St Barts is a little resort island and, therefore, not the easiest destination to get to. While this adds to the island’s sense of exclusivity, it can be challenging for those who are planning a trip. If you are thinking of visiting the island soon, here are your travel options.
Airplane
St Barts' airport has a short runway and therefore, it can not accommodate commercial jets.
In order to arrive at the island, you must fly in a smaller plane with a capacity of 8 to 18 passengers. Therefore, you must make at least one connecting flight.
The most common way to get to the island is via St. Maarten Airport. You can fly into St. Maarten and then take a ten-minute shuttle flight to St Barts.
San Juan Airport also provides private shuttle services to St Barts.
The shuttle flights will be longer (around one hour) but San Juan tends not to be as busy as St. Maarten. Therefore, you can eliminate potential travel hassles.
Antigua Airport is an ideal choice for those traveling to St Barts from the U.K. The Tradewind Aviation flights are timed to work with British Airways’ flights to and from London.
St Thomas Airport is another option with daily flights to and from various United States destinations as well as shuttle flights to and from St Barts.
Ferry
If you prefer to travel by water, there is also a ferry service from St Barts to St Maarten.
There are multiple ferry trips each day so you are sure to find a time that is convenient for you. Ferry rides are typically about 45 minutes long.
For a more private option, you may want to opt for a water taxi or boat charter. These can be scheduled at your convenience. Although they are more expensive than the ferry, they provide a cool and enjoyable alternative. Many companies even offer luxury accommodations in the services they offer.
Travel Tips
Here are some additional travel tips that will make your St Barts vacation more enjoyable.
- Make Sure You Don’t Miss Your Shuttle: If you prefer to fly to St Barts, make sure you get there in time for the last shuttle flight out at 4:50 PM. If you can not work within this time frame, you may be better off taking a ferry. Another option is to spend the night in St Maarten and travel to St Barts the next day.
- Factor in Cab Time: Be aware that it will take you about 20 minutes to get from the airport to the ferry. Be sure to factor this into your travel time if you are trying to stick to a schedule.
- The In Transit Gate: The rules and regulations at the In Transit Gate are constantly changing. Make sure you are updated on the latest to avoid any unnecessary delays in travel.
