How to Travel Between St. Barts & Saint Martin

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St. Barts and Saint Martin. These two islands often invoke images of turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and fancy cocktails with cute little umbrellas. However, traveling between these islands is challenging.

At Villaway, we believe that a flawless vacation starts with a smooth arrival. We've created this guide to help you navigate between St. Barts and Saint Martin. 

So let's get started.

How St. Barts Travelers Benefit From the Saint Martin Ferry

Are you planning a trip to St. Barts? If so, you may already have noticed that getting there is kind of a hassle. St. Barts is a small island with a land area of less than 10 square miles, so there is no international airport or large runway available. The island can only accommodate small commuter jets with about two dozen passengers. Flights are costly, and their times aren’t always convenient. 

So how do you get from St Martin to St Barts

The Saint Martin ferry service is your answer.

Rather than plane-hopping, you can fly into Princess Juliana International Airport in Saint Martin, then take a shuttle to one of the beaches that offer ferries to St. Barts. Your shuttle should cost about $25 for up to two passengers and around $10 for each additional passenger. When you arrive at the beach, hop onto the ferry, and you’ll be in St. Barts in under an hour. This can save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of headaches. 

Saint Martin and St. Barts Ferry Stops 

Whether catching the ferry from St Maarten to St Barts instead of a flight or just island-hopping for a change of scenery, you can find convenient ferry stops on both islands. Every St. Barts ferry leaves from Gustavia, the island’s capital. Though it’s not the closest beach to Saint Martin, St. Barts’ main port terminal is located in a U-shaped cove along the island’s western coast. 

Saint Martin has four main ferry locations: 

  • Marigot (west)
  • Oyster Pond (east)
  • Simpson Bay (south)
  • Philipsburg (south)

All of these beaches offer ferries to and from Gustavia in St. Barts. From there, cabs and public transportation can get you to other points throughout the island. 

St Barths Ferry Schedules & Maps

GREAT BAY EXPRESS SCHEDULE
ST MAARTEN - (Philipsburg) ➡️ ST BARTHS - (Gustavia)
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari.
7:15 am 8:00 am 7:15 am 8:00 am 7:15 am 8:00 am 7:15 am 8:00 am 7:15 am 8:00 am 7:15 am 8:00 am - -
9:45 am* 10:30 am 9:45 am* 10:30 am 9:45 am* 10:30 am 9:45 am 10:30 am 9:45 am* 10:30 am 9:45 am 10:30 am 9:45 am 10:30 am
5:30 pm 6:15 pm 5:30 pm 6:15 pm 5:30 pm* 6:15 pm 5:30 pm 6:15 pm 5:30 pm 6:15 pm 5:30 pm 6:15 pm 5:30 pm 6:15 pm
ST BARTHS - (Gustavia) ➡️ ST MAARTEN - (Philipsburg)
Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari.
8:30 am 9:15 am 8:30 am 9:15 am 8:30 am 9:15 am 8:30 am 9:15 am 8:30 am 9:15 am 8:30 am 9:15 am - -
11:00 am* 11:45 am 11:00 am* 11:45 am 11:00 am* 11:45 am 11:00 am* 11:45 am 11:00 am* 11:45 am 11:00 am* 11:45 am 11:00 am* 11:45 am
6:45 pm 7:30 pm 6:45 pm 7:30 pm 6:45 pm 7:30 pm 6:45 pm 7:30 pm 6:45 pm 7:30 pm 6:45 pm 7:30 pm 6:45 pm 7:30 pm
Check-in 1 hour before departure / Check-in closes strictly 20 minutes before departure!
Terminals:

St Maarten: Bobby's Marina, Philipsburg St Barts: Gustavia Ferry Dock - Gare Maritime

Luggage Allowance::

Carry on / Cabin (1 piece) Checked baggage (2 pieces)

