How to Get to St Martin: The Luxe Traveler’s Arrival Guide

If paradise had a proper front door, it would be St Martin.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about how to get to St Martin — whether you’re flying commercial, chartering a private jet, or arriving by yacht. And for those who plan to linger (and you should), we’ll introduce you to a few handpicked St Martin villas that make the journey worth every mile.

Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, this island offers a rare duality: half French, half Dutch, entirely irresistible. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping chilled rosé on a Grand Case terrace or shopping in the duty-free enclaves of Philipsburg, St. Martin is where upscale meets unbothered. But first, you’ve got to get there.

Why St. Martin Is the Caribbean’s Luxury Gateway

Beyond the turquoise waters and Michelin-worthy restaurants lies a fact seasoned travelers know well: St. Martin is the logistical heart of the Leeward Islands. Its airports, marinas, and location make it the ideal jumping-off point for visits to St. Barts, Anguilla, Saba, and beyond.

Yet, it’s more than a stopover. With its cosmopolitan culture, luxury accommodations, and spectacular coastline, St. Martin is a destination in its own right.

Whether you’re here to indulge in the island’s legendary culinary scene or you’re planning a multi-island escape, your journey begins with getting there.

Which Airport Should You Fly Into?

Where do you fly into for St. Martin? St. Martin has two main airports (princess juliana international airport and L’Esperance Airport / Grand Case Airport ), and which one you choose depends on where you’re coming from and how you’re traveling:

1. Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)

• Location: Dutch side, near Simpson Bay
• Best for: International flights, private jets, and large aircraft
• Why it matters: SXM is the most commonly used airport, with direct flights from major cities in the U.S., Europe, and Canada. It’s also the one famously located beside Maho Beach, where planes fly just overhead.

Direct flights to SXM arrive from:

• New York (JFK)
• Miami (MIA)
• Atlanta (ATL)
• Paris (CDG)
• Amsterdam (AMS)
• Toronto (YYZ)

2. L’Esperance Airport / Grand Case Airport (SFG)

• Location: French side
• Best for: Regional flights from nearby islands (St. Barts, Guadeloupe, Martinique)
• Why it matters: Smaller and more relaxed than SXM, it’s preferred by those flying in on small aircraft or island-hopping.

Flying to St. Martin: Commercial Routes

Major airlines serve Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) year-round. Carriers include:

• Air France and KLM from Europe
• American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and United from the U.S.
• Air Canada and WestJet from Canada

Flights ramp up in the high season (December to April), so booking early is advised. Business class and first-class seating offer a smoother transition into luxury mode — think lie-flat seats and better baggage allowances.

Arriving by Private Jet

For travelers who prioritize time and privacy, chartering a private jet to St. Martin is the preferred route.

• SXM has a dedicated private jet terminal (Signature Flight Support), offering expedited customs and immigration.
• Many luxury travelers fly into SXM and connect via helicopter or yacht to nearby islands.
• Grand Case Airport also handles private aircraft and may be a faster alternative for villas on the French side.

For private jet travelers, SXM can accommodate various jet sizes, including:​

• Light Jets: Ideal for shorter regional flights.​
• Midsize Jets: Such as the Hawker 800XP or Learjet 60, suitable for medium-range travel. ​
• Long-Range Jets: Capable of intercontinental flights, though operational considerations like fuel load and passenger count may apply.​

It’s advisable for operators of larger private jets to coordinate with the airport authorities to ensure compliance with weight-bearing capacities and other operational requirements. Additionally, due to high demand, especially during peak travel seasons, securing landing slots and parking in advance is recommended.

Haute Retreats can arrange private jet bookings and ground transportation, including tarmac-to-villa transfers with full concierge service.

Yacht & Ferry Transfers to Neighboring Islands

Because of its central location, St. Martin is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding islands:

• To St. Barts: 45-minute ferry or 15-minute private boat or helicopter
• To Anguilla: 25-minute ferry from Marigot or 20-minute private boat from Simpson Bay
• To Saba or St. Eustatius: Daily ferry and regional flights

Private yacht charters can be arranged through Haute Retreats to include island-hopping itineraries with chef-curated menus and onboard spa treatments.

Customs & Entry Requirements

• U.S., Canadian, and EU passport holders do not need a visa for stays under 90 days.
• Customs at SXM is efficient, especially with VIP meet-and-greet services.
• Travelers arriving via private jet or yacht benefit from fast-tracked clearance.

Haute Retreats Concierge Services

From the moment your flight lands or your yacht anchors, Haute Retreats ensures a seamless arrival.

• Airport fast-track & baggage services
• Private chauffeured transport to your villa
• In-villa check-in with welcome cocktails
• Optional helicopter transfers to avoid traffic

Our team also coordinates:

• Luggage forwarding
• Grocery pre-stocking
• Spa appointments
• Chef-prepared meals upon arrival

When to Travel

• High Season: December to April (ideal weather, most lively)
• Low Season: May to November (fewer crowds, great villa rates)

While hurricanes are possible in late summer, villas managed by Haute Retreats offer full storm-readiness and flexible rebooking policies.

Where to Stay: Discover the Finest St Martin Villas

Once you’ve arrived in paradise, your villa sets the tone. Haute Retreats offers a curated collection of St Martin villas on both the French and Dutch sides, tailored for:

• Romantic escapes
• Family reunions
• Corporate retreats
• Long-term stays

Each villa features:

• Private pools
• Ocean views
• Personal chefs and butlers
• Daily housekeeping
• Concierge planning

From the hills of Terres Basses to the beachfronts of Baie Rouge, our St Martin villas redefine what it means to truly arrive.

Whether you’re flying first class, chartering a jet, or arriving by yacht, getting to St. Martin is just the beginning. The real journey begins the moment you step into your villa — and let the island take care of the rest.

What is the best way to get to Saint Martin?

Getting to St. Maarten from the United States is seamless, with nonstop flights available from multiple major cities. Most U.S. travelers arrive via Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side of the island.

You can fly direct from:

• New York (JFK) – JetBlue, Delta, American
• Miami (MIA) – American Airlines
• Atlanta (ATL) – Delta
• Charlotte (CLT) – American Airlines
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – Spirit Airlines, JetBlue

Flights range from 3 to 5 hours depending on departure city. During high season (December to April), airlines increase frequency and may offer premium cabins with lie-flat seating.

Once landed, Haute Retreats can arrange for private ground transfer, expedited customs, or even a helicopter ride straight to your villa’s helipad.