Driving in St. Maarten (SXM): What You Need to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road and always wear your seatbelt . Roads are generally wellmarked, but SXM’s hilly lanes have hairpin turns – so take it slow if you’re not used to mountain driving.
- Obey speed limits: 50 km/h (32 mph) in towns, 80 km/h (50 mph) on main highways. Be alert at night – street lighting can be sparse.
- Gas & Currency: Gas stations are plentiful on both sides of the island . Most accept USD, euros (especially on the French side) and Caribbean dollars . On the French side, carry some euros or small bills – cash is handy for markets and local roadside stands.
- Watch out for wildlife: Turtles, iguanas or even roaming goats and chickens sometimes cross the road. Slow down around dusk.
- Avoid rush hours: Traffic can pile up around Philipsburg and the airport during cruise-ship arrivals or 7-9AM and 4-6PM . If possible, plan beach mornings or outings outside those times.
- Navigation: Most of SXM has good cell coverage. We provide GPS units or you can use your phone (Google Maps works well). Look for brown tourist signs on the Dutch side and green signs in French St. Martin for major sights.
- Parking: Many attractions have small lots or roadside parking (paid or free). At popular beaches (Orient Bay, Maho) you’ll find public parking. In Philipsburg and Marigot downtown, use marked lots. Always take note of your parking spot number in Philipsburg!
Why Choose Empress Rent A Car
Renting a car with Empress Rent A Car means your SXM adventure starts and ends smoothly. Here’s what
sets us apart:
– Prime Location: We’re literally 50 meters from Princess Juliana Airport, with a free shuttle running daily.
Pick up or drop off your car in minutes after your flight or before boarding. (We also deliver to hotels across SXM at no extra charge.)
– Transparent Pricing: Our rates include unlimited mileage, insurance and airport fees – what you see is what you pay. No hidden charges means more budget for beach cocktails!
– Wide Selection: Need a compact car for city streets? A roomy SUV for family luggage? A sporty convertible for cruising the coast? We have it all. Our local fleet includes fuel-efficient hatchbacks up to luxury Jeeps and vans.
– Local, Friendly Service: We’re a Sint Maarten family-owned business. We speak your language (English, French, Dutch) and know the island like the back of our hand. We can recommend the quickest routes, best snorkeling spots, or where to catch the famed SXM sunset. Consider us your island guides with wheels! From the moment you step off the plane, we’ve got you covered. Our staff at the Empress counter will greet you with a smile, handle the paperwork quickly, and have you out on the road in no time.
Ready to Drive? Book Now!
So pack your sunscreen and playlist – adventure is just around the next bend. Book your car with Empress Rent A Car today, and make your trip to Sint Maarten / Saint Martin unforgettable. Our friendly team is standing by to help you choose the perfect vehicle for your SXM road trip. Whether you need SXM car hire for a day, a week, or longer, we’ve got the keys waiting. Get ready to hit the scenic roads and hidden gems of SXM – with Empress, island freedom is all yours!