Get A Rental Car

St Maarten Rental Car

Rental car rates are amongst the lowest in the world! This island is dramatically different from other Caribbean vacation destinations and we feel that a rental car is a must in order to get the most out of your stay on St. Maarten – St. Martin. While other islands specialize in all-inclusive resorts and discourage guests to explore on their own, St. Maarten is perfectly suited to roam freely and safely.

Even though the island is small in size, only 37 square miles, the mountainous terrain allows room for several towns and villages, with an amazing variation of landscapes. The infrastructure is acceptable by Caribbean standards, but doesn't compare to the quality of American or European road systems. Roads are build for slow to medium speeds, and 'sleeping policemen' (speed bumps) are widely used in residential areas.

Rent a Car at Arrival - Avoid Transfer by Taxi

While rental cars are a true bargain on St. Maarten, taxis are not. Just one round trip to Philipsburg from the Maho/Airport region by taxi could easily cost you the equivalent of renting a car for several days! Same is true for the airport transfer to your hotel, if you picked accommodations on the eastern coast of the island (Oyster Pond, Orient Beach).

That's why you should reserve your car before you travel; you will be picked up at the airport with a free shuttle by the rental car provider, get your car at their location and can now travel without any further fees to your accommodations.

Gas Stations

Refueling your rental car will never be a problem on St. Maarten/St. Martin, because there are gas stations every few miles and in all regions of the island. Some offer 24 hour service for the late-night party crowd, and the stations' well-stocked convenience stores provide snacks, beverages and even hot food.

Prices are shown per liter - not gallon! - and the currency displayed on Dutch side gas stations is the Antillean Guilder (NAF) – not the US-Dollar! On the French side, the rates displayed is for the liter, and the currency used is the Euro.

The Antillean Guilder (also called Florin and shortened to NAF) is set at an exchange rate of around 1.80 NAF to 1 US-$. The exchange rate of the Euro to the US-Dollar is more volatile.

Dings, Dents and Scratches - Minor Incidents

The roads on St. Maarten/St. Martin's are better than on most Caribbean islands, but they don't compare to the smooth highways of North America or Europe. There are pot-holes, way too many speed-bumps on roads where the pot-holes are missing, and there is the human factor: driving skills cover a wide spectrum and driving habits are very often not compatible with the traffic situation.

Parking spaces can be tight, the roads a bit narrow – and suddenly there is a little (or large) scratch or dent on your rental car. Or even worse: you come back from shopping and find your car damaged by an inconsiderate driver, who didn't even leave a note.

Driving on the Island's Roads

The island's infrastructure is adequate by Caribbean standards, but don't expect 4-lane motorways on our 37 square miles. In recent years the roads on the Dutch side have been dramatically improved. Most of St. Maarten/St. Martin's roads are paved and very few require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. You will find the major traffic arteries rather narrow and being overused by large trucks and tourist buses, resulting in frequent traffic jams. Especially the Simpson Bay area with the road leading to the International Airport is subject to delays, as the draw bridge letting yachts into the lagoon, opens frequently and backs up traffic.

Car Rentals

Get A Rental Car

Rent a Car at Arrival - Avoid Transfer by Taxi

Gas Stations

Dings, Dents and Scratches - Minor Incidents

Driving on the Island's Roads

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