Passengers must be able to carry the weight of their own luggage

No size restrictions No size restrictions

IMPORTANT : Changes to schedules may occur without prior notice.
VOYAGER FERRY SCHEDULE
ST MARTIN - (Marigot) ➡️ ST BARTHS - (Gustavia)
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari.
8:20 am 9:20 am 8:50 am 9:50 am 8:50 am 9:50 am 8:50 am 9:50 am 8:50 am 9:50 am 8:50 am 9:50 am 8:50 am 9:50 am
4:00 pm 5:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm
6:55 pm 7:55 pm 6:55 pm 7:55 pm 6:55 pm 7:55 pm 6:55 pm 7:55 pm 6:55 pm 7:55 pm 6:55 pm 7:55 pm 6:55 pm 7:55 pm
ST BARTHS - (Gustavia) ➡️ ST MARTIN - (Marigot)
Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari.
7:00 am 8:00 am 7:25 am 8:25 am 7:25 am 8:25 am 7:25 am 8:25 am 7:25 am 8:25 am 7:25 am 8:25 am 7:25 am 8:25 am
10:15 am 11:15 am 10:15 am 11:15 am 10:15 am 11:15 am 10:15 am 11:15 am 10:15 am 11:15 am 10:15 am 11:15 am 10:15 am 11:15 am
5:30 pm 6:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:30 pm
Check-in begins 1 hour before departure at the Voyager office / Check-in closes 20 minutes before departure!
Terminals:

St Martin: Marigot Ferry Terminal St Barts: Gustavia Ferry Dock - Gare Maritime

Luggage Allowance::

Carry on / Cabin Checked baggage (max 100cm x 80cm x 50cm) ECO Flex SMART Class BUSINESS Class

Passengers must be able to carry the weight of their own luggage

1-2 pieces 2 pieces 3 pieces 4 pieces

IMPORTANT : Changes to schedules may occur without prior notice.
THE EDGE FERRY ST BARTS
ST MAARTEN - (Simpson Bay) ➡️ ST BARTHS - (Gustavia)
Monday Wednesday Thursday
Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari.
9:00 AM 9:45 AM 9:00 AM 9:45 AM 9:00 AM 9:45 AM
ST BARTHS - (Gustavia) ➡️ ST MAARTEN - (Simpson Bay)
Monday Wednesday Thursday
Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari. Dep. Ari.
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Check-in times: St Maarten = 8:15am / St Barths = 3:45pm
Terminals:

St Maarten

St Barths

Simpson Bay Resort

Gustavia Ferry Dock

Luggage Allowance:

1 x (small) carry on (free of charge)

2 x checked bags - not more than 50lbs - charged at US$20 per bag

IMPORTANT: Changes to schedules may occur without prior notice.

Ferry Pricing, Schedules, and Amenities

Multiple St. Barts and Saint Martin ferry companies are active, so you’ll find a lot of variation in the schedules, prices, and features. However, there are some commonalities worth noting. 

First, most ferries you’ll find are high-speed catamarans that transport passengers back and forth throughout the day. Some newer ferries can travel from one island to another in as little as 30 minutes, though the average travel time is closer to 45. Most ferries offer spacious air-conditioned cabins, scenic sundecks, and the option of onboard beverages (extra charges usually apply). Private cabins are sometimes available for an additional fee. 

One-way tickets on the ferry from St Martin to St Barths cost as little as $50, but most newer ferries charge about $85 for a one-way trip and $115 for a round-trip journey. Compare different options to find the best deal.

Note also that most companies that operate ferries from St Martin to St Barts impose a maximum luggage limit to ensure ample room for all passengers. For example, one famous ferry company limits you to 2 pieces of checked baggage weighing no more than 66 pounds. Dimensions can be no more than 39 x 20 x 20 inches. Checked baggage must be under 40 pounds and measure no more than 25 x 16 x 16 inches. Make sure to verify the exact baggage requirements before you travel. 

Most ferries leave three to four times a day from each destination. The earliest ferries typically leave at approximately 7 to 8 a.m., and the latest ferries usually depart between 8 and 9 p.m., so check the schedules and plan accordingly. Because multiple competing ferry companies often operate from the same terminals, the next ferry usually isn’t too far behind. 

What to Do When You Arrive 

Regardless of which island you choose as your destination, there are plenty of activities to enjoy and sights to see. On Saint Martin, you can explore the sand dunes of Saline Beach, go snorkeling at the nature reserve, tour the ruins of Fort Gustave, or shop and dine at Baie de St. Jean—which is commonly compared to the French Riviera. On Saint Martin, you can ride the world’s steepest zipline, get lost in the lush Loterie Farm sanctuary, sip cold beverages at one of the world’s largest rum distilleries (Topper’s Rhum), and wander the historic capital city of Philipsburg. 

Wherever your travels take you, make sure to compare Saint Martin luxury villas and St. Barts luxury villas. By staying in your own private villa on the beach, you can explore these exquisite islands in style, complete with total privacy and serenity. 

Make time for both islands, and experience a Caribbean getaway you’ll never forget.

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