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Before you rent:
Make an informed choice. We believe in providing you with options to choose the right car for your needs with complete price transparency. At U-Save, we prioritize your peace of mind, which means rental insurance with us is not overly complicated and you are assured you are properly insured.
When you collect your Vehicle:
Think ahead. It's a good idea to map out your trip in advance, especially if you're returning the rental car to an unfamiliar location or airport. Check your confirmation email to make sure you know where to meet your agent or where the rental desk, and save the contact details to your phone for quick access.
Bring the necessary documents. While we strive to make the check-in process as simple as possible, some information is required by law. Having your reservation information, driver's license, passport and credit card ready in advance can speed up your reservation process. If you choose to self-insure, make sure that you have verifiable proof of full coverage insurance at the time of rental pickup. If you are a local renter, make sure that you have all the information required by the location to confirm your ID and address.
Conduct a car inspection. Perform a detailed walk around inspection as soon as the vehicle is received to note any existing damage on the rental agreement. The five damage hotspots that we've discovered deserve special attention. You are shielded from responsibility when you return the vehicle by disclosing any existing damage prior to leaving the location.
While you rent:
Take care. Please be advised that depending on the rental coverage you chose, you could be responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period. Take measures to reduce the possibility of collisions leading to dings and scratches, especially in congested parking areas.
When you return your vehicle:
Complete one more vehicle inspection. Conduct a second inspection during the return procedure, and no matter how little it may look, carefully record any damage. This approach enables us to handle your refund quickly while making sure you are completely insured. The five damage hotspots should receive special attention, just as they did during the initial assessment.
Drive on the right side of the road.
The Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) is the official currency, but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted.
Average temperatures range from 75°F (24°C) to 89°F (32°C).
Anna Mas , Saint Maarten
Rented a car @ st Marteen. The location is further from the airport, but the company does shuttle service to and from the airport. Doesn't take long. The owner is very nice and polite. Fair car prices. No problems
Pär Olsson , Saint Maarten
Used Usave for my rental. Nothing but good feedback from me. Shuttle waiting at airport. Less then 15min to do paperwork and pick up car. Car was what I expected for a carribean island and had zero issues with it. Easy return.
M&M Straus , Saint Maarten
Had an incredible experience! Free shuttle from the airport, car all ready and air conditioned as we arrived. Best prices around and fantastic staff. They even walked me across the street to get a SIM card for my phone. They went with me so I wouldn’t pay too much. How great!
Lori Bobki , Saint Maarten
This place was FABULOUS to work with. We rented 2 cars last week. They were just what we needed and the price can not be beat! The cars were perfect; clean and ready for us. We will rent cars from USave again.
Renting a car in Saint Martin, especially when arriving via Grand Case-Espérance Airport on the French side of the island, is an excellent way to explore this dual-nation paradise freely and comfortably. The island is relatively small — about 87 square kilometers — but filled with secluded beaches, scenic viewpoints, and vibrant towns spread across both the French (Saint Martin) and Dutch (Sint Maarten) sides. Public transport is limited, and taxis can be costly, so having your own vehicle offers flexibility and significant savings.
Driving here is straightforward: vehicles drive on the right-hand side, and roads are generally well-paved, though occasionally narrow or winding in hillside areas. A valid foreign driver’s license is accepted for up to 90 days, and no International Driving Permit is required for most travelers from the US, Canada, or EU.
Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in towns and up to 80 km/h on open roads, although it's important to obey signage as limits may vary. Roundabouts are common, and drivers already inside the roundabout have the right of way. Parking is relatively easy outside of busy town centers, and most major beaches have nearby parking areas. There are no toll roads or congestion zones on the island.
Fuel stations are easy to find and accept major credit cards, though having some euros or dollars on hand is wise — the euro is used on the French side, while the Netherlands Antillean guilder or USD is common on the Dutch side.
With a rental car, you can discover hidden gems like Baie Rouge, Loterie Farm, or Pic Paradis, all of which are much harder to reach without your own wheels. Whether you’re staying in Grand Case or planning day trips across the border to Philipsburg or Maho Beach, having a car makes your island experience seamless and memorable.
How far is Grand Case Airport from the main town areas?
Grand Case–Espérance Airport is located just a few minutes from the center of Grand Case village. It’s also only about a 20-minute drive to Marigot (the French capital) and 30–40 minutes to Philipsburg on the Dutch side.
Are the roads around Grand Case Airport in good condition?
Generally yes — the main roads are paved and well-maintained, but some smaller side roads near beaches and hillside villas may be narrow or uneven. Drive cautiously and watch for pedestrians and scooters.
Are there parking areas near the airport and in Grand Case village?
Yes, there’s parking available at the airport and in the village of Grand Case. During peak dining hours (especially in the evening), parking in Grand Case can be limited near the popular beachfront restaurants, so arriving early is smart.
Is traffic heavy near Grand Case Airport?
Traffic is usually light around the airport itself but can build up in Grand Case village during mealtimes and market nights (especially Tuesdays during high season). Plan extra time if you're catching a flight or heading to dinner.
Can I easily cross to the Dutch side from Grand Case by car?
Yes — there are no border controls. From Grand Case, it's about a 30–40 minute drive to Dutch-side destinations like Maho Beach or Simpson Bay, depending on traffic.
Are there gas stations near Grand Case Airport?
Yes, you’ll find a few gas stations within a short drive from the airport, particularly near Marigot. Make sure to fill up before long trips, especially if heading toward less developed parts of the island.
What should I watch out for when driving near Grand Case?
Keep an eye out for pedestrians crossing the street (especially near beach spots and restaurants), scooters that may pass unexpectedly, and narrow, sometimes unlit roads at night. Defensive driving and slower speeds are recommended in local villages.
Car Rental
