How to get to Philipsburg

Philipsburg is the vibrant capital of the Dutch side of the island of Sint Maarten, renowned for its duty-free shopping and the picturesque Great Bay promenade. When planning a trip to Philipsburg, tourists most often choose air travel or cruise liners to reach this Caribbean paradise. The city is open to travellers from all over the world, offering convenient arrival options both by air and by sea.

The main air gateway for travellers is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), located very close to the city. This aviation hub is world-famous for its unique runway, where aircraft fly literally over the heads of holidaymakers on the beach, ensuring an unforgettable start to the vacation.

You can also consider flying via the neighbouring city of The Valley on the island of Anguilla, located approximately 21 km away. However, a direct flight to Princess Juliana Airport remains the most comfortable and fastest way to reach the island of Sint Maarten.

Railway connections in the city of Philipsburg and throughout the entire island of Sint Maarten are completely absent due to the terrain features and the small land area. Tourists should not look for stations here or expect to travel by train.

Even in nearby settlements, such as The Valley, railway infrastructure is not developed. To move around the region, travellers traditionally use rental cars, taxis, or water transport.

Intercity communication in this Caribbean region has its own specifics and often combines ground transport with ferry crossings. A popular route is the trip from the city of Gustavia: the distance is about 27 km, and the total travel time takes approximately 1.4 hours.

Such journeys allow you to see the diversity of neighbouring islands in a single trip. It is recommended to check transport schedules in advance, as the frequency of trips may change depending on the tourist season and weather conditions.

Travelling by car from the neighbouring city of The Valley (Anguilla) to Philipsburg is an exciting adventure that necessarily includes using a cargo-passenger ferry to cross between the islands. The distance between the points is about 31 km, and the journey, including the sea portion, will take approximately 1.4 hours.

Upon arrival on the island of Sint Maarten, renting a car becomes an excellent way to explore the surroundings at your own pace. Taxi and rental services are well-developed in the region, but drivers should be prepared for heavy traffic in the capital's centre and occasionally narrow roads.

Philipsburg is a hospitable Caribbean city, but to ensure your holiday is as comfortable as possible, it is worth considering a few important nuances.

1. Clothing and Climate. Summer prevails here year-round, so bring light clothing made of natural fabrics, swimwear, and comfortable shoes. Be sure to pack a hat or head covering for the sun, and a light wrap may be useful for the evenings.
2. Transport. The most popular way to get around is by local minibuses (vans with the letter "B" on the number plate). They are inexpensive and run frequently, but for complete freedom, it is better to rent a car.
3. Currency. The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder, but US Dollars are accepted everywhere and with pleasure. Change may be given in the local currency.
4. Sun Protection. The Caribbean sun is very active even in cloudy weather. Use cream with high SPF, wear sunglasses, and drink plenty of water.
5. Language. The official languages are Dutch and English. English is understood and used practically everywhere, so there will be no issues with communication.
6. Electricity. The Dutch side of the island uses American-type sockets (110 V), so travellers with European devices will need an adapter.
7. Safety. The city is safe, but observe basic precautions: do not leave valuable items in the car in plain sight and keep an eye on your bags in crowded places.

By following these simple recommendations, you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of the "Friendly Island" without any unnecessary worries.