Car Rental at St Maarten Airport (SXM)

Welcome to U-Save Car Rental in the breathtaking island of St. Maarten! Embrace the freedom to explore this tropical gem at your own pace with our top-notch car rental services. Whether you're yearning to bask in the sun-kissed beaches, savor the delectable Caribbean cuisine, or embark on exciting adventures, our strategically located rental office is conveniently situated to cater to all your transportation needs. With U-Save, you can effortlessly navigate through the island's stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Trust in our reliable fleet of vehicles and exceptional customer service to make the most of your time in St. Maarten. Discover the true essence of this paradise with U-Save Car Rental today!

Experience Our Fleet

Tips for renting at St Maarten Airport

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.

St Maarten

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).

Driving saint maarten Pieni

Renting a Car in Princess Juliana Airport – Why It’s a Smart Choice

 

Renting a car in Saint Martin 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.

FAQs About Driving & Renting a Car in Grand Case Airport

What is the main airport of St Maarten?

The main airport is Princess Juliana Airport (SXM), which is located located on the Dutch side of the island of Saint Martin (Sint Maarten), near Maho Beach. It’s the main international gateway to both the Dutch (Sint Maarten) and French (Saint-Martin) sides of the island.

What is unique about SXM Airport?

SXM is famous for its runway that starts just behind Maho Beach. Visitors can experience planes flying extremely low overhead while landing — a bucket-list experience for aviation enthusiasts.

How far is the airport from major tourist areas?

St. Maarten is a small island, so the distances are not very long. Philipsburg (Dutch capital): ~25 minutes by car, Marigot (French capital): ~30–40 minutes, Grand Case: ~35–45 minutes, Orient Bay: ~40–50 minutes, and Simpson Bay: ~10 minutes

What is traffic like on the island?

Traffic can be congested, especially around: Simpson Bay and the bridge during boat crossings Marigot and Philipsburg during rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM) Plan for extra travel time during peak hours.

Are roads in good condition in Saint Maarten?

Main roads are generally paved but narrow and winding, especially in hilly areas. Expect occasional potholes and uneven surfaces.

Is parking easy to find around St Maarten?

Philipsburg and Marigot have paid parking and limited spots. Many beaches and tourist areas have free but unpaved parking lots. Parking is often scarce in high season, especially in small beach towns.

Can I drive between the Dutch and French sides?

Yes! There is no border control — you can freely drive between both sides of the island.

Other rental locations in Saint Maarten

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Grand Case Airport

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