How to Get to St. Barts from St. Martin

St. Martin

St Barths

Ways to Get from St. Martin to St. Barts

Departure

Transfer

Arrival

Approximate Duration

St. Maarten (SXM)

–

St. Barts (SBH)

10–15 min (flight)

Grand Case (SFG)

–

St. Barths (SBH)

10 min (flight)

Philipsburg (Dutch side)

Great Bay Express ferry

Gustavia (St. Barts)

45 min (ferry)

Marigot (French side)

Voyager ferry

Gustavia (St. Barts)

60 min (ferry)

Simpson Bay (Dutch side)

The Edge ferry

Gustavia (St. Barts)

45 min (ferry)

SXM or Grand Case

Helicopter

St. Barts (SBH)

10–12 min

St. Martin Marina

Private yacht / speedboat

Gustavia harbour

45–60 min

Airlines & Operators from St. Martin

Name of Company

Winair (Windward Islands Airways)

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St. Barth Commuter

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Great Bay Express

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Voyager

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The Edge

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West Indies Helicopters / St. Barth Commuter

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Yannis Marine / Private charter

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Type

Scheduled commuter flight (SXM → SBH)

Scheduled + charter flight (SXM / SFG → SBH)

Ferry — Philipsburg → Gustavia (45 min)

Ferry — Marigot → Gustavia (60 min)

Ferry — Simpson Bay → Gustavia (45 min)

Helicopter charter (10–12 min)

Private speedboat / yacht transfer

Route: St. Martin – St. Barts

Distance: ~22 miles (35 km)

Travel Time: 10 min – 60 min

Price from: ~€60 (ferry) / ~$350 (charter flight)

Route: St. Martin – St. Barts

Distance: ~22 miles (35 km)

Travel Time: 10 min – 60 min

Price from: ~€60 (ferry) / ~$350 (charter flight)

Villa St Barth

Best Ways to Travel from St. Martin to St. Barts: Brief

St. Martin is the closest and most natural gateway to St. Barts — just 22 miles of Caribbean Sea separate the two islands. The choice of how to cross that stretch is the most personal decision in the entire journey: a 10-minute turboprop flight over turquoise water, a 45-minute ferry with open-ocean views, or a helicopter that makes it feel cinematic. All options are short. The difference is in what you want the crossing to feel like.

Commuter Flight via SXM

Winair or St. Barth Commuter from Princess Juliana (SXM). 10–15 min, several departures daily. Last flight before sunset — plan accordingly.

Commuter Flight via Grand Case (SFG)

St. Barth Commuter operates from L’Espérance Airport on the French side. Quieter, faster check-in than SXM. ~10 min flight.

Ferry from Philipsburg

Great Bay Express departs Bobby’s Marina (Dutch side). 45 min crossing. Up to 3 departures/day in peak season. Good for those with extra luggage.

Ferry from Marigot

Voyager hydrofoil from the French side. 60 min. 3 departures/day in season. Business class cabin available. Shuttle from SXM airport to Marigot: ~20 min.

Ferry from Simpson Bay

The Edge — 45 min, 3x/week. Departs from Pelican Marina, close to SXM. Open bar on board.

Helicopter

Fastest and most dramatic option. 10–12 min. No runway, no queue. Best for those arriving late in the afternoon or prioritising experience over economy.

Private Yacht / Speedboat

Charter a speedboat directly from St. Martin marina to Gustavia harbour. 45–60 min. The slowest but most relaxed arrival — with sea spray and dolphins a possibility.

Experience breathtaking views of Colombier Beach from every vantage point

Perched atop the cliff’s edge, Villa Nyx unveils magnificent vistas that inspire guests from sunrise to sunset as they look across the St. Barth landscape.

Why There Are No Direct Large Jets from St. Martin to St. Barts

The answer lies at the destination, not the departure. Gustaf III Airport (SBH) measures a mere 2,100 feet of tarmac — not a limitation of St. Martin’s infrastructure, but of St. Barts’ geography. Volcanic hills on one side, St. Jean Bay on the other. No mainline jet can execute the steep, precise approach required. The final leg will always belong to a turboprop, a helicopter, or the sea. This is not a problem to be solved. It is precisely the threshold that keeps the island as it has always been.

