Should you take the ferry or fly to Anguilla? Compare cost, travel time, luggage, convenience, private charters, and the best option for your trip.
The ferry is usually the best value and the most flexible option from St. Martin to Anguilla. Flying is usually better if you want the fastest route, have a tight schedule, or prefer to avoid the ferry transfer process.
Best value
Ferry
Usually the cheaper route from SXM
Fastest option
Flight
Best when time matters most
Best backup
Charter
Useful for late SXM arrivals
Best for groups
Ferry/Charter
Depends on luggage, budget, and timing
Use this comparison to decide whether public ferry, short flight, or private charter makes the most sense for your trip.
Best value and flexibility
Best speed and convenience
Typical total cost from SXM
Ferry total can include taxi, ferry fare, and taxes.
Travel time after SXM arrival
Flight is faster if timing and availability line up.
Frequency
Public ferries usually offer more same-day flexibility.
Booking needed
Flights should be booked ahead, especially in peak season.
Luggage flexibility
Small aircraft may have stricter baggage rules.
Best for tight timing
Flying can reduce transfer friction when the timing works.
Views and experience
Both can be memorable in different ways.
Weather impact
Both options can be affected by weather.
Costs and timing are planning estimates. Confirm the latest ferry, charter, and flight options before booking.
The best choice depends on your budget, luggage, schedule, comfort level, and arrival time.
The public ferry is the best choice for most travelers who want the most affordable and flexible route between St. Martin and Anguilla.
You are traveling on a budget
You have flexible timing
You have more luggage
You want frequent same-day departures
You are traveling with a group
You want the classic Anguilla arrival experience
Flying into Anguilla can be easier when time matters more than cost or when you want to avoid the ferry connection from SXM.
Time is your top priority
You have a tight connection
You prefer fewer transfer steps
You get seasick easily
You want aerial island views
The flight schedule matches your arrival
A private or shared charter can be faster than the public ferry, more flexible than scheduled flights, and useful when arriving late at SXM or traveling with a group.
Use these scenarios to quickly decide which route is most practical.
The public ferry is usually the lowest-cost way to reach Anguilla from St. Martin, especially if you can travel during normal ferry hours.
If you land after the final public ferry, compare private charters or short flight options before assuming the public ferry will work.
The ferry is usually more forgiving for standard vacation luggage, while short flights may have stricter weight limits.
If your schedule is tight and the flight timing works, flying can reduce the number of transfer steps after SXM.
The ferry crossing itself is short, but the full ferry route can include airport arrival, baggage claim, immigration, taxi transfer to Marigot, ferry check-in, departure taxes, the crossing, Anguilla immigration, and onward ground transportation.
The flight may be faster in the air, but you should still compare booking requirements, baggage rules, schedule availability, airport processing, and total cost.
Compare total door-to-door time, not only crossing time
Check luggage limits before booking a short flight
Use the ferry if you want the best overall value
Use a charter if public ferry timing does not line up
For most visitors, the public ferry is the best starting point. If time, late arrivals, or comfort matter more, check short flights and private charter options before booking.
Everything you need to plan your trip between Anguilla and Saint-Martin.
