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Renting a car is undoubtedly the best way to travel around the island of Saint Martin. It is practically indispensable if you want to discover its natural beauty, as many of the most beautiful beaches and scenic viewpoints can only be reached by car.
The small size of the island (about 87 km²) makes travelling particularly easy, allowing you to go from the Caribbean beaches of the west coast to the wildest Atlantic bays in less than half an hour. With a vehicle at your disposal, you can easily cross the border between the French side (Saint Martin) and the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) without any customs formalities.
Below are the cheapest prices for car hire at in Saint Martin, to book click here.
The following are the most popular car rental offers at in Saint Martin, to book click here.
The prices of car rental at the in Saint Martin varies depending on the time of year. This graph shows the average prices in the various months to help you find out which is the best period to rent a low cost car.
According to reviews by other travellers, the following are the best car rental companies in Saint Martin. To compare rates click here.
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), located on the Dutch side of the island, is the main arrival point for visitors and offers the widest choice of car rental companies. Here you will find international operators such as Avis, Budget, Hertz and Europcar, as well as local companies such as Empress, Unity Car hire and Tropical-Sunset.
Apart from the airport, there are numerous rental locations available in major resorts such as Philipsburg (capital of the Dutch side), Marigot (capital of the French side) and Simpson Bay. However, for convenience and often for better rates, the most practical choice remains Princess Juliana Airport, where competition between several companies favours more competitive prices.
It is important to note that although it is possible to rent a car in one part of the island and drop it off in the other, this option generally entails significant surcharges. It is therefore advisable to plan the pick-up and drop-off at the same point.
Rental costs in Saint Martin vary considerably depending on the season, the duration of the rental and the type of vehicle chosen. The island follows a seasonal tourist pattern, with prices tending to increase during the high season (December-April) and decrease in the summer and autumn months.
For a small hatchback, the daily cost can range between $35 and $55 in low season, rising to $70-90 during peak tourist periods such as Christmas or Easter week.
If you prefer an SUV or a more spacious vehicle, useful for the island’s sometimes bumpy roads or for large groups, prices start at around $60 per day in low season, rising to $120 during peak periods.
Weekly rates generally offer significant savings compared to daily rentals, with prices starting at $200-250 for a hatchback in the low season.
It is crucial to check what the rental price includes. Some companies offer seemingly affordable rates that do not include comprehensive insurance, potentially putting the driver at risk of additional costs in the event of damage. Most companies require a credit card as a guarantee, on which a security deposit is usually blocked, which will be released when the vehicle is returned undamaged.
Booking well in advance is particularly recommended, especially during the high season when vehicle availability may be limited and prices tend to rise as the rental date approaches.
The island has a well-maintained road network but with features that require attention.
Driving is on the right on both sides of the island, following the European and American standard. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas and up to 70 km/h on suburban roads, although traffic and road conditions often dictate more moderate speeds.
One of the peculiarities of Saint Martin is the presence of numerous roundabouts, particularly in the French part, which replace traffic lights. These require particular attention to the rules of precedence, giving priority to vehicles already inside the roundabout.
Roads in the hinterland and in some coastal areas can have sharp bends and significant gradients, especially in the Pic Paradis area, the highest point on the island.
Traffic can be heavy in the urban areas of Philipsburg and Marigot, especially during peak hours or when cruise ships are in port. Back roads require attention due to the possible presence of pedestrians, animals (including the famous local goats) and the sometimes unpredictable driving of some local drivers.
Road conditions vary widely between the more touristy areas, which are generally well maintained, and the more remote areas, where potholes and unpaved sections can occur. An SUV or a vehicle with higher ground clearance may be advantageous for some areas, but is not strictly necessary for most tourist destinations.
Finally, parking in popular resorts such as Philipsburg or Grand Case can be difficult on busy days. Many restaurants and resorts offer free parking to customers, while in urban areas there may be parking fees or time limits.
This one-day itinerary allows you to discover the main attractions of Saint Martin, circumnavigating the entire island. Start in Philipsburg, the lively capital of the Dutch side, where you can enjoy the picturesque waterfront and duty-free shopping. Then head to Maho Beach, world-famous for its planes that land a few metres from bathers.
Continue north to Terres Basses, an exclusive area with some of the island’s most luxurious villas and secluded beaches such as Baie Longue and Baie aux Prunes. Continue to Marigot, the capital of the French side, where you can stroll among colourful markets and chic boutiques before stopping for lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the harbour.
In the afternoon, head to Grand Case, considered the gastronomic capital of the island, before reaching Orient Bay, one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean. Conclude the tour by returning to Philipsburg through the island’s central hills, enjoying spectacular coastal views.
This approximately 65 km itinerary will allow you to appreciate the island’s scenic and cultural diversity in just one day, although ideally it deserves at least two days to fully enjoy each stage.
Saint Martin is renowned for its beaches, each with its own distinctive character. This itinerary will take you to discover the most beautiful ones in one day. Start early in the morning at Dawn Beach, on the east coast, to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the ocean. Continue north to Baie Orientale (Orient Bay), the ‘St. Tropez of the Caribbean’, with its many beach clubs and water sports.
Continue to Anse Marcel, a quiet sheltered bay ideal for swimming, and then visit the wild Baie de Petites Cayes, a short walk away. For lunch, stop at Grand Case to enjoy Creole specialities at one of the beach restaurants.
In the afternoon, head to the west coast to visit Baie Rouge, with its distinctive pinkish sand, and Mullet Bay, perfect for a leisurely swim in the turquoise waters. End the day at Maho Beach to watch the last aircraft land before sunset, perhaps sipping a cocktail at the Sunset Bar & Grill.
This 50 km tour will allow you to experience the extraordinary variety of beaches the island has to offer, from the liveliest to the most secluded coves.
Saint Martin is known as the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean, and this itinerary will take you on a discovery of its flavours and rich culture. Depart Marigot early in the morning to visit the local market, where you can buy fresh tropical fruits and sample Creole specialities. Visit Fort Louis, which dominates the city, for a splendid view of the bay and Anguilla.
Continue on to Grand Case, a foodie’s paradise, where some of the island’s best restaurants are concentrated. Here you can enjoy top-notch French-Caribbean cuisine or opt for the more informal ‘lolos’, quaint outdoor grills offering local dishes at affordable prices.
In the afternoon, head to Quartier d’Orléans, one of the oldest settlements on the island, to immerse yourself in the local culture. Then visit Loterie Farm, a private nature reserve on the slopes of Pic Paradis, where you can take a walk in the tropical forest or relax in the natural swimming pool.
End the day in Philipsburg by exploring Front Street with its duty-free shops and the Saint Martin Museum, which tells the island’s history. For dinner, choose one of the waterfront restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood with a view of the sunset.
This approximately 40 km itinerary will offer you a complete immersion in the island’s authentic culture and flavours, combining gastronomy, history and natural landscapes.
Here are some quick answers to the most common doubts about car rental in Saint Martin.
To reserve a car in Saint Martin a credit card or debit card is sufficient. However, when you go to collect the car, you will need:
The car rental companies in Saint Martin allow to rent a car to all those who are between 21 and 70 years old. However, there is an additional cost for under 25 and for those over 70.
A car rental in Saint Martin always includes:
Any extras or additional insurance coverage are separate.
Find the best rates by comparing all car rental companies in one search.
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