The Caribbean travellers finest resource

Email this page to:

Close

St Martin/St Maarten / Car Rental

By Nigel Tisdall

St Martin/St Maarten has numerous car rental agencies and there is a long line of booths in the arrivals hall of Princess Juliana International Airport where you can easily sort out a vehicle once you get here. In most cases you will be driven from the airport to a pick-up point where the paperwork is completed and you get the car. Another option is to arrange a transfer or taxi from the airport or harbour to your accommodation on arrival, then pick up a vehicle (or get it delivered) on a day and time that is convenient.

Drivers must be aged 18 or over with a valid licence and credit card, although some companies set a higher age limit. Rental prices tend to be more on the French side because of the insurance cover required but that is to your advantage in the event of an incident. Rates may rise in the high season from November to April. It is normal practice to return the car with a full tank of fuel, so allow time to fill up before you head for the airport – some petrol stations are open 24 hours. In addition to hiring cars, some agencies offer scooter and motorcycle rental, including Harley-Davidsons.

We recommend:

St Martin

Discount Car Rental, Baie Nettlé - A small, French-owned company offering a caring and personalised service with no long queues to join. The fleet of air-conditioned Kia and Hyundai vehicles available includes a nine-seater van.

Golfe Car Rental, Grand-Case - With two bases, one in Marigot and another at Aéroport l'Espérance-Grand-Case, this leading company offers a good range of cars including prestige vehicles. Delivery to your hotel can be arranged.

St Maarten

Hertz, Simpson Bay - A major international brand catering to both business and leisure travellers, Hertz offers car hire at three locations in St Martin and five in St Maarten, including a booth at Princess Juliana International Airport.

You may also want to read our article - Essential Notes on Driving in the Caribbean.

Please see below for a full directory of car rental companies in St Martin & St Maarten

Browse Car Rental on other islands

Anguilla | Antigua and Barbuda | Barbados | British Virgin Islands | Cayman Islands | Dominica | Dominican Republic | Grenada & Carriacou | Jamaica | Nevis | Saba | St Barthélemy | St Eustatius | St Kitts | St Lucia | St Martin/St Maarten | St Vincent and the Grenadines | Tobago | Trinidad

Or read our other island guides

Anguilla | Antigua | Aruba | Bahamas | Barbados | Bermuda | Bonaire | British Virgin Islands | Cayman Islands | Cuba | Curacao | Dominica | Dominican Republic | Grenada and Carriacou | Guadeloupe | Haiti | Jamaica | Martinique | Montserrat | Nevis | Puerto Rico | Saba | St Barthélemy | St Eustatius | St Kitts | St Lucia | St Martin/St Maarten | St Vincent and the Grenadines | Tobago | Trinidad | Turks & Caicos Islands | US Virgin Islands

island_map View on map

St Martin/St Maarten’s weather

St Martin/St Maarten weather chart

When to go and weather

Looking for inspiration?

  1. Experience the sights and sounds of Orient Beach
  2. Swim to Pinel Island for a decadent lunch at Karibuni
  3. Climb to Fort-Louis above Marigot and appreciate the historic views
  4. Enjoy classic French cuisine in Grand-Case
  5. Sail to Anguilla or St Barth’s for the day

Events list coming soon. We apologize for any inconvenience

St Martin/St Maarten Events

View calendar