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Princess Juliana International Airport

Located a short walk from Simpson Bay, you can pick up your car rental when you land at Princess Juliana International Airport and start exploring the beautiful island of St Maarten.

Explore the local area and take part in the water sports available on the nearby beaches or sign up for a charted boat cruise. During the day you can also visit the Brown Pelicans monument, the Mary Star of the Sea Church and Simpson Bay Market where you can purchase fish caught that very morning. In the evening, relax in one of the various fine dining restaurants and indulge in some of the nicest cuisine you'll find in the Caribbean before experiencing some local entertainment in as Pete's Village or The Tropicana Casino.

The best way to explore is with a rental car. This location exclusively rent premium BMW and mini vehicles, so you can add a touch of luxury to your already fantastic holiday.

Tips for renting a car in Princess Juliana International Airport

Before you rent
Choose wisely. In 2019 we introduced our multi-product system which helps you choose a car based on your needs and easily see the final price. Car rental insurance can be tricky to navigate and often isn't what you expect, by booking with us direct you'll receive the correct insurance for your rental.

When you collect your vehicle
Plan ahead. We recommend planning your route before you leave, especially when renting a car at an airport. Are you sure where you're meeting your chaperone or where the rental desk is? Your confirmation email will have the contact information for the location, so we suggest saving the number in your phone ahead of time.

Have the correct documents ready. We try and keep the check in process as painless as possible but we do need to process certain information for legal reasons so having these ready ahead of time can help speed up the process. Make sure you have your booking details ready, along with your driving licence, passport and valid credit card.

Complete a vehicle check. It's essential when you are taken to your car you complete a Vehicle Condition Report (VCR) and note any existing damage, paying particular attention to the five damage hotspots. If you don't report this, you may be liable for these damages when you return the vehicle. We don't want you to get caught out, so we've put together a handy vehicle inspection video to help you check everything thoroughly.

While you rent
Take care. Unfortunately you may be liable for any damage caused to a vehicle in your care, and this will vary depending on the product you choose. A large proportion of damages to any car can be dings you pick up in car parks, so be mindful when space is limited and park further away and walk a little further to your destination.

When you return your vehicle
Complete a vehicle check. It's time to carry out a VCR again and even more essential to fully log any damage, no matter how small, to ensure you are fully covered and we can process your return effectively. Be sure to check the vehicle as before, paying special attention to the five damage hotspots.

Useful Information about car hire in Princess Juliana International Airport

Side of road

Drive on the right side

Local currency

Euro (€) on the French side and Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) or US Dollars (widely accepted) on the Dutch side.

Nearest Gas Station

Sol Simpson Bay Gas Station Location: Airport Road, Simpson Bay (about 1.5 km / 3–5 minutes' drive) Notes: Very close and convenient when picking up or returning your rental car.

Nearest Bus Station

Bus Stop at Airport Road Location: Along Airport Road, near the exit of the airport area. Notes: Local minibuses (called “vans” or "busitos") run along Airport Road toward Simpson Bay, Marigot, and Philipsburg.

Nearest Ferry Terminal

Simpson Bay, about 10 minutes' drive from Princess Juliana International Airport (around 4.5 km).

Average temperatures

24°C (75°F) – 31°C (88°F) year-round.

Car hire in Princess Juliana International Airport – FAQs about renting a car

Is it necessary to rent a car in St. Maarten?

Yes, renting a car is highly recommended for exploring both the French and Dutch sides at your own pace.

How to get from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) to Maho Beach?

It's extremely close! You can drive or walk to Maho Beach from the airport in about 5 minutes (just around 1 km). In fact, the beach is famous for being directly under the airplane landing path — it’s one of the only places in the world where you can experience jets flying directly overhead as they land!

How to get from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) to Simpson Bay?

Simpson Bay is also very close — about 5–10 minutes' drive (approximately 4 km). It’s a lively area full of restaurants, shops, and beaches. Renting a car is a great idea if you want flexibility to explore Simpson Bay and other parts of the island easily.

Is it easy to drive around Saint Martin?

Yes! The island is relatively small and easy to navigate, but roads can be narrow and winding.

How’s the parking situation?

Parking is usually free near beaches and shopping areas but can be tight in busy tourist zones like Marigot and Philipsburg.

How’s traffic near Princess Juliana Airport?

Traffic can get heavy around Simpson Bay during peak hours (especially around 4–6 PM), so plan extra time.