St Martin/St Maarten / Driving/Parking

Driving is on the right on both French and Dutch sides of the island. Road conditions vary but are generally good, although you should watch out for potholes, wandering goats and buses that often stop abruptly if hailed by a passenger. Traffic jams are common in both Marigot and Philipsburg during the morning and afternoon rush hours, and also if there are a lot of cruise ships in port. Lines of cars can also build up when the road bridges at Sandy Ground (St Martin) and Simpson Bay (St Maarten) are raised to let boats in and out of Simpson Bay Lagoon – the opening times are published in local papers or ask at your hotel. It can also take time to find a parking space in Marigot and Philipsburg – pay attention to applicable signs and road markings as offending vehicles do get towed away.