Princess Juliana International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (SXM)

Princess Juliana International Airport is located approximately 15 km northwest of Philipsburg, capital of Sint Maarten.

It is famous worldwide for the proximity of the runway threshold to Maho Beach, where landing aircraft pass just metres above swimmers: a phenomenon that has made the airport itself one of the island's tourist attractions.

Content verified on 06/09/2026

Official source: www.sxmairport.com

How to get to Princess Juliana International Airport

Philipsburg is about 15 km from the airport, with a journey of 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car or taxi reach Philipsburg in 20-30 minutes.

By Train

There is no direct railway connection to Sint Maarten.

By Bus

Local minibuses (vans) connect the airport to major localities on the island at reasonable fares, though without published fixed schedules.

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Tips If you want to photograph aircraft from Maho Beach, check the flight arrival schedules of the larger commercial airlines in advance: they provide the most spectacular viewing moments.

Average travel time to SXM

TrainNot available

Shuttle busInformal service (van)

Taxi / Private hire20-30 minutes

Parking near Princess Juliana International Airport

There is a parking area near the terminal.

How to get to Saint Martin from SXM

By Train

There is no railway connection at Sint Maarten.

By Bus

Local minibuses (vans) connect the airport to the main areas of the island at reasonable rates, although without published fixed schedules.

By Taxi

A taxi to Philipsburg costs approximately in line with standard Caribbean fares, for a journey of 20-30 minutes; fares are generally fixed by zone.

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Car rental at Princess Juliana International Airport

Major car rental companies have desks at the airport, heavily used for exploring both the Dutch and French sides of the island.

Hotels near Princess Juliana International Airport

Princess Juliana International Airport is on the Dutch side of the island, a stone's throw from Simpson Bay and the famous Maho beach, where planes pass just metres above sunbathers while landing: for those who want to stay close to the sea and the nightlife, Simpson Bay and Maho are convenient from early afternoon onward, with a transfer of 5-10 minutes. Philipsburg, the capital with the Great Bay waterfront and Front Street, is an equally valid option for those who prefer shopping and restaurants on foot, accepting 15-20 more minutes by car. From here to the French side and Grand Case it still takes 30-40 minutes, so anyone wanting to sleep near that side should look at SFG airport, not this one.

Airport area

Simpson Bay and Maho

5-10 minutes by car from the terminal; several hotels are within walking distance of the runway, including Maho Beach, from which you can watch planes land.

Best for: Those who want to stay minutes from the terminal, with beaches, casinos and evening venues within walking distance or very close by.

Pros

No need to travel far on the day of arrival or departure, handy for evening or very early morning flights
Beaches, casinos and restaurants of Maho and Simpson Bay within walking distance of most hotels in the area

Cons

Take-off noise is clearly audible near the runway, especially at Maho Beach
Reaching Philipsburg's historic waterfront still takes a 15-20 minute transfer

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

City centre

Philipsburg and Front Street

About 10 km and 15-20 minutes by car from the terminal, passing through Simpson Bay.

Best for: Those who want the historic waterfront, Front Street shopping and Great Bay Beach on foot from the room.

Pros

Front Street, the duty-free shops and the cruise ship pier within walking distance
Great Bay Beach right in front of the boardwalk hotels, with no need to travel

Cons

Further from the airport than Simpson Bay, worth bearing in mind for very early morning flights
On cruise ship days Front Street becomes very crowded during the day

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport is Sint Maarten's primary hub, with connections to the United States, the Netherlands, and numerous Caribbean islands, and is itself a tourist attraction due to the runway's proximity to Maho Beach.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area is extensive, reflecting the island's strong tax-free shopping orientation.

Lounges & relaxation

Business travelers find a limited selection of reserved lounges.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available at the airport; local SIM cards can be easily purchased in Philipsburg.

Families & Children

Some essential provisions are available for families in transit in the waiting areas.

Terminal guide

The single terminal handles connections to the United States, the Netherlands, and numerous other Caribbean islands.

Those flying on international flights would do well to allow 2.5–3 hours in advance.

Map of Princess Juliana International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Why is Princess Juliana airport famous?

Because of how close the runway threshold is to Maho Beach: landing planes pass just a few meters above sunbathers, a phenomenon that draws aviation enthusiasts from all over the world.

Q. What documents are needed to enter Sint Maarten?

A valid passport, the online entry form (ED Card), a return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation; visa requirements vary depending on nationality.

Q. What currency is best to bring to Sint Maarten?

The US dollar is accepted almost everywhere on the Dutch side, alongside the Caribbean guilder (XCG), the official currency since March 2025, pegged to the dollar at a fixed rate.

Q. Is Sint Maarten the same as Saint-Martin?

No, they are two separate jurisdictions on the same island: Sint Maarten is the Dutch side, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while Saint-Martin is the French side, served by its own airport (SFG).