Getting to Saint Barthélemy Newcomers as well as seasoned visitors will always remember their first arrival in St Barts island, as every arrival on the island has an air of adventure about it. From days of yore when sailors arrived on merchant ships or large schooners, when maritime ferries and private mega yachts dock in Gustavia, or by way of the spectacular landing over the Col de la Tourmente onto the once grass-covered runway, the memories of that first sighting of the island unforgettable.
GETTING TO ST BARTS ISLAND - TRAVEL INFORMATION
Being a tiny island, St Barts Island cannot afford space for airplanes with more than 20-seats. So, the popular way to get there is to fly by big jets to St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport. After that, travelers can either take a one-hour ferry service or a 12-minute connecting flight from St. Maarten to St. Barts. Le Raizet Airport in Pointe-à-Pitre Guadeloupe and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan Puerto Rico also offer flights to Saint-Barthélemy in 45 minutes.ARRIVING BY PLANE
Connection via St Maarten
The main way to travel to St Barts island from the United States and Europe is by a connecting flight through nearby St. Maarten via Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). The 12-minute connecting flight arrives into St. Barth’s Remy de Haenen Airport (SBH), which is located a short 10-minute drive away from the hotel.
United Airlines, Air France, KLM, Air Caraibes and Copa Airlines have affiliations with Winair and St Barth Commuter (the local airlines offering the connection between St. Maarten and St. Barth), allowing baggage to be checked through to St. Barth. Upon arrival into St. Maarten, you can proceed directly to the Transfer Information Desk prior to Immigration where local airline representatives will advise you on how to proceed.
For those traveling into St. Maarten on a non-affiliated carrier such as American Airlines, US Airways, Jet Blue, Air Canada or West Jet. A transfer agent will greet you on arrival at the Transfer Information Desk, accompany you through Immigration, collect your baggage for transfer to the inter-island carrier and escort you to the departure lounge.
Winair and St Barth Commuter offer scheduled inter-island flights into St. Barth. The flight duration is approximately 12 minutes. The airport in St. Barth operates from 7 a.m. to sunset. West Indies Helicopters also offers private charters between the two islands with a maximum of 5 people and limited luggage.
Connecting via Puerto Rico
Tradewind Aviation now operates flights several times a day, year-round, from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport to St. Barthélemy. This route is highly appreciated for its quality of service, the comfort of its aircraft, the private lounge experience in Puerto Rico, and the streamlined immigration process upon arrival in St. Barthélemy (no immigration in Puerto Rico). The flight takes just 45 minutes.
The brand-new airline St Barth Executive has also just launched a daily service using the same type of aircraft - Pilatus PC12.
Connecting via Guadeloupe
If you are arriving from France or transiting through Paris, several airlines serve Guadeloupe Le Raizet (PTP) daily—Air France, Corsair, and Air Caraïbes. Air Inter Iles, St Barth Commuter, or St Barth Executive allow you to connect and reach St. Barts in 45 minutes.
Connecting via Antigua
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and a number of U.S.-based airlines offer regularly scheduled flights into Antigua’s V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU).
Tradewind Aviation offers scheduled service and private charters from Antigua – 40 minutes flight.
Connecting via St Thomas
Cape Air has recently started offering a once-daily service from Cyril E. King Airport (STT).
Connecting via Anguilla
Anguilla Air offers a regular service between the two islands, as well as charter flights that take just 15 minutes.
AIRLINES TO ST BARTH St Barth Commuter, Tradewind Aviation, Winair, Windward Express, West Indies Helicopters, Air Inter Iles, St Barth Executive, Cape Air
CUSTOMS / IMMIGRATION
Citizens of the European Union must have valid passports. Citizens of the United States and Canada must have a valid passport as well as a return ticket or proof of continuation of travel. The passport must be valid for more than three months from the date of entry to Saint Barth. No other visa or paperwork is necessary for a stay of less than or equal to 90 days. Citizens of other countries, except Brazil, must have a valid passport and a tourist visa provided by the French Embassy or Consulate closest to their home.
We recommend these two websites for travel formalities: Traveldoc and Visa France.
It is important to note that Saint Barthélemy is not part of the Schengen Area. A visa allowing you to enter France does not necessarily grant you entry to Saint Barthélemy; you will need to take additional steps.
And finally, if you are transiting through Saint Martin with a dog, certain conditions apply—check with the Sint Maarten airport before your trip.
ARRIVING BY BOAT
This is the most traditional way to reach St Barts Island. Upon your arrival in Saint-Martin (French side), Sint-Maarten (Dutch side) or Anguilla, multiple boat chartering services are available along with scheduled ferries.
Via Great Bay Express: from Philipsburg (Bobby’s Marina 1h) to Gustavia, St. Barth. Shuttle service available from Juliana Airport.
Via private boat: 45 minutes in duration; few luxury boats are available. Master Ski Pilou and Jicky Marine.