Your journey starts here

Secure your private villa at Villa NYX and turn your travel plans into an unforgettable escape.

Reserve Your Stay

Villa St Barth

Essential Travel Tips Before You Go

1. No Night Flights to SBH

Gustaf III Airport closes 15 minutes after sunset and operates under Visual Flight Rules only. If your plans run late, the ferry is your friend — boats can operate after dark.

2. Ferry Tip: Build in Buffer Time

Allow at least 2 hours between your international arrival at SXM and your ferry departure. The transfer from SXM airport to Marigot or Philipsburg takes 15–20 minutes by taxi.

3. Luggage Advantage of the Ferry

Ferries accept more and larger luggage than the small island-hoppers. If you’re travelling with sports equipment, oversized bags, or more than two suitcases, the ferry is the practical choice.

4. Grand Case (SFG) — The Quieter Option

L’Espérance Airport on the French side of St. Martin often means shorter queues and a more relaxed check-in than Princess Juliana. St. Barth Commuter operates from here. Worth considering if you’re already on the French side.

5. Helicopter: Worth It on Occasion

For an afternoon arrival, a special occasion, or when commuter seats are sold out, the helicopter is a genuinely unforgettable 10 minutes. The views of the channel, Gustavia, and the hills of St. Barts from the air are like nothing else.

After the Crossing: Welcome to Villa Nyx

Whether you arrive over the col de la Tourmente or sail into Gustavia harbour, the transfer ends and the stay begins. Villa Nyx is perched above Colombier Bay — 10 to 15 minutes from any point of arrival on the island. Our team coordinates the transfer from the moment you land: a private vehicle, cold water, and a villa that is ready precisely as you are.

Six linen-draped suites, an infinity pool dissolving into the Caribbean horizon, and a butler who anticipates without intruding. The crossing was the prologue. Villa Nyx is where the stay begins.

Experience the best of St. Barths

Experience the rhythm of St. Barths through its signature celebrations and timeless traditions. From world-class regattas to intimate beachside weddings, Villa Nyx places you at the heart of the island's most coveted moments throughout the year.

Boating & Sailing

The Caribbean's most elegant regattas unfold before you. Watch world-class yachts race past your terrace during the Bucket, or slip away on your own chartered vessel to discover secret anchorages known only to locals.

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FAQ

How to Get to St. Barts from St. Martin

How long does it take to get from St. Martin to St. Barts?

Between 10 and 60 minutes, depending on your chosen transport. A commuter flight from SXM takes 10–15 minutes. The fastest ferries (Great Bay Express, The Edge) take 45 minutes. The Voyager from Marigot takes around 60 minutes.

Which ferry companies operate from St. Martin to St. Barts?

Three operators: Great Bay Express (from Philipsburg), Voyager (from Marigot), and The Edge (from Simpson Bay). In peak season (November–April) each runs 2–3 departures daily. Schedules change — always confirm before booking.

Which is better — the ferry or the plane?

Depends on your priorities. The flight (10–15 min) is faster and includes the famous SBH landing approach. The ferry is better for heavy luggage, late-evening arrivals, or travellers who prefer not to fly small aircraft. The helicopter is the most dramatic option if budget allows.

Can I take the ferry if I arrive late at SXM?

Yes — the ferry is often the best solution for late arrivals. Unlike the airport (which closes at sunset), ferries operate into the evening. Voyager runs a departure at 6:55pm from Marigot. Great Bay Express has a 5:45pm service from Philipsburg. Always verify current schedules directly with the operator.

Do I need a passport to travel from St. Martin to St. Barts?

Yes. Even though both islands are French territories (and Sint Maarten is a separate Dutch territory), a valid passport is required for all travellers on all modes of transport. EU citizens may use a national ID card. US and Canadian passport holders do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days.

Is the ferry crossing rough?

The 15-mile channel between the islands is open ocean and can be choppy, particularly in winter swell conditions. Passengers prone to motion sickness should take precautions or opt for the flight instead. The hydrofoil Voyager tends to offer a smoother ride than conventional hulls.