Transport on Saint Martin

Transport on Saint Martin

In order to be permitted to drive in the West Indies, you must hold a national driver’s license, similarly to Metropolitan France. The road network, however, is not suitable for driving at the 90 km/h you are used to on the mainland. Roads are narrow, towns are at a close range and are not well signposted, and animals wander around without care for traffic, it is thus necessary to be prudent. If you choose to rent a car, you will soon be confronted with the fact that locals tend to drive extremely fast, in spite of the narrow roads or even of your presence. For your part, we would suggest that you respect the speed limits and drive as carefully as possible. Alcohol consumption is rooted in the culture of the region, and the 0.5 g of alcohol authorised is even less respected than on the mainland. Speed bumps are another factor that limits fast driving: they are everywhere and tend to be almost as high as walls in certain cases, it’s best to have a jeep to drive through easily. (Legend has it that speed bump construction companies are paid according to the amount of cement they use.) Traffic jams are also very common, especially on the sole coastal road, usually full of tourists visiting the region. Weather conditions, such as sudden downpours can also contribute to the endless delays on these roads.

Road maps

Road maps are available free of charge, and the best you can get is probably MAP One, a comprehensive guide to Saint Martin’s road network. Collect it in hotels, the tourist office, in the airports, restaurants or any car rental shop.

State of roads

Water flowing through the roads is a typical problem in the rainy season, though in certain towns locals have dug ditches to avoid the flooding of the roads. Climate is harsh on the bitumen, and local bridges and pavements must endure a permanent clash of elements, many roads are thus under construction all year round. The greatest number of accidents is caused by the excessive speed of local drivers, so it is advisable to be prudent and not to follow the local example.

Signposting

Road signs tend to be imprecise and often misleading, which is not the case for tourist signs around the main beaches, informing visitors of different leisure facilities in the area (diving, sailing, skiing..). These indications are generally detailed and trustworthy.

Major roads

A complete tour of the island is ensured by one main road of approximately three hours. The N7 leads across in around 45 minutes. It is best to keep a look out, due to the narrowness of the lanes and the great number of speed bumps, so prefer to take your time. Moving around Saint Martin is rather difficult without your own vehicle, so we would advise you to rent a car (or a jeep if you’d like to follow the latest fashion), a motorbike, scooter or even a bike, though this latter option may sometimes be more of a nuisance than help in getting around.

Traffic

Traffic jams are more than common especially in the outskirts of the two major towns. Suffer in silence, and don’t forget that you’re on an island, so the possibilities of enlarging the road network are rather limited.

Car rental

To best take advantage of your stay, you are strongly advised to rent a car in order to be able to go wherever, whenever. Certain guidebooks still recommend visitors to book their cars in advance before leaving the mainland, though with the significant number of agencies available today, you are sure to find a car even at the last moment, except for certain important dates (Christmas, New Year). If airport transfer is not included in your hotel package, it is a good idea to reserve in advance, though, and have your car delivered directly to the airport on arrival. Book by fax, phone or e-mail, and try out smaller agencies as well, as more well-known car-rentals (Budget, Car Rent, Europcar, Hertz) often work with tour operators and thus propose higher tariffs. Minibuses and jeeps are scarcer and harder to find in the high season, so be sure to reserve in advance if you require a special category of car. Cars at rental agencies are often of very good quality and require good maintenance. Conditions for rental include 21 years of age, at least one year of driving experience and an international credit card.

Avoid renting “black”, that is illegally, a “service” proposed by a certain number of locals who actually rent you their own cars for a small amount of money. Be aware that this is completely illegal, the cars are often not insured, and lest there is a problem, you will be just as responsible as the so-called rental. Don’t take unnecessary risks to save a couple of euros, but prefer to negotiate good prices with airport or hotel rental agencies in the lower season. Cabriolet models may appear a pleasant solution, as tropical heat can often be difficult on Metropolitans, but you will soon find that it is rather uncomfortable to be obliged to close the car’s roof at every stop, due to the possibility of sudden, violent storms transforming your Twingo into an open-space aquarium in less than five minutes. Opt for air conditioning if possible. Car rental shops advertise their prices with third-party insurance included, but it is best to pay an extra fee and include a complementary comprehensive insurance (CDW) in case anything goes wrong. If you are in possession of a Gold Visa or a Eurocard credit card, this type of insurance is already included in your bank contract. Most cars on Saint Martin are automatic, due to the important number of American clients on the road, so if you prefer a manual car, be sure to reserve one in advance in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Bus

Choosing the bus is a practical option, as they are accessible all around the most important towns of the island, on the main road of Marigot or on the Rue de Hollande. There are no stops, a simple raise of the hand will bring the bus to a halt similarly to on Guadeloupe. Cheap minibuses run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing regular links between Marigot and Philipsburg, Marigot and Grand Case, Philipsburg and Cole Bay, Simpson Bay and Mullet Bay. As for the island’s other regions, especially the Atlantic coast, you will need to hitch a ride or take a taxi, which latter one is quite a pricy option to choose.

Taxi

Certain taxies accept only U.S. Dollars, which is especially true to the island’s Dutch part. It is thus important to ask the driver whether he is willing to take your euros before you get on board. Minibuses are an alternative solution to taxies, as they take you practically wherever you may choose to go for as little as a dollar, though be prepared that drivers will not accept you with your bags and suitcases. If your hotel package does not include airport transfer, the best is to rent a car and reserve for it to be delivered directly to the arrivals board.

Hitchhiking

A means of transport highly appreciated by locals, who use it about as much as the bus, as hours are more flexible and tariffs are of course incomparable. Hitching a ride is easy on Saint Martin, and it actually works, as roads are scarce but cars are many. You simply raise your thumb and off you go, and it’s really as simple as that.