# Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)

> Sint Maarten, SX · 15 km northwest of Philipsburg

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/sxm
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/sxm.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: SXM
- **ICAO**: TNCM
- **Timezone**: America/Lower_Princes
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: 1.8M/yr
- **Official site**: https://www.sxmairport.com

## Overview

## Welcome

At Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), the spectacle of aircraft roaring overhead as they approach Maho Beach is a highlight for travelers and aviation enthusiasts alike. The combination of low-flying planes, the nearby Sunset Bar & Grill, and crystal-clear waters make it a unique space where a leisurely beach day is just steps away from catching your flight. Located 15 km from Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten, this airport is more than just a transit hub — it's an attraction itself.

## At a glance

Handling approximately 1.8 million passengers annually, SXM features one passenger terminal servicing numerous regional and international flights. The airport caters to leisure travelers and those island-hopping to neighboring paradises like Anguilla and St. Barth. The compact nature of the airport means you can step off your flight and into a taxi toward a white sandy beach in under 30 minutes, with fares ranging from $15 to $25 depending on the destination.

## Terminals & layout

Princess Juliana International Airport operates a single passenger terminal, which houses all arrivals and departures. The terminal features a straightforward layout where everything from check-in to boarding is easily accessible. Despite this simplicity, visitors often report that check-in and security can be slow, especially during peak times such as Saturdays and cruise turnover periods.

## Getting to and from the city

Taxis are the go-to option for most visitors, with flat fares of $20-$25 for a ride between the airport and Philipsburg. Hotel shuttles and private car services provide alternatives, albeit at a similar price point. For budget-conscious travelers, island minibuses charge between $1.50 and $2.00 per ride and connect the airport to key spots like Philipsburg. If venturing out to nearby islands, ferry services to Anguilla and St. Barth require a taxi ride to the ports, costing $15-$25 each way, plus ferry fares.

## Traveller essentials

The airport features limited dining and shopping options compared to the surrounding area. Long Stay Parking and Short Stay Parking both cost $30 per day, and EV charging stations are available. For those needing internet access, Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Frequent travelers advise arriving at the airport three hours prior to departure, especially for flights to the U.S. and Canada, due to reported backlogs in check-in and security.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Inside the terminal, you'll find duty-free shops and eateries like Palms Grill and the SXM Museum gift shop. However, those in the know prefer to dine at local favs like Buccaneer Beach Bar or Skipjack's in Maho Village, offering more variety and better value just outside the airport. Within the terminal, food and drink prices can be higher than those in nearby Simpson Bay.

## Lounges

For travelers seeking a more relaxed pre-flight experience, the airport offers several lounge options. The Princess Sky Lounge charges $60 per adult, providing a comfortable area for those willing to pay. However, many travelers find relaxation spots outside the terminal, such as the nearby Sunset Bar & Grill, a worthy alternative given its close proximity and plane-spotting views.

## Insider tips

- **Insider:** Get your classic plane photo safely by standing back near the concrete wall or Sunset Bar & Grill deck at Maho Beach.

- **Time:** Arrive 3 hours early for international flights to avoid long lines, especially on Saturdays.

- **Local:** Fill up at Maho Village's bars and restaurants before heading to the airport to save on food costs.

- **Quiet:** Enjoy a quieter plane-spotting experience at the Driftwood Boat Bar, less crowded than the main area.

- **Avoid:** Don't stand behind jets at Maho Beach during departures due to powerful, dangerous jet blasts.

- **Money:** Share taxis to cut costs; taxi fares are per vehicle, not per person.

- **Insider:** Check baggage delivery can be slow; be prepared for a wait upon arrival when several large jets overlap.

## Terminals (1)

- **Passenger Terminal**
  A modern terminal with a rich aviation history.

## Dining (21)

- **3 Amigos** — $$
- **Bamboo House** — $$
- **Buccaneer Beach Bar** — $$
- **Caribbean Liquor & Tobacco** — $$
- **Colombian Emeralds**
- **Driftwood Boat Bar** — $$
- **Dutch Delight**
- **Fashion & Accessories by Love SXM (Duty Free)** — $$
- **Fat Tony's** — $
- **Friendly Island Pharmacy**
- **Gift & Souvenirs by Shipwreck Shops (Duty Free)** — $$
- **JAX Steakhouse** — $$$
- **Liquor, Tobacco & Chocolates by Princess Promenade (Duty Free)** — $$
- **Palms Grill**
- **Penha Electronics (Duty Free)** — $$
- **Penha Perfumes & Cosmetics** — $$
- **Skipjack's** — $$$
- **Sunglasses by Hot Look (Duty Free)** — $$
- **Sunset Bar & Grill** — $$
- **SXM Museum**
- **Topper's Restaurant** — $$

## Lounges (4)

- **Princess Sky Lounge** — /dev/oo_imports/terminal_airport.js.gi · Priority Pass, Day pass · $60 per adult ($45 per child under 5)
- **Signature Aviation Lounge** — /dev/oo_imports/terminal_airport.js.gi · FBO, private aviation terminal · /dev/oo_imports/day_pass_airport.js.gi
- **VIP Arrival/Departure Service** — /dev/oo_imports/terminal_airport.js.gi · Meet-and-greet, fast-track style service if offered by third-party handlers · /dev/oo_imports/day_pass_airport.js.gi
- **Winair Departure Lounge** — /dev/oo_imports/terminal_airport.js.gi · Regional departures, small carrier lounge if operating · /dev/oo_imports/day_pass_airport.js.gi

