Good Afternoon Seasoned/Experienced SXM travelers
Could you please advise a newbie if we should reserve a transfer service to get us from Princess Julianna to Orient Beach OR should we just get a taxi outside of the airport?

I would imagine the most economical would be the 'jump in a taxi' option. However, is it the most reliable? Are taxis licenced and regulated or is it a case of 'have car, will drive you'?

We don't need luxury, just reliable and efficient service.

Thank you for your assistance.
Pixie

All you need is faith, trust and a little bit of Pixie Dust

There are plenty of taxis outside the airport. You should not have a problem, they are reliable. Keep in mind that Orient is way across the other side of the island, so may cost you a bit. You could probably bargain a price.

Plenty of cabs out front and they regulate it pretty well. Should be around $40.00 plus tip. If you ask they will stop at a market for you if you need to grab some supplies.

I've never had a problem with a taxi on St. Martin. Pick one up at the airport taxi stand and have Club Orient call one for the return to the airport.

Just noticed you said Orient beach,not Club Orient. I'm sure any of the hotels can call a reliable cab.

Thank you everyone!

All you need is faith, trust and a little bit of Pixie Dust

Even though we spend 8 to 10 hours each day on the beach, we find it more economical to rent a small car. In our heads we added up what would have been the cost of taxis to/from CO, shopping, sightseeing and to dinners out, and a weekly rental was cheaper; not to mention much more convenient.

Thank you tarpon - we will take that into consideration. We plan on spending as much time as possible under the influence of sand gravity. Not knowing the lay of the land, we were hoping that our hotel (LaPlaya) is locating walking distance from Orient Village and enough restaurants for a good many nights of our stay. We only have 6 nights...unfortunately. We are also totally against drinking and driving and while on vacation enjoy wine with meals. We will likely wait until we are at least one day in.

Thank you for all your advise everyone!



All you need is faith, trust and a little bit of Pixie Dust

La Playa is very well located walking distance (very close to Orient village,) and also not too far
from Club Orient I would say 5 to 6 minute walk

That's awesome news SMMrolly - it's hard to tell from any maps that we could find but that is what we were hoping...in both distances...close to the Village and a nice beach walk to Club O. Thank you

The village has several fine restaurants, all close together. Taxi service is good if you plan on hitting the happy hour drinking times. The French side has DUI checkpoints often.

Taxistmaarten.com