taking a taxi from Princess Juliana International Airport to Philipsburg costs €18 (USD $20). Saint Martin Airport taxis are available outside the Arrivals area, and the St. Maarten Airport Taxi Association represents licensed drivers who provide airport transfers and other journeys around the island. The journey takes approximately 15–25 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Saint Martin Airport to Philipsburg?
Taxi fares to Philipsburg are €18 (USD $20) for 1–2 passengers and around €7–8 (USD $8–9) per person for larger groups. A 25% nighttime surcharge may apply, and extra checked bags cost around €4.50 (USD $5) each.
Where can I catch a taxi at Saint Martin Airport?
The airport taxi services and other ground transportation pickup areas are just outside the terminal. Follow the signs to the designated taxi lane and ask the dispatcher about the fare to Philipsburg.
Convenience
Taxis provide a direct journey to your accommodation without the need to find a bus stop or wait for a shared vehicle to fill up. They are particularly practical if you have checked luggage, are traveling with children, or arrive late in the evening.
Allow around 20–25 minutes in normal traffic, although congestion can make the trip longer. The airport is in the Simpson Bay area, and road traffic can affect journeys toward Philipsburg.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThe SXM Airport website states that there is no direct public bus service from the airport. But you can take minibuses costing €1.70 (USD $2). They generally follow semi-fixed routes, but service is informal and does not operate like a scheduled city bus network. Vehicles display their destination on the windshield, and passengers commonly pay the driver directly.
How much does the minibus cost?
The minibus tariff is approximately €1.70 (USD $2) per person for the Philipsburg-to-Marigot route. Confirm the cost with the driver before boarding.
There is no set schedule for these minibuses, but you will typically need to wait until the vehicle fills up.
Where can I catch a minibus at Saint Martin Airport?
Exit the arrivals terminal and head toward the main road or car park, where local minivans pick up passengers. Do not assume that a vehicle will depart directly from the terminal or that the airport has a marked bus stop.
Convenience
Due to the limited luggage space and the lack of a set schedule or formal route, taking a minibus to Philipsburg might not be everyone’s cup of tea. While the bus is very cheap, arranging a private transfer in advance from Sint Maarten Airport to Philipsburg is a much more reliable option and is still reasonably affordable, especially if you’re traveling in a group.
Timetables
Route details for minibus
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
Is there an airport shuttle from Saint Martin Airport to Philipsburg?
No, the airport does not provide a general airport shuttle service. There are private shuttle companies that may offer pre-booked shuttle services.
Is there a ferry from Saint Martin Airport to Philipsburg?
No, there is no direct ferry from the airport to Philipsburg. You can take a taxi or private transfer to the Philipsburg cruise port or another ferry terminal, depending on your onward destination.
Is there a bus from Saint Martin Airport to Philipsburg?
No, not a confirmed direct bus service from the airport terminal, according to the airport’s website. However, the tourism authority lists a local minibus route between Philipsburg and Maho that passes SXM Airport. Confirm the current pickup point locally before relying on this option.
How do I get from Saint Martin Airport to Philipsburg?
You can take an airport taxi, book a private transfer, or rent a car. Taxis wait outside the terminal, and the drive to Philipsburg usually takes around 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic. A minibus may be possible, but confirm its airport pickup location first.
How much does a taxi cost from Saint Martin Airport to Philipsburg?
A taxi costs approximately €17 (USD $20) per person for 1–2 passengers. The published fare is around €8 (USD $9) per person for groups of 3–5 and €7 (USD $8) per person for groups of 6 or more. Confirm the total fare and any surcharges with the dispatcher before departure.
How long does it take to get from Saint Martin Airport to Philipsburg?
Around 20–40 minutes by car in typical traffic. Congestion can extend the journey, so allow extra time if you need to reach a cruise departure or another scheduled connection.
What's the difference between a taxi and a private transfer from Saint Martin Airport to Philipsburg?
A taxi can be arranged at the airport, while a private transfer is booked in advance. Both take you directly to Philipsburg. A pre-booked transfer lets you confirm the price, vehicle, and meeting instructions before arrival, while taxi fares follow the published tariff structure.
How do I book a private transfer from Saint Martin Airport to Philipsburg in advance?
You can book through a private transfer provider’s website. Enter your arrival date and time, flight details, passenger count, luggage requirements, and destination in Philipsburg. Check the total price, cancellation terms, and driver meeting instructions, then keep your confirmation accessible when you arrive. The airport advises passengers to use the designated pickup arrangements outside the terminal.
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