## Shops (16)

- **Caribbean Liquor & Tobacco**
- **Colombian Emeralds** — Duty Free
- **Dutch Delight**
- **Fashion & Accessories by Love SXM** — Duty Free
- **Friendly Island Pharmacy**
- **Gift & Souvenirs by Shipwreck Shops** — Duty Free
- **Liquor, Tobacco & Chocolates by Princess Promenade** — Duty Free
- **Local Beach Vendors**
- **Maho Market**
- **Penha Electronics** — Duty Free
- **Penha Perfumes & Cosmetics**
- **Shipwreck Shop**
- **Simpson Bay Convenience Stores**
- **Sunglasses by Hot Look** — Duty Free
- **Sunset Bar & Grill Shop**
- **SXM Museum**

## Parking (10)

- **Accessible Parking** — Accessible · near the terminal entrance
- **Driftwood Boat Bar Parking** — Beachfront customer parking
- **EV Charging Stations** — EV
- **Long Stay Parking** — Long stay · $30/day
- **Maho Beach Roadside Parking** — Informal beach parking
- **Maho Village Parking** — Landside shopping/restaurant parking
- **Remote Parking** — Remote
- **Short Stay Parking** — Short stay · $30/day, $2 per half hour/hr · within walking distance of the terminal
- **Simpson Bay Street Parking** — Public street parking near lagoon bars
- **Sunset Bar & Grill Parking** — Customer lot

## Ground transport (11)

- **Ferries to Anguilla** — Boat · 25-30 min taxi SXM–Marigot · 20-25 min ferry crossing, plus immigration time · Approx. $20 one-way public ferry fare plus departure/port taxes per person, based on traveler reports · Public ferry about every 45 min during daytime hours
- **Hotel Private Transfers** — Shuttle · Comparable to taxis: 10-20 min to Maho/Simpson Bay · 25-45 min to French side depending on traffic · $40-80 per vehicle for typical SXM–resort transfers, higher for longer French-side runs or luxury SUVs · By reservation only · Timed to specific flight arrivals/departures
- **Island Minibuses** — Bus · 20-30 min SXM–Philipsburg · 25-35 min SXM–Marigot in light traffic, longer at rush hour · $1.50-2.00 per ride (cash) · Every 5-15 min on main routes daytime · Much less frequent evenings
- **Private Car Services** — Taxi · 10-20 min to nearby marinas/hotels · 30-50 min to distant villas or French side ports · $50-120 per vehicle depending on distance, vehicle class, and number of stops · On demand by booking · Often available 24/7 with advance notice
- **Private Yacht Transfers** — Boat · 10-20 min by road SXM–marina plus 30-60 min by fast boat to nearby islands · Typically several hundred to over $1,000 per boat each way depending on distance, boat size, and inclusions, based on yacht and island forum reports · By private arrangement only · Availability concentrated in daylight hours and charter seasons
- **Car Rentals** — Other · 10-20 min paperwork and pickup at or near SXM · 20-45 min typical drives to major resort areas · $35-60/day for compact with basic insurance (varies by season and agency) · On demand · Most airport-area agencies match flight schedules
  Multiple agencies available.
- **Scooter Rentals** — Rental · 5-15 min rides within Maho/Simpson Bay · 30-45 min for cross-island trips, depending on traffic and hills · $35-50/day for 50-125cc scooters per traveler reports and shop listings · On demand during shop opening hours (typically daytime to early evening)
- **Shared Taxis** — Taxi · Similar to private taxi: 5-15 min SXM–Maho/Simpson Bay · 20-35 min SXM–Philipsburg · Same as taxi zone fares, typically $15-25 per vehicle for nearby zones, split among passengers if agreed · Informal · Feasible whenever taxi lines are busy and others are heading your way
- **Hotel Shuttles** — Shuttle · 10-30 min for nearby areas depending on route and multiple stops · Often similar to taxi zone fares ($15-25 per room each way around airport/Maho/Simpson Bay), but varies by hotel · Irregular · Often tied to group arrivals or by prior arrangement
  Check with your hotel for availability.
- **Taxi Service** — Taxi · 20-30 min · $15-20 SXM–Maho · $20-25 SXM–Philipsburg (flat zone fares) · On demand · From first to last flight
  Fixed fares, cash only (USD accepted).
- **Water Taxi to St. Barth** — Boat · 15-30 min SXM to ferry dock by road · 45-60 min ferry crossing · No direct water taxi from SXM; taxi to ferry (~$15-25) plus ferry ticket (~$70-100 one-way) based on operator sites and forum posts · Ferries typically a few times per day, schedules vary by operator and season

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: Get your classic plane photo safely by standing back near the concrete wall or Sunset Bar & Grill deck at Maho Beach.
- _Time_: Arrive 3 hours early for international flights to avoid long lines, especially on Saturdays.
- _Local_: Fill up at Maho Village's bars and restaurants before heading to the airport to save on food costs.
- _Quiet_: Enjoy a quieter plane-spotting experience at the Driftwood Boat Bar, less crowded than the main area.
- _Avoid_: Don't stand behind jets at Maho Beach during departures due to powerful, dangerous jet blasts.
- _Money_: Share taxis to cut costs; taxi fares are per vehicle, not per person.
- _Insider_: Check baggage delivery can be slow; be prepared for a wait upon arrival when several large jets overlap.