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Rental car rates in St. Maarten are among the lowest in the region! This island is dramatically different from other Caribbean vacation destinations, and we feel that a rental car is a must 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, SXM is perfectly suited to roam freely and safely.

local driver st maarten

What to See on St. Maarten with a Rental Car?

Even though the island is small, 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 built for slow to medium speeds, and 'sleeping policemen' (speed bumps) are widely used in residential areas. To experience the variety of beaches and to enjoy the incredible choice of first-rate restaurants, a rental car is a must.

What Car to Rent on St. Maarten - St. Martin

To find the most economical way to rent a car while getting reasonable comfort and good safety, you don't need to look for expensive, full-sized vehicles. There are very few roads where an SUV could be helpful: a few exclusive estates are high up in the hills and during rainy weather, a four-wheel-drive might have an advantage there. But otherwise an economy car will do: it offers four doors, automatic transmission, and air conditioning. No: you won't turn heads while cruising the Boulevard, but you wouldn't achieve this in a Ford Explorer at four times the rental rate either. To be noticed on St Maarten, think Porsche Cheyenne or Audi or Mercedes.

Some cute Japanese or Korean compact cars offered by many rental car companies on the island are not known in the US, but very popular in Europe. These are agile little vehicles, which might surprise you with their fun factor. Parking is very easy, the narrow roads are not intimidating anymore, and you can't beat the rates on St Maarten - they are among the lowest anywhere in the world.

Great cars are the Hyundai i10, Kia Picante or the Hyundai Getz. These little compacts can accommodate 4 adults and will give you perfectly adequate transportation during your stay. If your group consists of four plus-sized adults, you might want to go for an intermediate car, such as the Hyundai Elantra - about 20% more expensive than the smaller class.

Editor's Opinion (not shared by all): The Jeep Wrangler might fit the island image, but these cars are not the best choice to explore St Maarten/St Martin. The Wrangler is an off-road car - not because it handles the wilderness with great competence, but because even a regular, decent road 'feels' like you are off-road. The smallest bump - and the big ones we have here even more - cause great discomfort for the Jeep passengers and you might regret your choice of a rental car.

Renting Scooters or Motorcycles on St. Maarten

Scooters are available to rent as well, but they don't offer any price advantage over cars and are a safety concern. If you would like to explore the island on two wheels (and have the ability and experience), go for a real motorcycle: on St. Maarten, you can rent the latest models of Harleys!

St. Maarten Car Rentals

Starlite Car Rental located in St.Maarten offers quick and convenient airport delivery & return service. This allows renters to skip the shuttle hassle and lines, and collect or return their vehicle...

Long-established as one of the world's premium rental car brands, SIXT has now increased its presence on St. Maarten - St-Martin with a significant commitment. A state-of-the-art, newly constructed...

PARADISE CAR RENTAL is one of the oldest and most established rental providers on the island of St. Maarten - St-Martin. They started their business in the nineteen eighties, at a time when...

Where to book your St. Maarten rental car? Are you ready to explore St. Maarten/St-Martin in comfortable, reliable and air conditioned transportation from a company that you know and trust? Located...

LEISURE CAR RENTAL literally is only a leisurely stroll away from the arrival hall of Princess Juliana International Airport. The company's main office is just outside airport premises. 'Leisure'...

For decades, Dollar/Thrifty Car Rental is regarded as the #1 Car Rental in St. Maarten/St. Martin, with the most beautiful facilities and an amazing selection of vehicle models to suit your every...

St. Maarten Driving Information

The very competitive rental car industry has developed marketing strategies to make it difficult for consumers to compare rates. The published rental rates on all major booking engines don't mean...

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...

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...

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...

The island's infrastructure is adequate by Caribbean standards, but don't expect 4-lane motorways on our 37 square miles. Most of St. Maarten/St. Martin's roads are paved and very few require a...

Yes, traffic is an issue on Sint Maarten. Especially in the Simpson Bay area, cars move only with a snail's pace during some hours of the day. The frequent openings of the draw bridge, allowing...

Drivers are courteous on the island: whenever a car has to pull out of a tight spot into traffic, someone will let them in. Whenever there is a traffic jam at an intersection, traffic will flow...