How to Get to Anguilla from St Maarten
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.
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 Calypso, GB Ferries, and Funtime coordinate departures around flight arrivals and typically include a van transfer from the arrivals hall to the dock.
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
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.
Jahmal Richard
Software Engineer and QA Expert with 8+ years of experience building and testing modern applications. Passionate about solving real-world problems through scalable systems, intuitive design, and automation. Creator of Anguilla Ferry Times streamlining Caribbean travel with live ferry tracking and real-time updates.