Local guide

Why Saint-Martin?

More than a car rental: our team lives on the island and knows its roads, its seasons, and its best spots. Here's what to know to enjoy your stay like a local, not a tourist.

Driving on the island

Drive on the right, just like in France, and your national driving licence is enough for short stays. Roads can be narrow and hilly, especially around Pic Paradis and Terres Basses, with frequent speed bumps near villages. That's exactly why our fleet is built to handle both easy city driving and steeper backroads — we'll point you to the right vehicle for your route.

Read our full driving guide

Two sides, one island

Saint-Martin is unique: one French half, one Dutch half, with no border or checkpoint between them. You can have coffee in Marigot in the morning and dinner in Philipsburg by night, no paperwork needed. Each side has its own vibe, its own reference currency (euro on the French side, dollar on the Dutch side), and its own specialities — plenty of variety in a single trip.

Discover both sides of the island

Our favorite routes

Pic Paradis for the panoramic view over the island and its neighbours, the coastal road to Grand Case — the island's food capital — for sunset, Orient Bay for a lively atmosphere, and Friar's Bay for a quieter beach. Depending on how long you're staying and what you're after, we'll help you build the itinerary that suits you.

See all our routes

Seasons & weather

High season runs from December to April, with dry, sunny weather that's ideal for exploring the island. Hurricane season runs June to November — heavy rain tends to be brief, but we tailor our advice and vehicle availability to exactly when you're visiting.

Plan your trip by season

Paperwork & documents

A valid ID, a valid driving licence and a bank card for the deposit are all you need to hit the road. Drivers must be at least 25. We confirm the exact conditions when you book.

See all rental conditions

Good to know

Life here runs at a slower pace: shops sometimes close early or mid-afternoon, and it's worth leaving extra time for airport trips during high season. Tipping isn't mandatory but is always appreciated. Small pointers like these go a long way toward avoiding surprises.

All our practical tips

Every topic, covered on the blog

Detailed itineraries, the best beaches, driving tips, airport pickup: each subject above is covered in depth in its own article on our blog.

Explore the blog

Ready to hit the road?

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