Most travelers reach Anguilla via St Maarten, and the good news is the connection is genuinely easy. The channel between the two islands is narrow, the crossing is quick, and you have three distinct options depending on where you land, how much you want to spend, and how much simplicity matters to you.
Travel tip
If arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), a shared sea shuttle from the Dutch-side terminal is the most direct option. Book in advance during peak season.
Option 1: Shared Sea Shuttle from the Dutch Side (Near SXM Airport)
The most convenient option for travelers landing at Princess Juliana International Airport is the shared sea shuttle from the terminal on the Dutch side of St Maarten, located across from the airport. Operators including , , and coordinate departures around flight arrivals and typically include a van transfer from the arrivals hall to the dock.
Jahmal Richard is a born-and-raised Anguillian who frequently uses the Blowing Point ferry crossing for personal and business travel. As an experienced software engineer, he built Anguilla Ferry Times to give local and international travelers clear ferry schedules, practical trip-planning tools, and useful insights for visiting Anguilla.
The crossing to Blowing Point takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Fares typically run $65 to $75 USD per person one way. Advance booking is recommended, especially during the December through April peak season.
Step
What Happens
Land at SXM
Arrive at Princess Juliana International Airport
0-10 mins
Clear immigration and complete the ED card if not done in advance
20-25 mins
Collect baggage
2-3 mins
Exit arrivals hall and meet your charter agent or transfer van
5 mins
Short drive to the Dutch-side boat terminal
5-10 mins
Check in and wait at the terminal
20-25 mins
Cross to Anguilla by charter boat
On arrival
Disembark at Blowing Point and clear Anguilla customs and immigration
Option 2: Public Ferry from Marigot (French Side)
The public ferry from Marigot on the French side of St Martin is the lowest-cost option. After landing at SXM, you take a taxi to the Marigot ferry terminal, a 20 to 30 minute drive depending on traffic that typically costs $20 to $30 USD. From Marigot, ferries depart roughly every 45 to 60 minutes from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM and the crossing takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Adult one-way fare (ages 12 and older): $30 USD, cash only
Child fare (under 12): $20 USD
Marigot departure tax: €7 per person ages 4 and up, payable in euros or by card (not USD)
No advance booking required
Travel time: approximately 20 to 25 minutes
Travel tip
During busy periods such as holidays and peak season weekends, arrive at the Marigot terminal at least 45 minutes before your intended departure. The ferry does not hold for late arrivals.
Good to Know
Taxis from SXM Airport to Marigot cost approximately $20 to $30 USD and take 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. The Marigot departure tax must be paid in euros or by card. USD is not accepted for this fee. Bring euros or a card for this step.
Option 3: Short Flight from SXM to AXA
The fastest way to get from St Maarten to Anguilla is a short scheduled flight. Anguilla Air Services and Winair both operate nonstop flights between Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) and Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA). The flight takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes and covers around 12 miles.
Anguilla Air Services operates Britten-Norman Islander aircraft on this route, small 9-seat propeller planes that offer a low-altitude crossing with good views of the water and coastline. There are roughly 30 or more scheduled departures per week in season. Advance booking is recommended.
Flight duration: approximately 8 to 10 minutes
Operators: Anguilla Air Services and Winair
Airport-to-airport: no taxi to a ferry terminal required
Best option for travelers with tight connection windows or significant luggage
More expensive than the ferry but the fastest possible transfer
Comparing the Three Options
Option
Approx. Cost (one way)
Transfer Time
Best For
Shared sea shuttle (Dutch side)
$65-$75 USD
20-25 min crossing + brief terminal process
Travelers landing at SXM who want a direct, simple transfer
Public ferry (via Marigot)
$30 USD + taxi + taxes
20-25 min crossing + taxi to Marigot
Budget-conscious travelers with time to spare
Short flight SXM to AXA
Varies, book direct
8-10 minutes in the air
Travelers with tight schedules or heavy luggage
Flying Direct to Anguilla from the U.S.
If you are traveling from the U.S. East Coast, it is worth knowing that direct flights to Anguilla now exist and remove the St Maarten connection entirely. AnguillAir, operated by BermudAir, flies nonstop to Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), and Baltimore (BWI) on a twice-weekly schedule. American Airlines also operates nonstop service from Miami (MIA).
The Bottom Line
For most travelers landing at SXM, the shared sea shuttle is the simplest and most seamless option. The public ferry from Marigot is the best value if you have time and do not mind the taxi leg. The short flight is the right call if your connection window is tight or your bags are heavy. All three routes end at Blowing Point or the airport in Anguilla, usually within 25 minutes of departure.
For live ferry schedules, operator profiles, and departure times, visit Anguilla Ferry Times.
